Avarice

Deadly Sins: Avarice Reneé George All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2006 Reneé George

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ISBN (13) 978-1-59596-386-4

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The Agrippa Legend The great spell books of Hell… No one knows how many there were in Hell, but each dealt with a particular type of spell casting, all of it fiendish, of course. Some legends use any combination of magical numbers: Three? Seven? Eleven? Stolen from Hell in antiquity, some were lost to time. Others became the property of ordinary men, the curse of their families, for an Agrippa attaches itself to a family bloodline, and only the complete death of that bloodline allows the Agrippa to find a new “host” family. Agrippas have been known to suddenly appear to some poor soul who never knew that somewhere in their bloodline there was an illegitimate member of an Agrippa family. The book cannot be given away, or sold. It will always return, and be very, very angry with you. Each Agrippa is six feet tall, and nearly as broad. It is bound with leather straps and many iron locks, as well as magical enchantments of great complexity that are deadly to any but a family member. The thing stinks of the sulphurous fumes of Hell, and many other odors best left undescribed. To keep an Agrippa in your home from literally tearing the place apart, it must be hung from a twisted beam by iron chains, for any intruder within its awareness, even a welcomed guest in the home, is fodder for its deadly appetites. You can imagine a frightened bride, led up the stairs to be introduced, so she won’t be eaten or destroyed later. The temptation of family members to use the Agrippa is huge. To even open the book brings instantaneous wealth and power, but at a huge cost. Your beloved great aunt will die, leaving you her huge fortune (at the expense of angry legitimate heirs, who will know you opened the book), a crooked election will leave you mayor even if you haven’t the skills or inclination to enter politics, or other “good fortune” that carries a heavy penalty. Opening the book is also opening your soul and mind to evil. It etches well-worn paths in your brain, and whispers insidious evil plans to gain you more, more, more.

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Only the most pure and the strongest dare to be Guardians of a book, without fear of falling into the temptations of using the book. This task was assigned in ancient times to only those individuals deemed by the family as most worthy and least likely to succumb to the evil within and its temptations. Not only is the family honor at stake, but the very souls of those living in the same house with it. Often the Guardians deliberately doom themselves to a life of isolation and loneliness rather than risk anyone else. The family provides for their every need, as long as they stay in their “prison” home. (Somewhere in time, invariably, someone opened the damned book and made the family wealthy and powerful.) Only when the incumbent Guardian is near death does the family gather to choose the new Guardian, rather than let the Agrippa choose. It would choose the one most likely to use its powers, of course. Most Agrippa families are desperate to cover up their ancestors’ sins and evil that led to their wealth and power. They, more than most, know the whole family is in mortal peril if that book is used, for human courts can be merciless with those who break human laws. Many would prefer to pretend the Agrippa never existed, but once in their lifetime, they know they must choose the Guardian and pray it is not them or their child. One family member must be sacrificed, so that all the rest may live in peace. Could you make that ugly choice, dooming the most good, kind, and strong member of your family to isolation and loneliness? What if you were chosen? Or worse, what would you do if you were the last of the family? Could you give up everything for an inheritance from Hell itself?

Chapter 1 Springfield, Missouri Did you ever want something, I mean really want it so badly that you’d do just about anything for it? She remembered how these words fell so easily from his mother’s mouth all those years ago. Even forfeit your soul? Yes, if it meant having what I most desired. I mean, what good is a soul if you have an empty life? The mother had been a young woman then, newly married and desperate for children. Staring down at his glorious body, her pussy dripped with anticipation. There Hogan Ryan lay, the mother’s oldest child, stretched out and naked, broad shoulders, one arm across his wide muscular chest with soft blond down, narrow hips, and hulking legs. If he hadn’t been born in Missouri, she might have even called him a mountain man. As it was, she called him husband, and had for two years now. She watched as his eyes twitched in REM sleep and the hand resting on his chest traveled to his semi-hard cock. Pinching her nipples hard, she stifled a giggle. The time was nearing and her master would call on her soon. This was the fifth night of the ritual, and soon, she would have her freedom in this world of mortals. They had spent two years traveling the world while Hogan bought and sold artifacts to give them a very comfortable life, and at times she could pretend she was human. There were occasions when she could sense, deep in the recesses of Hogan’s mind, he had doubts about her. Twice she’d been called out in front of him. First with the old woman at the restaurant, and a second time, when they vacationed in Australia. That bitch, Shahla. Luckily, Hogan had an easy mind to manipulate, and she had managed to keep his doubts to a niggling. No more need, though -- not after tonight.

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She placed a cold hand over his forehead and whispered words, ancient and not of this world, the words that would rouse him from his blissful dream and bring him into a wakeful fantasy. “Cadu tomei.” His eyes fluttered open as she removed her palm. A lazy smile formed on his lips. “Hey you.” He traced a finger down her lacey black negligee. “You are sexy as hell.” Pulling her down on top of him, he laughed. “And I am one lucky son-of-a-bitch.” “You don’t know how wrong you are, my love.” She nibbled on his earlobe then drew her tongue across the strong curve of his clean-shaven jaw until her lips pressed hard against his. “I am the lucky one.” “Oh, Charlotte.” His breath brushed softly against her cheek. “I love you.” Even though she wasn’t capable of love, his words sent a tingle through her human form, quickening her lust. “My beautiful man.” And he was beautiful -- eyes like the Pacific Ocean, deep, blue, and startling -- his lips full yet masculine and strong. Straddling his cock, she wiggled her hips to grind against him, feeling his length thicken and grow beneath her. She held him close as he kissed the ridge of her collarbone while cupping her breast with a large, rugged hand. She gasped as his warm mouth pulled in her nipple through the lace of her lingerie, gently using teeth to tug it into an excited nub. His free hand yanked the bodice, tearing the fabric off her chest. Her breasts flushed with exhilaration as the juices from her pussy gushed, slickening his thick cock that rode between her legs. Charlotte determined she would savor every minute of this night, their last together, at least with Hogan as a willing participant. “I am going to make you come over and over until you think your balls will explode, then I am going to make you come again.” She slid from his chest to his thighs and brought the tip of his cock to her lips. Her tongue snaked around the purpling head before she engulfed his entire length to the back of her throat. He rewarded her efforts with a moan of pleasure. “Yes, fuck.” His thick fingers tangled into her long, auburn hair. “Shit, darling. I am going to fuck you so hard tonight.”

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She slipped her mouth up his shaft. “And so much more than you ever dreamed.” Already, verging on orgasm, she throbbed with the need to be filled. She reached down and tore the strap on her G-string, removing the only obstacle. His cock slid into her swollen pussy easily. “Jesus, fuck, you’re so wet and warm.” His breath came in a pant as his hips pumped upwards on the bed, stroking his rigid flesh inside the walls of her cunt. He reached his hand around and pushed a finger against her ass until the tip slipped into her tight muscle. A scream of rapture tore from her throat as he worked the tip in and out of her anus in the same rhythm as his savage thrusts. A bright explosion burst through her brain, her back bowed and quivering, while her pussy detonated in uncontrollable undulations around his taut shaft. Hogan’s expirations grew swift before he lunged his hips brutally upwards in a final thrust and his groans joined hers in chorus. She lay on top of him for a moment of recovery, then whispered, “Adu natu,” to bring upon another round of ardor. Yes, tonight Hogan Ryan would know pure ecstasy, and tomorrow, he would discover his true purpose in life.

*** In the mountains, somewhere above Jilin, China…

Xiao Sun followed the traditional Chinese customs to the letter. First, by removing any mirrors in the house from sight. Next, he draped red paper over all of the deities, covering the small statues completely. Finally, he hung white cloth over the doorway, and placed a gong on the left side of the entrance to the courtyard house. Soon, he would have to place his uncle in a coffin and carry his body out for burial. Padding softly across the pounded-earth floors, he folded his hands into the wide sleeves of his robe. He made his way to Jin’s bedroom, swallowing the lump

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forming in his throat. His entire life, he’d had only Chu and Jin, and losing even one of them tore at his heart. You can have everything you desire now. Lips pressed tightly, he ignored the familiar voice, pushing it back to the secret recesses of his consciousness. Sun lifted his head, shoving the feeling of helplessness aside. Jin deserved dignity -- Sun would not allow himself to fall apart. Wen Chu knelt by Jin’s deathbed with a water basin. Chu was servant and lover to Jin, and teacher to Sun. Even at thirty-eight years of age, Sun felt like a child -- his heart dismantling as he watched his revered tutor gently cleanse Jin’s body. Sun had been sixteen when he first found out about the relationship between the two men. Curiosity and adolescence, more than anything else, had prompted him to spy on Jin and Chu through a sky porthole on the roof of his uncle’s bedchamber. It was late summer, and the square openings throughout the house remained uncovered to aid air circulation in the rooms. He hadn’t known what he would find in Jin’s private quarters, only something he’d never been allowed to see. The two men were careful to keep space between them when Sun was with them, never looking directly at each other, but at night, and always when they thought the boy slept soundly, they would stow away to Jin’s room in the third bay of the courtyard house and close the door. Powerfully built, with a broad chest, sinewy muscled legs, and a hard flat stomach, even at the age of eighty-four, Jin looked even younger than Chu, who was only in his forties. Jin’s long hair, carefully braided in the traditional queue, nearly dragged the floor as he paced the halls. His eyes were the most delicate shade of brown, almost tawny, and when he looked at Chu, his pupils would dilate as if to let all the light of him in. “You are the center of the storm and my soul’s path to stillness,” Jin whispered to Chu, releasing the younger man’s tightly braided queue. “In your arms I live.” Chu leaned forward allowing Jin to splay his long black hair across his back. Jin embraced him, burying his face against his lover’s neck.

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Chu closed his eyes and sighed his contentment. The heady words they spoke to each other felt ritualistic to Sun. They lay quietly for a moment, Jin tracing the inner aspect of Chu’s elbow. A short while later, Chu turned to face Jin. As he did, the white silk sheet that covered his lower body shifted, revealing his powerful erection. Sun nearly gasped. From where he watched, he could see their rigid shafts cross and rub together. Sun’s own length grew with arousal as Chu used his palm to caress Jin’s sac. He had seen drawings and etchings depicting acts of love between a man and a woman, but they had never stirred him like this. Jin placed his hands on either side of Chu’s shoulders, ushering the younger man’s head down his abdomen until it rested over his groin. Chu parted his lips, his tongue flickering out, tasting the pearl of glistening pre-come. A low moan arose from Jin, exciting Chu enough to open his mouth wider, taking the shaft to his throat. As he watched Chu suck and swallow Jin’s hard flesh, Sun’s hand slid into the space between his pants and skin. He stifled a sharp intake of breath as he grasped his swelling length, gliding his thumb from base to head. Chu reached around to Jin’s back, his knuckles kneading over the sacral bones. The second chakra, Sun realized. Chu was massaging Jin’s chakra -- the one that controlled sexuality and pleasure, along with self-gratification. From his studies, Sun knew the energy of this chakra could be located from the lower back or the abdomen and he modeled Chu’s actions by rubbing his own stomach, just above his pubis, while stroking his engorged sex. Sun tensed his body as Chu linked his arms around Jin’s thighs and pulled the older man to the end of the bed. Closing his eyes for a second, Sun felt his sac tighten to his body. When he opened them, Jin lay on his stomach with his bare backside to Chu. Instinct told Sun what would happen next, shame told him he should not be watching, but desire held him still on his perch.

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“Take the insistent words from my mind,” Jin breathed into the bed sheets. “Make them go away, if only for a little while.” Chu leaned forward, his thick erection pressing against Jin’s buttocks. He placed a gentle kiss on Jin’s spine. “I only wish I could do more, love.” Jin exhaled as if he’d been holding his breath. Nudging Jin’s inner thigh with his knee, Chu made room for himself between Jin’s legs. He poured thick oil into his cupped hand and warmed it between his palms. The scent washed upward to the ceiling, strong with jasmine and a hint of something else that Sun couldn’t identify, and Sun felt lightheaded, nearly intoxicated by the aroma. Pulse quickening and unable to control his own urges, Sun leaned back against the clay tiles and bit down on his lower lip to stifle a moan, his hand caressing his shaft. Warmth spread through his stomach as scalding heat plummeted to his groin. He looked into the room once more to see Chu shoving his hips forward against Jin. Sun stroked his shaft quicker as a jolt sent his hips jerking. He bit his hand as his own orgasm hit in searing waves of pleasure. When he’d finished, he wiped his fluidcovered hand on the white cotton pants he wore. He quietly crawled across the roof to the second bay and dropped into his room. After that night, he never returned to the rooftop above Jin’s bedchamber, but something within Sun had changed. He began to hear the whisperings. The voice, soothing with warmth, made promise after promise to Sun of a life to be lived. How can you stand the loneliness? It doesn’t have to be this way. I can give you all that you desire and more. There is life beyond these prison walls. Riches, companionship… love, it is within your reach. The words spoke to Sun’s deepest longings, but to give in? I can be yours and yours alone to grant your every wish. You have only to kill Xiao Jin. The price was too high. Sun thought he was going insane with the voice that spoke to him even in his dreams. He threw himself into his studies, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Western, and other philosophies. There were times, when meditating on his chakras and bringing them into alignment, that he could almost silence the voice. Almost.

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Now, over twenty years later, he could hardly believe Jin was gone. He watched as Chu’s steady hands wiped damp white cotton in long fluid strokes down Jin’s frail arms and emaciated chest. Awestruck, Sun wondered, How can Chu be so composed with his lover lying dead at his fingertips? “Quietly you go with a wave of your hand,” Sun heard the teacher whisper. “Taking nothing with you. Not the moon, not the stars, not me. I shall remember you always.” Chu leaned forward, placed a tender kiss on Jin’s head and finished the ritual cleansing. Tears clung on his lower lids. There would be no women or children to wail and keen for Jin’s death, and Sun, as a man, was expected to mourn with stoicism. He wiped his sleeves over his eyes as Chu dressed his uncle in white and placed a yellow cloth over his face -- the last formality. Overwhelmed, Sun fled the chamber to avoid shaming his uncle’s memory with his weakness. Nearly a year prior to his death, Jin had formally introduced Sun to the source of the voice. His uncle took him through a secret passage behind a hanging tapestry in the meditation room. It led into a hollowed out cavern in the mountain. They followed an elaborate system of natural and man-made corridors leading deep within the mountain until they stopped at an iron door with seven locks. His uncle, over the age of one hundred, knew, even then, that his time in this world would not be long and he’d wanted to prepare Sun for the task to which he’d been born. On that day, Sun learned what it meant to be Guardian -- to have good health and a youthful appearance unto old age in exchange for constant temptation and a lonely existence.

*** After burying Jin, Sun found himself, once again, in front of the door. He placed a key into each padlock successively as each of the seven opened with a dull clunk. The iron door, ten inches thick, creaked as Sun bore his full weight against the handle. Sulfurous fumes choked his senses with the malevolent stench of evil when he entered the dank cavity.

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“He’s gone.” Sun fought to keep the tremble from his voice. “But you know that already.” From a large twisted beam of Paulownia, the dragon tree, blessed by a thousand monks, hung a six-foot by six-foot tome. The Agrippa. Jin had warned Sun to avoid standing near the Agrippa. Proximity gave it power. “Jin never failed in his duty as Guardian.” Sun circled the wretched work, memorizing every symbol burned into the thick cover made from human skin. “I will not fail.” Reaching out, he stretched his fingertips to mere inches from the book. “This is as close as I will ever come to opening you.” Sun turned his back on the Agrippa and stepped out of the room into the corridor. He placed each of seven locks in place, clicking them closed, one by one. “I will not fail,” he repeated as he secured the last lock.

The size alone would mark the Agrippa as no ordinary book, but it was so much more than pages between leather bindings. It was sentient. We shall see, the Agrippa whispered to Sun, a quiet confidence in the ghostly voice. We shall see.

Chapter 2 The courtyard, full in spring bloom, stood quiet and peaceful. It had been three months since Jin’s death, three months since Sun became the Guardian, and surprisingly, the Agrippa had been passive, almost silent. Sun glanced around at the blossoming trees then closed his eyes, breathing out, slaking negative energy. Wen Chu had first taught him the practice of Chi Gung when he was nine, and he could almost hear his teacher’s voice, “Begin,” as he placed his feet shoulder width apart and readied himself. He elevated his arms to shoulder level, raised to the balls of his feet, and inhaled. As he brought his hands in toward his mid-section, bending his knees to sink his body, his fluid exhalation was interrupted. “Could somebody help me!” came a shout -- English? -- from behind the courtyard walls. “Please!” The courtyard house stood on a sheer cliff, overlooking the village of Jilin. In return for payment, the people of Jilin supplied the Xiao house with food and other necessities through a small elevator shaft in the mountain -- the same elevator Sun had been left in as an infant. “Help!” The man sounded desperate and in pain. No one had ever dared to climb the smooth rock, with a sheer face of over four hundred yards. How did this man, a foreigner to be certain, manage to climb his way? And why? “Jesus Christ… fuck, shit, piss, hate, damn.” The man groaned. Sun recognized the words Jesus Christ, even hate and damn, but the other words he had never heard. Guiltily, Sun looked around for Chu. He must be in the kitchen. It was nearing the morning meal. Another groan came from beyond the gated wall. Buddhism taught him

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that compassion and wisdom walk hand in hand, and to ignore those in need is negative karma. Sun used that rationale to unlatch the gate. A young man sat on the ground holding his right ankle. He looked up at Sun, his unlined face twisted with pain. “Thank God someone heard me. I thought I’d be stuck here.” He tried to get up, but could not bear any weight on his ankle and collapsed back to the ground. He held out his hand. “A little help?” Sun understood what he wanted, but he was too shocked to speak. He’d read books on western culture where there were descriptions of people with blond hair and blue eyes, but to actually see somebody with these traits awed him into inaction. The man thrust his hand forward again. “Can you help me get up? Otherwise, I’m going to be stuck here.” A band, plain and gold, on the man’s left ring finger glinted in the morning light as Sun took his arm and helped him. Hopping on one leg near the cliff’s edge, the man threw his right arm around Sun’s neck to balance. His warm breath brushed against Sun’s neck. He eased himself closer and placed his arm around Sun’s shoulder as Sun grabbed his waist to steady the man. “Thank you. I thought I was a goner there for a minute.” His full lips pulled back into a smile showing the barest hint of white teeth. Sun wasn’t sure what a “goner” was, but he figured it wasn’t anything good. Hobbling forward into the courtyard, the man clung tightly to Sun. His eyes widened as he looked at the courtyard house. “Wow. I can’t believe anyone lives up here. This place is awesome.” Sun helped the man sit on a bench. He wanted to speak, but words escaped him. Instead, he pushed up the cuff of the man’s blue pants, the fabric rough against his uncallused hands. When he began to unlace the man’s right boot, he heard a sharp gasp. “Careful there, partner. I twisted the hell out of my ankle while climbing. I think it might be broke.”

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Easing the boot off the man’s foot, pressing gently, he felt the bones and tendons for deformity and swelling around the ankle. Discoloration had already set in. There were no obvious breaks, but the sprain was bad enough that the man wouldn’t be climbing down the mountain any time soon. “You have a bad injury.” “You speak English?” It was more surprise than a question. “Thank heavens. I know how to ask where the bathroom is in Chinese, but if I had to have a whole conversation…” he shook his head, “… I’d be screwed.” He held out his hand again, and Sun stared at it, unsure of what the man expected. The blond withdrew his hand, looking a little confused. “Maybe you all don’t shake hands around here. Cultural difference.” He shrugged off his backpack. “I suppose introductions are in order. I’m Hogan, Hogan Ryan. Antiquities dealer extraordinaire. What’s your name?” “Xiao Sun.” “You fellows use your first name as your last and last for first, so that would make you… Sun?” Sun suppressed a grin. “Yes, Xiao is my family name. You may call me Sun.” “All right, then. Good enough.” Hogan did smile, and Sun noticed that his teeth were not only sparkling white, but perfectly straight as well. Everything about this American man seemed perfect. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Hogan.” He held out his hand. Hogan took it and gave it a firm shake. “Nice to meet you, too, Sun.” His palm was warm and dry within Sun’s grasp and Hogan’s forearm muscles rippled when he shook. Sun resisted the urge to keep hold; instead he let his hand drop to his side. The front door of the house opened. “Your meal is readied,” Chu said, stepping out onto the porch. Sun straightened and moved aside, giving his teacher a clear view of the visitor. “Master Chu, we will be having a guest for breakfast.”

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Hogan took in the surroundings. He hadn’t known what to expect when he reached the top of the mountain. Wow, this place is wicked cool. He watched the two men converse on the porch. Sun wore a white tunic with a black patch on the sleeve and white pants. The older gentleman wore a blue jacket and a long skirt, and they both had their hair tightly braided, trailing a thick line down their backs. Really weird. The whole vision looked like something out of one of those kung fu movies where Shaolin masters defied gravity with daring martial arts. Alas, this Chufellow didn’t seem to do anything that spectacular, but Hogan got the distinct feeling he didn’t want him there. What’s he going to do? Throw me off the mountain? His ankle felt damned painful and twisting it on the climb hadn’t been part of the plan, but the way the old guy was going on, the injury might play out to his advantage. He was pleasantly surprised at Sun’s calm demeanor. His lean body stayed relaxed at the barrage of angry words coming from the old man. Sun answered him calmly, his broad shoulders relaxed, his voice quiet and confident. Strange, Hogan thought, for someone so young to be so sure of himself. Finally, the old man threw up his hands and stalked back into the house. Sun walked back with a graceful stride that Hogan rarely saw in men. “Are you hungry?” “I don’t want you to go through any trouble for me.” “The meal is already prepared.” Hogan slapped his hand down on his knee, wincing as his ankle took the compression. “Okay then. I’m starved.” Sun smiled, and his golden brown eyes sparkled. “Let me help you to the inner hall.” Hogan was astonished at Sun’s physical strength. The Chinese man virtually carried him the entire way so he wouldn’t have to put any pressure onto his right leg. They entered an inner room with a short, plain wooden table and cushions on the floor. On the table, two small bowls rested on either side, one filled with a thick steaming

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white substance that looked like grits. The other had a clear liquid with a small cloth lying next to it. In the middle of the table was a plate of flat bread. Sun lowered Hogan down on one side and propped his foot on an extra cushion, then took his place, sitting cross-legged style on the other side of the table. Hogan watched as his host dipped hands into the clear liquid and gently rubbed his fingers in the substance. After withdrawing his hands, Sun wiped them with the cloth. Hogan mimicked the actions -- the warm water soothing his aching hands. After, he poked at the mush. “Hmmm. This looks… interesting.” He sniffed the bowl. Chicken soup? “What is it?” “It’s rice congee.” Sun tore a piece of bread, using a small section to scoop the white stuff, and popped it into his mouth. “It is made with boiled rice and chicken broth.” “Mmm.” Rice and chicken, nothing too weird there. Hogan dug in. It wasn’t Mom’s home cooking, but Hogan hadn’t eaten in the two days it took to climb the mountain, and the congee was filling. “So, what’s with the old guy’s get up?” Hogan tugged on his collar to emphasize clothing at Sun’s quizzical expression. “That’s one serious dress.” “Oh, dress. Yes. Master Chu is not wearing a dress. It is Yi Shang.” Sun leaned forward and placed his hand on the left side of Hogan’s chest. “Yi, the upper part, represents the heart.” He placed his other hand on the floor. “Shang, the skirt, is earth.” “Hmm.” Hogan resisted the urge to rub his chest. It still felt incredibly warm where the Chinese man had placed his palm. “What about you? I get the shirt and pants, but what’s the patch for? Is it some kind of religious thing?” Sun lowered his eyes. “I wear it in mourning for my uncle.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. How long?” “Ninety days have passed since he departed this existence. I will wear the black for another ten, as is custom.”

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Hogan leaned back, and avoided looking at Sun’s pain-filled eyes. What the hell am I doing here? He stretched his arms and changed the subject. “Man, I’m about beat. That’s one hell of a climb you all got out there.” Sun cocked his head to the left. “You were in a fight?” “No.” Hogan laughed. “I feel like it though. I’m sore as all get out. I’d climb into that bowl of hot water if I could, just to knock the weary off my bones.” Sun smiled warmly. “You speak very strange English. But I think I understand.” He clapped his hands together and stood up. “You have had a hard journey. Come.” Hogan let Sun help him off the floor. “I’m gonna need a crutch or something, otherwise your back is going to be killing you tomorrow.” They went through another small courtyard, down a corridor in the back bay to a room with a pool the size of a twelve-man hot tub. A cloud of steam rolled off the surface of the water. “We going for a swim?” The corner of Sun’s mouth tugged into a half-smile. “This is the bathing room. To help with your aches and weariness.” “Good enough.” Everywhere hurt. The climb had taken its toll on his body and a warm soak sounded mighty fine. He twirled the gold band on his left hand. It was a reminder -- a reminder of obligations, purpose, and his duty. Sun eased Hogan to the edge of the pool, careful of his ankle. He shrugged off his flannel shirt then pulled off his gray T-shirt. The air in the room felt cool against his skin. The intensity in the man’s eyes made him hesitate before unbuckling the belt on his jeans. “You all right there?” The Chinese man blinked then looked away. “Yes. Pardon me.” With a short bow, he walked toward the door. “I have lived a quiet life with no company other than my teacher Chu, and my uncle. I’ve never seen anything beyond these courtyard walls.” Sun dragged a finger down his own chest, settling his hands on his stomach. “You have hair on your chest. I find it interesting. Different.”

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“Yeah, well, I come from a long line of hairy men. Genetics and all.” Hogan never thought of himself as hairy, especially since the blond hair on his chest was sparse, only gathering thickness on his abdomen. “You should see my dad. He’s got hair from head to toe.” Sun lowered his eyes. “I have read that Americans value their privacy. I will leave you to attend yourself.” “Ah, I’m not shy. Besides, I’ve been in China for a couple of weeks and it’s nice to have someone to speak English with.” He slipped his jeans off, stifling a groan as the rough material tugged past his swollen ankle. Sun’s eyes widened as his boxer briefs came off next. Hogan couldn’t help but feel a little triumphant. He needed to gain Sun’s trust, and the interest the Chinese man showed in him put Hogan one step closer to completing his task and fulfilling his duty of paying his family debt.

Sun watched Hogan slip beneath the water. A large scar marred the American’s left thigh. Its thick edges were pink and raised -- recently healed. He concentrated on the scar to avoid staring at the man’s genitals, which, even while soft, were large. Not that he had much to compare to. Soft curly blond hair crested above Hogan’s shaft, much denser than the crop on his stomach and chest. It must be an American trait to have so much hair covering the body. He longed to stroke the blond curls, twirl them around his fingertips. He wished to feel Hogan’s length grow and harden in his hands. He imagined what Hogan’s lips would feel like against his skin. No, you must stop, Sun chastised his weakness and shook the lustful thoughts from his head. He concentrated again on the scar. The scar was jagged, nearly five fingers wide and ran the length of Hogan’s upper thigh. A knife wound? Maybe a wild animal? Something about the American made him ignore Chu’s warning. His entire life had been about study and meditation. He longed for the companionship that Jin had experienced with Chu. How could he expect

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Chu to understand? Sun was trapped in this life and this existence while Chu could leave any time he chose. He didn’t expect Hogan to want the same kind of intimacy, or even to stay long. The young American would soon leave when his injury allowed, but for a little while, Sun would have a companion. And he would not let Chu, or the Agrippa, dictate the next few days. “Where are you from?” Hogan relaxed against the ledge and swished his hands in the water. “Originally? I was raised in Tightwad, Missouri. Funny name, I know.” He ran a hand through his soaked hair. “I’ve been living in Springfield, Missouri, for the last five years getting my degree in art history.” He turned to look at Sun, his blue eyes glimmering with intensity. “Right now, I’m doing an internship in acquisitions at the Springfield Art Museum. That’s why I’m here in China, looking for items for them to display. It’s part of my master’s degree, but someday I’ll get my Ph.D.” He turned to Sun. “My dream is to someday run my own museum.” His voice lowered. “Do you have any dreams?” Sun swallowed hard. Dreams? Dreams meant future longings, and as a Guardian, Sun had to stay in the here and now. A glistening bead of water trailed down Hogan’s cheek then dropped into the pool. Sun would have thought it impossible to be jealous of a non-living thing, but he longed to be the water surrounding Hogan Ryan, to encompass the American, to warm him with his body. Yes, I have dreams, he acknowledged, but only to himself. “I am a simple man.” Hogan whistled low and long. “I don’t hardly believe that.” He winked. “I think you’re more complicated than you give yourself credit for.” Complicated? His only task was to keep himself pure, to resist the calling of the Agrippa and to protect the world from its vile evil. No, his life was not complicated, but it could be difficult at times. He walked to the edge of the pool and knelt. “I have responsibility. Yes.” He cupped his hands to mimic a flowering bud. “But I am no more complex than the lotus

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blossom that commits to bloom in the spring.” Sun emphasized the blossoming flower by opening his hands. “Life is no more complicated or simple than this.” Sadness touched the edges of Hogan’s eyes. He put his hand in Sun’s. The warmth of his palm sent a tingling thrill. “Could you help me out of the tub, partner? I think I’d like to lie down for a bit, if you don’t mind. I’m more tired than I thought.” Sun had asked Chu to prepare a room for Hogan before the morning meal, and even though his teacher didn’t approve, he would have it ready. “Of course. Forgive my rudeness.” Hogan squeezed his hand. “No need to apologize, friend. You’ve been the soul of generosity. I’m just a bit tuckered is all.” Sun didn’t know this word, tuckered, but he assumed it meant tired. He nodded, lifting Hogan from the water. His queue fell forward and Hogan touched the braid. “Wow, I saw your hair earlier, but didn’t notice how long it was. Do you always keep it tied back?” “It is traditional.” The back of Hogan’s hand rubbed against Sun’s chest. The tension he’d been holding whooshed from his mouth in a long sigh. Sun tensed again at the American’s startled blue eyes. “I will take you to the room that has been prepared for you.” His voice sounded terse, even to his own ears. “I apologize.” Hogan withdrew his hand from the braid. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything.” “You did not offend me, Hogan Ryan.” He left for a moment and returned with a large white towel. “Dry yourself and we shall proceed.” “Uh, I don’t suppose you got something clean I could put on?” Hogan looked at the pile of clothes on the floor. “I haven’t exactly had time to do laundry.” Sun inclined his head. “I will arrange it.”

Chapter 3 Sun meditated while Hogan napped. His chi had shifted since the arrival of the American. He focused to bring his chakras back into alignment. A cool shiver ran down his spine -- the touch of the Agrippa. This is no life for you, Xiao Sun. You understand what it is to want and desire things beyond this mountain. “You do not know me.” But I do. And that is what scares you, Xiao Sun. He hated when the vile book spoke his name. “You do not scare me.” Your denial only makes you weak. The past should be a lesson. Just look to Qi, your forefather. When he came to me and submitted, I provided him with a dynasty and a long life, rich with fortune. Four hundred years your family reigned. You could be emperor now, if you so desired. “Qi was a fool. He killed his own father, Yu the Great, because of his greed and his own petty desires. There is nothing you can offer me. Be silent in my mind.” To be emperor, with all the gold, jewels, servants waiting on him, companions to share his bed at his whim -- even in his contempt, Sun could understand why Qi chose his path. However, he would stay strong as his uncle had taught him, but… No, he would stay to his duty. Nothing? We shall see. The cold feeling of the Agrippa withdrew from Sun. His enemy had retreated. He knew the withdrawal had nothing to do with him ordering it. The Agrippa came and went from his mind as it pleased. He chose a candle flame as a focal point. Centering himself was his most important task but his thoughts kept going to Hogan Ryan and complete balance became impossible. Maybe Chu had been correct in his

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thinking the American would only bring problems to his house. But how? After all, Hogan was only a man. “Sun?” He turned to see Hogan walking into the room. The American slid the door closed behind him. “I can feel your sadness. How lonely you are.” Hogan, wearing only white cotton pants, walked gracefully toward Sun. His chest flexed with each stride, his abdomen rippled with strength and power -- his large hands, open and welcoming. He has taken off his ring. “You should be resting,” Sun said as he stood to meet his guest. “I’ve rested enough.” Hogan shook his head. “I want to help you, Sun. Take away some of your emptiness.” Sun shifted on his toes, ready to accept whatever Hogan was willing to give, then he noticed. “Your ankle? It is not injured anymore.” How is that possible? Sun had tended to the swelling sprain. “Oh.” He looked down at his ankle and shrugged. “It’s much better now. That bath must have done the trick.” The American reached out and caressed Sun’s arm. “I want to thank you properly.” Something about Hogan was different, other than the injury, but Sun couldn’t put his finger on it, nor did he want to. Hogan’s firm grasp sent a buzz through him, sparking in his groin. His flesh hardened. “You do not need to thank me.” “But I want to.” Hogan’s blue eyes sparked with intent and desire. “You sacrifice so much of yourself and never get anything in return.” “Yes.” Sun heard the word before he even knew he’d said it aloud. Hogan slid Sun’s pants over his hips and down his thighs. “You have a nice cock.” “Cock? Like a rooster?” Sun had seen the word, but only in reference to male chickens. It was just one more thing he didn’t understand. “No.” Hogan chuckled at his confusion. He cupped a hand on Sun’s swelling shaft. “Oh.” Sun blushed.

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“Yes. Your cock.” He gave it a gentle squeeze, causing it to jerk in response. “You like that, don’t you?” Sun felt shy and awkward. He wanted to scream, “Yes!” He wanted Hogan to continue touching him, but something didn’t feel right. “We shouldn’t…” “But we should,” Hogan interrupted. “Why do you deny your basic needs, Sun?” “This is not right,” Sun whispered, but he couldn’t bring himself to remove Hogan’s hand from his hardening length. “You’ve never been touched like this before?” Hogan slid his thumb from the base of Sun’s cock to the head. “I’ve seen the way you look at me.” Sun’s eyes widened. “Don’t worry. I like it.” The American leaned forward, pressing his full lips to Sun’s. “I like it a lot.” “I’m going to taste you, tease you, and you will beg for more.” His lips whispered across Sun’s skin like the wings of a butterfly fluttering down his chest and abdomen. Hogan’s hands kneaded away any reservations. A sound of surprise jumped from Sun’s mouth as Hogan’s teeth nipped at the skin of his testicles. Hogan looked up and grinned. “That’s a good response.” His tongue wrapped around the base of Sun’s cock, licking at his sensitive skin. “I think we are moving too fast.” “Too fast? How long do you think I will be here for, Sun? Besides…” Hogan trailed a finger down Sun’s side. “Too fast isn’t fast enough and I don’t want to wait one more second to take this beautiful cock into my mouth.” Hogan’s moist lips encircled the head of Sun’s shaft. An explosion of nerve endings firing in rapid succession cracked like fireworks as Hogan’s mouth worked its magic down Sun’s cock. Hogan’s eyes closed, giving his full concentration to Sun’s pleasure. Large hands grasped Sun’s buttocks, digging into the firm muscles.

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Sun wrapped his fingers in Hogan’s blond hair. The cool, coarse texture felt soothing against his warm hands. He fought the urge to thrust hard against the American’s throat as his cock throbbed, threatening to erupt in pure rapture. He couldn’t believe how incredible Hogan’s mouth, wet with saliva and feverishly warm, felt sliding up and down his shaft, his tongue undulating in an erratic rhythm. “Yes,” he whispered through gritted teeth. Hogan pulled Sun’s hips forward, forcing the thrust. A primal grunt escaped Sun’s mouth with every stroke and he felt the swell of blood pooling to his groin, burning with need. His head pitched forward as he stared down at this foreign man, who continued to lick and suck with constancy. Sun squeezed his eyes shut and braced his hands on Hogan’s shoulders, moaning as his brain shut down to pleasure, wave after wave of pulsing bliss until he thought he could stand no more -- the ecstasy nearly bringing him to his knees. “Thank you.” Sun sighed. He opened his eyes as Hogan’s mouth slid from his cock. The American looked up at him. For a split second his pupils glowed a strange, unnatural violet before fading back to clear blue. A trick of the candlelight? “You’re quite welcome.” Something in Hogan’s voice was wrong, different, only Sun couldn’t put his finger on what it was. “Sun!” Chu called from the hallway. Breaking away from Hogan, Sun pulled up his pants and went to the door. He slid it back. His teacher stood in the hall holding a spoon. “Your noon meal is ready.” Chu peeked into the room. “Are you ready?” Sun turned back to ask Hogan if he would like to take some food and nearly fell over to find the American was gone. How? Maybe he was embarrassed by his actions and sought to hide from Chu. “Is something wrong?” Chu asked, concerned. Sun shook his head, ushered the old man out into the hallway and closed the door behind them. “I am fine. My only concern is for our guest.” Chu clicked his tongue. “I am concerned at how easily you trust a stranger.”

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“He has done nothing to prove he is anything other than trustworthy.” Sun shook his head. Eager to get back in the room with Hogan, he tried Chu’s favorite philosopher on him. “Confucius says that when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.” “True.” The teacher tapped his goateed chin. “But he also says that fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.” “I do not see Hogan as insinuating.” “Do you not? If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” “I am right in this, Master Chu. I know the American is a good man.” Do I really know? Or is it only what my heart wishes to see? “The Tao teaches that there is more to knowing than just being correct.” Sun felt his ears burn. “Enough! Enough with the rhetoric.” “Does it not strike you as an ill omen that a stranger can cause you to speak to me with anger and disrespect?” “I am not being disrespectful, teacher.” I am, however, irritated. He kept the thought to himself. “With age, have I lost my wisdom?” “Of course not, teacher.” Sun quickly bowed. “Forgive my impertinence. I only meant…” for you to be silent! He shoved the harsh words down and lowered his eyes in deference. “…Hogan Ryan will not be here for long and I enjoy his company.” Chu reached out a thin hand and placed the back of his fingers to Sun’s cheek. “You are not a child anymore. You are a man with a higher purpose than most will ever know. The world is a tree, the people of the world are its blossoming flowers, the Agrippa is the wind, and you are the wall -- the tree’s only protection. If you fall and the wind is let loose, it will rip each petal from its stem.” He stroked Sun’s face. “I fear this American is the ax that will tear down your wall. Do you understand, my son?” “Yes, teacher.” Sun understood all too well. He suddenly felt like a child having a tantrum, but he couldn’t help feeling angry with his lot in life. He never asked to be

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Guardian. He never wanted the task. He bowed his dismissal. “I will take my meal shortly. Thank you.” After Chu left, Sun went back into the room. “Hogan?” He searched the entire place. There was no sign of the American. Very strange. In the recesses of his mind, he heard a whisper of laughter.

*** Sun braced himself and tentatively knocked at the American’s door before sliding it open. A soft sound of snoring filled the quiet room. Resisting the urge to run to him, to join him in bed, Sun cleared his throat. “Hogan?” The brawny blond turned in his sleep, his eyes shut tight but moving fiercely beneath his lids. Only his midsection was covered; his broad, muscular chest rose and fell with deep breathing. Sun followed the line of his body down his narrow waist, sinewy legs, to Hogan’s ankle. It had become swollen again and the mottling a deep purple. “No… not this…” Hogan mumbled with sleepy haze. His body thrashed to the right causing the covers to slip from his thighs exposing the hard length of his erection. Out of respect, Sun wanted to look away, but found himself mesmerized. The American scratched vigorously at his scar and kicked out his right leg. “You can’t!” he shouted as his foot hit the wall. His face contorted in pain, but he remained asleep. “No… huli… jing.” The violence of Hogan’s dream brought Sun from his daze. Hulijing? Sun had seen the name in one of the many texts in the library, but he couldn’t remember which one. Maybe Hogan’s chakras would reveal where his trouble lay. When Sun was a boy, he discovered his ability of second vision, to see what the eyes cannot. He had assumed everyone could do this until Chu told him the ability was unique and only a few had ever achieved this gift. With second vision, Sun could see a person’s chakras. Chu’s were always in perfect alignment -- red, orange, yellow, green,

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blue, deep purple, and violet, all in succession from the base of his spine to the top of his head. His uncle’s had been a little off in the seventh chakra at the top of his head. The violet always had a tinge of yellowish-gray around the edges, representing his struggle with materialism and spiritual enlightenment. Sun knew this battle all too well. As Guardians, his uncle and he lived in near poverty, with only their basic needs met -- food, shelter, and clothing. A Guardian should be treated better, like royalty. Then it dawned on Sun, I am royalty. He had descended from the first known emperor of China and by birthright, he deserved a better life than this. He had been sacrificed for duty, so that his family could live out their lives in lavish wealth, traveling the world, wearing the finest clothes, eating the best food, and living in mansions. Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, Sun cast those thoughts aside. Yes, he’d struggled against avariciousness, fighting so hard to suppress his gluttonous craving for material things. The struggle was constant, but he had to believe his family did what they thought was right by sending him to Jin. He focused his energy back on Hogan. Still dreaming, the American flung an arm out, like he was defending himself against an invisible foe. What do you struggle against? Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Sun supinated his hands, resting them palms upward on his knees and determined to find out. He breathed in the air and energy from the room then slowly blew out the breath and closed his eyes. With his second vision, all non-organic substances disappeared and he saw the human form in white, a negative silhouette. The chakras appeared one by one as Sun concentrated on each area. The first, Maladhara, turned a deep, dark red, resembling the color of the fruit of the pomegranate, and each one, Svadisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vissuhda, Ajna, and Sahasrara, were successively darker than they should be. One was nearly black, Anahata, the fourth chakra, and there, Sun feared, lay Hogan’s problem.

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The Anahata, located at the heart, represented the ability to love and be loved. For Hogan’s to be black, he must have suffered a great deal of heartbreak in his past. It was a taint on his soul which darkened the entire spectrum. “What are you doing?” Sun’s eyes snapped open. Hogan was still lying down, but staring intently at him, the covers pulled back over his body. “I…” He hesitated, unsure of how to explain himself. “I was meditating while waiting for you to awaken.” “Meditating, huh? You should have just shook me. It’s quicker. Momma always said I sleep like a log.” Hogan sat up. “Hell, I need three alarm clocks at home just to get me to class on time.” He took two objects from his ears. “Besides, I can’t hear a thing with these things in.” They were small, round and blue, with strings dangling down to a square box no bigger than the palm of Sun’s hand. “What is that?” Hogan held out one. “This? These are earphones.” He held up the flat box. “They plug into my MP3 player.” “Em-pee-three player? I have never seen such a thing.” “It plays music. This thing can hold nearly a thousand songs in its memory base.” He handed it to Sun and their fingers touched briefly as the object was passed. He is wearing the ring again. “So this device can play a thousand songs. It is hard to believe.” “Sure. Pop it in and give it a try.” Sun placed the earphone to his ear, but it fell out. Hogan laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Why don’t you come over here and sit down. I’ll help you out.” Sun sat on the bed. “Is your ankle hurting again?” “It hasn’t stopped,” Hogan said, placing the ear buds in Sun’s ears. “Even woke me up a few times.” “You said it was better.”

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“Did I?” He fiddled with a knob on the box. “I think I’d remember saying something like that. I only wish it felt better.” “When you came to me. You were walking without assistance. You do not remember?” “Dude. I think meditation is making your brain soft. I haven’t left this bed since you put me in it.” The pronouncement stunned Sun. He’d seen Hogan in that room, heard him, and felt him. Suddenly, loud music blared in his head. He jumped and yanked the ear buds out. “Oh, ho, ho!” Hogan chuckled. “Maybe I should have started with some easy listening and left the AC/DC for later.” Sun smiled. He couldn’t help it. Hogan’s straightforward manner, laugh, and warm voice made smiling easy. Hogan scratched his stubbled chin, grinning. Sun focused back on the ring. In some cultures, a ring on the left hand symbolized marriage. “Do you have a wife?” The American frowned, his eyes losing their sparkle. “I did. She died last year.” “I am very sorry for your loss.” Sun mentally kicked himself. He’d obviously brought up a very painful memory for the man. Hogan shrugged. “I don’t suppose you’ve ever been married, being a monk and all.” “I am not a monk.” “No? Well, I just thought… never mind.” He shook his head. “So, have you ever been with a woman?” “Been with? I do not understand.” “You know, slept with? Had sex?” “Sex? No. I have never… I have never even seen a woman, except in books.” Hogan whistled. “You might as well be a monk. So, never seen a woman. Not even your own mother?”

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“I do not know my mother. I was brought to this house when I was an infant. My Uncle Jin and my teacher, Wen Chu, are the only people I have ever been near.” His gaze traveled to Hogan’s face. “Until you.” “Wow, so this is like a whole new thing for you.” Hogan grabbed his backpack and dug through the contents. He pulled out a gray rectangular object, bigger than the MP3 player. Flipping the top open, he placed it on Sun’s lap. “This is a DVD player. I’ve got a home movie disk in there. You want to see?” “Yes.” “All righty then.” Sun watched as Hogan pushed a button. The screen lit up like magic and laughter filled the room. There were three people sitting at a table with a cake full of candles. “Okay, I don’t know how long the batteries will last, but… The old guy there, that’s my dad. The woman, my mom. And that pretty young thing, Bethany, is my sister. She’ll be a senior in high school next year.” The mother said, “Quit messing with the camera, boy, and hurry over here before your candles melt into the cake.” “Yes, ma’am,” Hogan’s voice said before he showed up in the image. “Move over, twerp, this is my birthday,” he told his sister. “Don’t be a jerk!” she squealed, punching him in the arm. His mom wrapped his arms around his waist. In chorus they all sang, “Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Hogan --” The screen blinked to blue, then black as the image disappeared. “Damn it. I knew it wouldn’t last long.” He closed the lid. “I don’t suppose you got an outlet? Or even electricity for that matter.” “No. I am sorry.” And he was. He longed to see the rest of the movie, as Hogan had called it. They all looked so happy. Sun imagined love must look much like the family on the screen.

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The Agrippa pressed against his mind. You could have that kind of love, that kind of family. I can give it to you. You only need to look upon my pages. Be gone, Sun pushed back. Yes, you could have had a different life, had your family loved you, but you were nothing more than a means to an end. Do you really owe the Xiao family any allegiance? No! he wanted to shout, I do not owe them anything. Instead he ignored the Agrippa and said to Hogan, “Your family. They are nice?” “Yes, very.” Pain crossed Hogan’s face, darkening his blue eyes. “They are the reason I get up in the morning.” Sun had been taught that things from the western civilization were bad, something to shy from. What is wrong with these wondrous objects? Music, family, they were good things. Right? “Your wife, she was not in the movie.” “This was before I met her.” He put the DVD player in his backpack. “It don’t matter none.” Hogan brought out another object. “This is a cell phone. Not that it gets reception up here.” He flipped it open. “Now, look up at me.” Click. Hogan turned the device toward Sun. “See, now I have a picture of you, so that when I go back home, I’ll have something to remember you by.” Sun stared at the image of himself. What will I have to remember you, Hogan Ryan?

*** Hogan stretched in the bed after Sun left. The dream he’d been having when Sun woke him up left him feeling disturbed. In the pieces he could remember, he’d been dreaming of Sun. Only, even though it was his body, he hadn’t been in control. He had been forced to watch his actions through his own eyes, but not of his own will. His scar burned with intensity, like ants crawling under the skin, while he did things with Sun that he had never done with another man. Trouble was, on many levels, he hadn’t minded the intimate contact. The only thing that truly freaked him out was the fact that he wasn’t in control.

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He’d never met anyone like Sun. Sharp, intelligent, yet oddly innocent. Sun’s features, his high cheekbones, almond eyes, and full lips were soft, nearly feminine, but still masculine. His kindness wore at Hogan’s heart. He hated what he was doing to Sun, but he didn’t have a choice. Choices were for those who hadn’t sold their soul to a demon. Three years back, he’d taken a course in mythology. It was in the classroom that he’d met his wife, Charlotte Fox. He’d courted her for less than two months before deciding to marry her. She was smart, beautiful, with delicate features, silky, auburn hair, and a lithe body, and she was a tiger in bed. He fell instantly in love with her. She seemed to know what he wanted, even before he did. He’d married her and made Charlotte part of his family. Hogan examined the scar on his thigh. “Damn it!” He pounded the scar with his fist. Meeting Charlotte had been the worst thing to ever happen to him. Never a believer, Hogan hadn’t even believed in the Christian God. But Charlotte, well, she’d made a believer out of him. He remembered the first time he’d heard the word “hulijing.” On their first anniversary, he took Charlotte to a Chinese restaurant in Springfield. An old woman who didn’t speak any English came running from the kitchen yelling like a lunatic and wielding a butcher knife. She kept screaming, “Hulijing! Hulijing!” Before she could reach their table, Charlotte stood up and held out her hand. The old woman dropped dead, right there on the floor of the restaurant. The restaurant didn’t charge them for the meal, and they left shortly after the police showed up, but the way the rest of the staff looked at Hogan and Charlotte… Well, he’d never seen so much hate… and fear.

Chapter 4 “Ready. Begin.” Out in the courtyard, Hogan and Sun went to the first position of Chi Gung. Several days had passed. They’d spent nearly every waking moment together while Hogan healed. Hogan taught Sun about houses, cars, universities, shopping malls, bass fishing, and rock-n-roll. Sun, in return, taught Hogan Chi Gung and different meditation techniques. The closer they grew, the more Sun longed to see and do the things Hogan told him about. The Agrippa had become more insistent during this time, and Sun found it harder and harder to resist. His world had been so small until the American arrived… He was astounded at the value Hogan gave the items in the house, such as the ornately carved bronze ritual vessel from the Zhou Dynasty, which Hogan placed in the 9th century BC, and valued at over a million dollars. Having studied western culture extensively, Sun knew a million dollars was a lot of money. Another example was the lacquered wood and painted dragon drum stand, dating back to the 3rd century, worth nearly two million. Two million dollars! Here Sun lived with barely any luxury, and he had all these little objects worth so much money. See what your family has done to you, Xiao Sun? They have placed you with the means to secure your fortune, but no way to procure that fortune. I can make certain you get everything in this life you desire. The Agrippa’s words were luring, enticing. Sun’s mind drifted and his deepest fantasy found him dining in fine restaurants and traveling the world. Of course, this fantasy included Hogan as his constant companion. They would lounge long hours in luxury, making love on a bed of gold and jewels. Sun shook the avaricious thoughts from his mind and glanced at Hogan.

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Sometimes when they talked, he could feel Hogan’s hot breath on his skin, making him long for another kiss, and more intimate promises. Hogan stepped into third position and breathed in. “Sun, you given any more thoughts about selling some of your collection? I can make you a rich man.” “And yourself, as well?” “Well, that’s negotiable.” Hogan chuckled. “You’d be rich, minus a small finder’s fee.” Sun raised an eyebrow. “Finder’s fee implies something was lost.” “Okay, how about a small commission then, you understand that don’t you?” “Yes.” Sun wondered what it would be like in the real world, outside of this prison. When did my home become a prison? Perhaps if Hogan couldn’t love him, there was someone else, out there beyond the walls of the bay house, that could. Duty. His first responsibility was to this house and his family. A family that willingly gave you up to perform a task they were not willing to do themselves. Sun sighed at the Agrippa’s words. He never knew how truly isolated he was until Hogan Ryan walked into his life. “Hogan?” “Yeah?” “You really don’t remember coming to me on the day you arrived?” He shifted to second position. Hogan matched Sun’s movement. “Nope. I can’t imagine I sleepwalked with a bad ankle, but just for shits and grins, what happened?” “I am not certain it is a good idea.” “Aw, shoot. You know you can tell me anything by now.” “We have become, how do you say… close? Yes?” “Yep, we’re friends. So, go ahead. Spill it.” Sun stopped in the middle of Chi Gung. “Perhaps we should sit.” He gestured to a bench near a tree.

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Hogan joined him. “This is sounding serious. I think you should just tell me.” Sun nodded. “When you came to me, you…” How could he tell Hogan what happened? In the days since, the American had not made one overt advance toward him. His tone had remained friendly, but never seductive. Sun hadn’t realized just how lonely he’d been before Hogan arrived. That alone forced the courage from him. “…you touched me.” “Touched you?” Hogan raised an eyebrow and scratched his head. “How?”

Sun lowered his eyes. “You like women?”

“Yes, very much so.”

“And men?”

Hogan tensed. “Uh… as friends.”

“Nothing more?”

“Look.” Hogan pursed his lips. “I’m real fond of you, Sun. Honest.” He worried

his lower lip. “But I’m just not sure about the rest.” Sun felt a little piece of him die inside. It was obvious that Hogan had no desire to be intimate with him. That one kiss, that one moment of true intimacy, they would both have to be enough.

*** Sun navigated the courtyard staring at the stars. He crossed his arms, rubbing his shoulders to shake the chill from the night wind. Hogan’s arrival had been a blessing, but in some ways a curse. The American made him want for things beyond this life. Hogan’s stories about family and universities, the camaraderie that came with being part of a group of people, and the houses with their fantastic gadgets, and cars… He sighed, pining for all of those things and more. More is possible. You only need to take the next step. “Get out of my mind,” Sun growled. He was so tired of being the Guardian for the Agrippa -- sick of the loneliness. Poor Xiao Sun. A lonely boy. A lonely man. You owe your family nothing. You were abandoned to your uncle for the purpose of living a life unfulfilled. Did they give you a choice?

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No. You are a sacrifice, nothing more. You were born for a terrible task, selfishly given away by parents who would have you do what they were not willing to take on for themselves. If you even knew the truth of how you came to be… Sun’s head jerked up. How he came to be? His parents? This was the first time the Agrippa had ever mentioned his parents explicitly. “What do you know of my birth?” Don’t you know? Your uncle never told you? The Agrippa saw everything, heard everything, and Sun knew the evil book was enticing dialogue with him. His uncle had warned him about the ways the Agrippa would try to seduce. “Stop it. I do not want to hear any more.” More. There is that word again. You have a brother, Sun. A first born. He has more -friends, family, love, wealth… all the things that you deserve… and he uses these gifts unwisely. The greedy, slothful boy has never had to work a day in his life, does not even begin to comprehend responsibility. He is proud without reason, and he has what should have been your life. Shock bloomed with heat through Sun. He waited in anticipation for the Agrippa to continue, but the book was waiting. Waiting for Sun to make the next move. “A brother?” Yes. He was actually born for the task of Guardian, but your mother… She begged her family to spare her first child. She loved him and wanted him to have everything life could offer. In return for his life, she agreed to bear a second child. Your brother’s life in wealth, riches, and love, should have been yours. Envy coursed through Sun as he clenched his fists and raged against the moon. “Liar.” I am many things, Xiao Sun. Many. But I am no liar. I am a pawn… like you. “Why are you telling me this now?” Sun wrapped his arms around his shoulders and shivered. “You are the author of lies.” I am not Lucifer. The Agrippa laughed. Though I know of his work. Placing his hands over his face, he tried to get the Agrippa out of his head.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 38 -

You need only look inward to know I speak the truth, Xiao Sun. “Hello?” Hogan’s voice traveled through the darkness. “Sun?” We will speak again soon, were the Agrippa’s parting words. Narrowing his eyes, Sun looked for Hogan. The American stepped out from behind a tree. “I thought you had gone to sleep.” The blond man wore what he had told Sun was boxer-briefs. In the dark of the night it was hard to tell the color, but they appeared light, nearly white against Hogan’s skin.

*** Hogan tossed and turned on the bed. Sleep was fortune’s favor, and he didn’t feel fortunate or favored. From what Sun had told him, he now realized his dream of Sun had been real, which meant only one thing. The hulijing was here. Hogan knew he was turning Sun, enticing him with promises of worldly things that would make life better, or so he’d have Sun believing. If Sun only knew how good he had it with this simple existence, never wanting or greedy for more. Before he met me, Hogan thought. He liked Sun. Really liked him. But gay? Where he came from, men didn’t act that way, at least none he hung around. It was football, beer, and women, and nearly in that order. What bothered him the most was he definitely found Sun attractive. Hell, he’d even fantasized once or twice about how it might be. But when Sun brought it up in the courtyard, Hogan froze up. Sun’s body was lined with curved, cut muscle. Not an ounce of fat. More than once, Hogan found himself wanting to reach out and trace the indentions. And powerful, Sun was as strong as a bear. All that might in a small package. Sun’s skin was so smooth, as well, his arms, legs and chest hairless. Hogan, who’d always had a fair amount of hair, wondered if Sun’s cock and balls were hairless as well. Nah, that’d be too weird. But the idea stiffened his cock. He really liked Sun, but could he have sex with him?

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 39 -

He had to focus. No more thoughts about Sun, at least not in that way. Sun’s weakness was greed, the hulijing had said. “You must make him want for more than his home can offer.” Maybe he could be intimate with Sun. It’s not like anyone back home would ever find out. Besides, it wasn’t like he was a religious man. There was absolutely no moral reason not to be attracted to Sun or share his bed. This could work to my favor. If I show Sun what he’s missing, it might just tap into his baser nature. And Hogan was determined to do whatever was necessary to expose Sun’s avarice. His family’s safety, along with his own soul, depended on it. Just as the thought crossed his mind, the scar began to burn again. The hulijing. “Where are you, bitch?”

Chapter 5 Hogan limped to the courtyard. Using his scar like a divining rod, as the burning became more intense, he knew he grew closer to the demon. His eyes widened in horror as he stepped out the front door. A shade, or golem, of himself stood in front of Sun. They were only talking, but a rage Hogan hadn’t felt since learning his wife was a demon coursed through him. He watched as the demon stroked his hands down Sun’s arms, and leaned its body toward Sun, whispering in the Chinese man’s ear. Hogan could feel Sun’s skin on his own fingertips. Sun’s eyes softened with relief and desire. The demon kissed Sun and Hogan’s lips tasted the salt of the soft, supple lips. “No, no, no, no, no…” he whispered. Sun was his, not hers, and he’d be damned if she would get him. He stumbled forward, falling into a branch from a lotus tree. Blossoms fell like snow against the dark courtyard. Sun turned away from the demon. “Hello. Chu?” Shit, shit, shit. How was he going to explain two of him? While Sun had his back turned, the demon shimmered from sight. “Maybe a bird?” Sun shrugged, then turned back around to… nothing. “Hogan?” Hogan had to think fast. He pulled himself up from the ground and braced against the tree. “Over here,” he called. Sun’s eyes narrowed with confusion. “But how…” “I circled around to see where the noise came from. Must have been some kind of animal.” He could see doubt in Sun’s face. “How did you move so quickly? I only turned for a second.”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 41 -

“Oh, I’m full of all kinds of tricks.” Like being in two places at once. He stepped forward out of the shadows of the tree. “I think I hurt my ankle again. You think you could give me some help back to my room?” “Of course.” Poor Sun, so trusting. Hogan hated himself, almost as much as he hated the demon. Sun didn’t deserve this.

*** Sun spent several hours in the library searching through old texts, then another hour meditating before going back to his room. Just as he drifted into sleep, a soft tap came at the door. He turned in bed as it slid open. Hogan stood in the doorway. “Sun? You awake?” “Yes.” “Can we talk for a minute?” Sun sat up in the dark, leaned to the nightstand at the end of the bed and lit a candle. “Come, sit down.” He gestured to the bed. Hogan hesitated. “If you prefer the floor, you may.” “No, the bed’s okay.” Hogan’s voice trembled. He took a seat next to Sun. Placing shaking hands between his knees, he twirled the gold band on his finger. “Are you afraid of something?” Sun guessed Hogan had a terrifying secret, more terrifying perhaps than his own. Hogan looked up at Sun, the dance of the candle flame reflected in his eyes. They looked like two clear pools of water on fire. “A little.” “What do you fear? Not me, I hope.” “No, not you.” His voice was a whisper, soft and low. “I… I have something to tell you.” Hogan’s eyes watered as pain burned across his face. He grabbed his thigh, over the scar. Sun saw the white scar had turned an angry red. He put his finger to Hogan’s lips.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 42 -

“I want to show you something.” Sun crossed the room to the door. “Follow me.” What are you up to, Xiao Sun? the Agrippa asked. Sun ignored it. He led Hogan down the corridor into the third bay. Answer me, boy! He pushed the angry entity’s voice from his head as he stopped in front of the meditation chamber.

*** Hogan was ready to confess to Sun. Everything. Only, when he had tried, the scar roared with pain. The hulijing was not about to allow Hogan to ruin its plans. It wasn’t right, Sun suffering for something Hogan had done. It hadn’t seemed like a bad trade-off, initially, to corrupt one life, a stranger’s at that, to save himself and his family. But after he’d got to know Sun, the task became harder and harder. Sun was a good man, better than anyone Hogan had ever met. His compassion, honesty, and purity touched Hogan. He cared for him in a way he never thought he could feel again, especially toward a man. Because of this, he trusted Sun and followed him through the house without question. When they reached the door of the prayer room, at least that’s the way Hogan thought of it, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He couldn’t help but wonder what was on the other side of the door. “What do you want to show me?” Sun slid the door back. White crystals littered the doorway. He grabbed Hogan’s hand. “I want to show you your salvation,” he answered. Sun stepped inside, but before Hogan could cross the threshold, an unnatural wind pushed him back and an invisible hand grasped his shoulder, digging into his skin. “Not so fast, love,” a familiar voice whispered seductively. The hulijing! His eyes widened as the air glimmered and the demon began to take form. The body was one he was all too familiar with, narrow waist, luscious breasts with dark brown nipples, and curves designed for infinite pleasure -- but when the head materialized, Hogan

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 43 -

staggered back. What the hell? The demon wore his wife’s body, but the head was that of a red fox. “Stay away from me.” “You can’t escape me so easily, husband!” It reached out and grabbed Hogan’s other hand. “No!” he roared as Sun, still holding his arm, yanked him through the door. As he fell across the threshold, the hulijing screamed as its hand passed into the room and burst into flame. It refused to let loose and Hogan could smell burning flesh -- his own hand consumed in fire. Sun pulled harder, dragging Hogan further in the room. The hulijing’s screaming pierced Hogan’s eardrums as its hand turned to ash, and the bright blaze flared up its arm. Before its body was caught with flame, it let go of Hogan and continued to wail behind the invisible shield Sun had erected. Sun threw Hogan to the floor and slid the door closed between them and the demon. Its voice cut off instantly, as if someone had hit the mute button. Hogan cradled his burnt hand, crippled in agony. Sun came to his side with bandages soaked in an oily substance. He wrapped Hogan’s hand and the pain subsided to a dull ache. “How?” The word came out as a breathy pant. Sun pointed to the door. A symbol, twisting and turning, a great beast, in white chalk decorated the front, and the white crystals, in a thick line across the doorway, glinted brightly in the candlelight. “The Futs Lung, dragon of the underworld. He wards evil spirits, and…” He gestured to the floor. “…rock salt, traditionally used to keep demons from passing through a door.” “But how… how did you know it would work?” “I hoped.” Sun rubbed his palms together to warm them, then placed them on Hogan’s shoulders. “What are you doing?” “It is a healing meditation. Hold still.”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 44 -

Sun chanted quietly. His hands grew warmer against Hogan’s skin. His light touch sent a tingle through Hogan making his cock stiffen and shift. He cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment. “Uh, I think it worked. You can stop now.” Sun nodded solemnly, removing his hands. With the pain subsiding, Hogan sat up, keeping the bandage tight to his burns. He couldn’t meet Sun’s gaze. “So you know… about me, that is?” “I know you are damaged.” Damaged? An understatement if Hogan had ever heard one. “I’m so much worse than that.” Placing his palm over the scar on his thigh, he forced himself to face the other man. “I’m a bad man, my friend.” “You have made bad choices, yes. But you are not a bad man. You are merely unfortunate.” He placed his hand on Hogan’s scar. It gleamed white in the dimly lit room. “This is the hulijing’s mark?” “Yes.” Hogan’s skin shivered under the Chinese man’s touch. “She used her fingernails to peel the flesh from my thigh as I slept.” His eyes watered with unshed tears. “For five nights she did this, one strip at a time, and I never knew. Never woke at the time, and never noticed during the daytime. Not until it was over. She’d cast some sort of forgetting spell on me.” He smashed his fist against the scar. “I mean, how do you let someone, or thing, fillet the skin off of you and not notice?” Sun closed his eyes and leaned forward. His breath blew softly against the puffy, white scar. “You are imbalanced.” “You think?” Hogan tried for sarcastic humor, but the tremors in his voice made his words sound more like a plea. “I haven’t been right for a long time. Not since Charlo… I mean, the hulijing took part of my soul.” Sun angled his face toward Hogan’s. “You took the hulijing as your bride?” “Stupid, huh? Well, I have to say, she didn’t have the head of a fox when I married her.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I swear to God I wouldn’t have come here if it had just been about me.” “Why did it choose you?”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 45 -

“I asked her… it… the same question. It laughed and told me I was convenient. Turns out my mom had made a deal with the demon before I was born. Mom’s debt became mine. It was either do this to you, or she would pay a call to my parents and sister.” His hands clenched tightly. “The bitch can have my soul. But when she threatened my family… I did what I had to do.” A sense of relief flooded Hogan as he confessed the truth of himself to Sun. He expected him to be angry, to throw him out the door with the demon, but Sun just gazed at him with amber eyes sparkling like jewels in a platinum setting -- Sun’s lips, full and ripe, pursed in thought. Bowing his head, Sun said, “I understand.” Hogan reached out, placing his fingertips under Sun’s chin, and lifted it until their eyes met. “How did someone so young get to be so wise?” “I am not so wise, or so young.” He gazed at Hogan with a frightening intensity. “I am nearing my fortieth year.” Hogan sucked in a breath. He could hardly believe it. Sun looked younger than Hogan. He would have guessed the Chinese man was hardly twenty-one. Looking into those golden-brown eyes, Hogan felt strangely and strongly drawn to him. Full-on attraction, like kissing Sun and taking him into his arms would be the most natural thing. His cock tented his boxer shorts. “I feel…” “How do you feel, Hogan?” Looking at Sun, his pulse quickened and one word came to mind, salvation. Maybe another word, love. But the idea of loving a man, the notion was so foreign to Hogan. “Is it possible to love somebody, really love them, after only knowing them for a little while? Or does the whole thing sound insane to you?” “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” “Is that one of those Confucius fellow’s sayings?”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 46 -

Sun stared intensely at Hogan, as if seeing to his soul. “No, it is Friedrich Nietzsche. Not always wise, but in this I think he was.” “I wasn’t sure how to feel before…” Hogan dug his fingers into his knees. His skin tightened in anticipation when he closed his eyes, barely touching his lips to Sun’s. Desire and fear shot through him. In that moment, he knew. He’d never wanted anyone like he wanted Sun, completely.

Chapter 6 Sun’s stomach clenched as he pulled away from the kiss. He wanted to trust what Hogan was saying, but he still had doubts. After all, the American had brought the demon to his home. From the texts he’d studied, Sun knew the hulijing was the Agrippa’s to call and manipulate. And the demon had handpicked Hogan to be his corrupter. He’d prepared this room so that he could interrogate the blond man without the influence of the demon, but Hogan had openly confessed. Closing his eyes, he looked at the American with second vision. Where his fourth chakra, Anahata, had once been inky black, it now showed a deep, yet still very dark, green. It meant Hogan had begun to open his heart. Sun opened his eyes. “And now you know how to feel?” “I know. I thought this was what you wanted, too?” “I do. But only if the desire is mutual.” Giving Hogan a way out was difficult. He longed to embrace him, to explore the American’s body, but not because Hogan felt some kind of guilt, or even worse, because he felt like he owed Sun in some small measure. Hogan placed Sun’s hand on his bare chest. “It’s mutual.” Closing his eyes, Sun wove the soft hair between his fingertips. Warm lips pressed his, startling him from second vision. The kiss was simple, chaste, and pleasurable. “Mmm, that was nice.” Hogan caressed Sun’s shoulders and smoothed his hands down Sun’s arms. “Your lips are softer than I thought they’d be.” Hogan’s lips were different from the demon’s, which had taken his form. They were warmer, more relaxed. “What do we do from here?”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 48 -

“Well, I’m no expert, but I’d say…” Hogan kissed him again, “…this is a good start.” Hogan’s tongue felt like silk as it ran along Sun’s lower lip. Sun held perfectly still, feeling he might ruin the moment if he made the wrong move. He could tell Hogan was nervous, the evidence in the tremble of his voice, the shaking of his hands. “I am uncertain…” “You really haven’t ever had sex before, have you?” Sun turned away, ashamed. He shook his head. “No.” Hogan cupped his chin and pulled his face around to him. “Look. It’s okay. You’re a virgin, and I’m in virgin territory.” He stroked Sun’s cheek. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out.” Hogan stood up and took off his boxers. His erection sprung forward from his pants as they dropped to the floor. He reached out his hand and pulled Sun up from the floor. Deft fingers worked quickly to loosen Sun’s belt -- his white pants fell to the floor. Hogan’s eyes widened. “Holy smokes. You’re a lot bigger than I thought you’d be.” Sun crooked his head to gaze at Hogan’s cock. The head, purplish-red, stretched tight, the opening slightly parted, and the shaft bulged with veins. He arched an eyebrow. Hogan was nearly as large as he. “Is that bad?”

Hogan couldn’t believe how big Sun’s cock was, a good ten inches if not a little more. “I’m not sure.” He licked his lips, wondering how Sun would feel and taste in his mouth. Would he be sweet… salty? Neither? Sun grasped Hogan’s hand as he knelt on the floor, bringing Hogan with him. Reaching behind his back, Sun unknotted his braided queue, then turned to face away. Instinctively, Hogan reached out and unbraided the strands, and finger-combed the long, thick black hair until it spilled onto the ground completely covering Sun’s leanly muscled back.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 49 -

He pushed the silky hair over Sun’s left shoulder and leaned his body forward. His cock brushed against the Chinese man’s firm ass, and jerked in delighted response. Hogan sighed. “I never knew,” he whispered. “I never knew I could trust someone so completely with everything.” Sun leaned into his embrace. “And now?” “And now, I know. I haven’t felt safe in so long.” A tear fell down Hogan’s cheek. “Tonight, I feel safe.” Sun rotated in Hogan’s arms, until their chests pressed together. “Tonight, you are safe. But tomorrow remains to be seen.” “I’ll take tonight.” Hogan’s mouth met Sun’s with exigency and hungry desire. Their tongues danced in and around, feeding from each other, loosening both their strong grips on loneliness. Sun grasped Hogan’s cock, stroking it softly, fully, from base to tip, exploring every inch. Hogan’s hand slid to Sun’s as he mimicked the caressing movements. His thumb slipped over the top of the bulbous head, sliding the foreskin back as a pearl of pre-come smoothed slick against his fingertips. Sun moaned against his mouth and that small sound drew fiery warmth to Hogan’s groin, eliciting a groan of pleasure from his own throat. Their lips became fierce and urgent as Sun pushed him backward to the floor. Sun crawled on top of him, never breaking the kiss. Hogan let his hand drop as Sun nudged his thighs apart and slid his legs between. He trailed small kisses down Hogan’s neck, his chest, worrying over both nipples with nibbling teeth before moving down the waist, to his hard, pulsing shaft. “Oh, yes.” He exhaled as the velvety tongue languidly lavished his sensitive cock. “Hell, Sun, you do that like a pro.” Sun stopped and looked up at Hogan questioningly. “A pro?” “Yeah, you know, a professional, someone who…” Hogan ran his fingers through Sun’s hair. “It doesn’t matter. I just meant you do it really well.” His words were rewarded with a shy, but pleased smile.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 50 -

“I am glad I can give you pleasure.” And with those simple, understated words, he greedily took Hogan’s cock back into his mouth. Grabbing a handful of long, black hair, Hogan thrust his hips forward to meet the up and down movements of Sun’s head, watching as his shaft glided in and out between those full lips. His thrusts grew quicker, when Sun jammed his tongue into the small opening of Hogan’s cock. Unexpectedly, a finger, wet with spittle, pushed against his anus. “Oh shit,” Hogan moaned as the tip went into his ass. He shoved his hips forward and felt his cock slide past Sun’s tongue and dead end in the back of his throat. The sensation of both penetrations caused his shaft to harden like granite. His balls tightened to his body as he began to thrust in earnest, fucking Sun’s mouth without mercy as the finger pushed deeper into Hogan’s tight channel. “Oh shit,” Hogan said again. “Shit. I’m going to com --” A loud moan spilled out from his mouth as his body lurched forward and the first surge of orgasm hit him. Sun withdrew his mouth and fisted Hogan’s shaft, stroking him hard and fast as come shot out onto Sun’s chest and down Hogan’s cock. Sun licked and sucked the tip as the glistening fluid came in spurts. Hogan’s whole body shook with ecstasy, until he collapsed back, completely spent. As he lay recovering, his mind raced. “Damn, you curled my toes.” “This is a good thing? Toes curling?” “Very good,” Hogan muttered contentedly. “Then I am pleased.” Not as much as I am. “I’ve been celibate for a long time.” He brushed Sun’s hair with his fingertips. “You were definitely worth the wait.” Placing a hand behind his head, Hogan leaned back and closed his eyes. They popped open when he felt Sun’s tongue drag across his testicles. He crooked his head forward. “It’s going to take me a minute or two or three before I’m ready to go again.”

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 51 -

Sun smoothed a hand up Hogan’s chest. “Trust me.” He ran the tip of his tongue against the sensitive skin between Hogan’s testicles and anus. “You will be ready sooner than you think.” Hogan’s cock stirred in response. “Oh holy hell. Where did you learn this shit?” “I may be inexperienced, but I have read many books, The Art of Making Love, The Kama Sutra, and more.” Closing his eyes, Hogan laid back again. “All right then, boss. I’ll just shut up and let you drive.” Sun shifted backward. “I want you to turn over onto your stomach.” Hogan stiffened -- uncertainty filled his mind. “I’m not sure…” “I will not do anything you do not want me to.” Sun walked to a cabinet across the room. “Please trust me.” Reluctantly, Hogan flipped onto his stomach. Sun was an honorable man, always true to his word. The problem was that Hogan wasn’t certain about what he did and didn’t want him to do.

Sun rummaged through a cabinet and found the jar he was looking for. It contained almond oil, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood, a provocative combination. The nervousness in Hogan’s voice caused him to worry. His cock throbbed with heaviness and need. Sun wanted so badly to join with him, to make love to him. He fixed his eyes upon Hogan’s strong muscled body, his long lean back, firm buttocks that led to shapely legs, and ached with longing. Sitting astride Hogan’s thighs, he uncorked the oil. Hogan tensed. “I will not do anything you do not wish,” Sun reassured the blond man. Only when he placed the warm oil in smooth strokes on Hogan’s back did the young man begin to relax. A simple haiku he’d read and memorized as a child, by Mibu no Tadami, ran through Sun’s head and he spoke it aloud as he kneaded the muscles in Hogan’s back.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 52 -

“It is true I love, but the rumor of my love had gone far and wide, when people should not have known that I had begun to love.” Hogan stirred beneath him. “What does that mean?” “Only what it means,” Sun replied, drawing his thumbs down both sides of Hogan’s spine. The blond man relaxed again. “It’s beautiful.” Sun smiled. Yes, beautiful, and true. He was beginning to love Hogan. And even as he embraced the emotion, he grew frightened. Hogan Ryan was a damaged man, perhaps beyond saving, but as Sun worked his way down to the solid, well-rounded buttocks, he swore he would find a way to free Hogan of the hulijing, even if he had to sacrifice himself. The densely muscled buttocks clenched initially, but as Sun kneaded the firm flesh, they loosened. He poured the scented oil into his hands and allowed a finger to trail the crack, stopping short of going deeper into the crevice. He paused. “May I?” Hogan hesitated, and then nodded. “Yes,” he whispered. Sun splayed Hogan’s cheeks, exposing his rosy hole. He slid his fingertip, thick with oil, to the opening. Hogan tightened, closing his buttocks around Sun’s finger. “Do you wish me to stop?” “No,” Hogan grunted hoarsely. He loosed his muscles in surrender. Sun’s cock twitched with eagerness for something that might or might not happen. He told himself he would be all right whether it did or not. Drawing a circle with his finger around the tightly constricted anus, he massaged the puckered ring until it opened slightly. Adding more oil, he slid the tip into the first ring of muscle. Hogan groaned. “Do you wish me to stop?” “No.” This time his voice was pleading.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 53 -

Sun stretched the muscle gently, lightly tugging at the edges. Hogan moved his thighs apart, inviting to be spread further. Lifting his legs over Hogan’s thighs, Sun knelt between and slipped his hand under Hogan’s stomach. He lifted the blond man until his buttocks were raised high while his chest and face remained on the floor. “What are we doing here, Sun?” “Do you wish me to stop?” “I… no,” he said softly. Using one hand to splay Hogan’s cheeks, Sun grasped the young man’s cock with his other hand. Fully erect. He had been right -- it hadn’t taken long to get Hogan aroused again. Hair falling over his shoulders, Sun dipped his head down and touched the tip of his tongue to Hogan’s rosebud. The American gasped, but he did not tighten up or resist. On the contrary, he pushed his buttocks further up to meet Sun’s mouth. Taking the action as permission, Sun twirled his tongue around the puckered hole while he stroked Hogan’s cock in the same rhythm. Confident, he thickened his tongue and moved it smoothly into the warm canal. “Oh God.” Hogan panted, thrusting his hips back, taking Sun’s tongue deeper into his ass. “That feels so… fucking good.” Encouraged, Sun thrust his tongue in and out of Hogan in quick flickering movements, occasionally licking the puckered skin of the anus. “Yes, oh shit, yes.” Hogan grunted with every jab of Sun’s tongue. “Your tongue is so thick and hot.” He moaned, his breath coming in short pants. “Oh yeah, shit. Fuck my ass with that tongue.” Hogan’s language surprised Sun with its crudity, but it fed his ardent passion as if the blond man had thrown kerosene on a fire. He let go of Hogan’s cock and grabbed his own, sore and swollen from lack of attention. Withdrawing his tongue, he licked across Hogan’s ass two more times then paused. “I… Hogan…” Sun realized he didn’t even know how to ask for what he wanted.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 54 -

Hogan’s voice quivered. “You want to fuck me.” Sun had learned over the past week with Hogan the slang word “fuck” could mean many things depending on how it was used. In this case, Sun knew exactly what it meant. “Yes,” Sun answered. “But only if you wish it.” “I’m nervous,” Hogan replied. “But I do. I do wish it.” Sun crawled up next to Hogan and sat against the wall, fondling his cock. As Hogan sat up, a puzzled expression on his face, Sun gazed into his crystal blue eyes. “Come here.” He gestured to his lap. “I want to see those beautiful eyes, and kiss those luscious lips when I fuck you.”

Hogan, past the point of no return, vibrated with yearning desire. He’d never been rimmed, and when Sun removed his tongue he’d felt so empty. Wherever the Chinaman had learned his bag of tricks, he knew what he was doing, and now Hogan’s ass demanded to be filled. He moved cat-like to Sun, straddling him without a second’s thought. Hogan’s stomach fluttered when the rock hard cock pressed against his crack. “I need you in me,” he whispered. “I need to be in you.” Staring into those golden-brown eyes, Hogan readied himself as Sun guided the tip to Hogan’s asshole. “Are you ready?” Sun asked. Instead of answering, Hogan shifted his weight and took the first inch of the thick cock into him. It felt like he was being stretched impossibly wide, but after a few seconds, his canal relaxed and he took another inch. Another inch, and the sizeable cock hit a pleasure nerve in Hogan that sent pre-come oozing from the head of his cock. A ravenous gasp of delight choked from his throat, sounding wild and animalistic. “Oh, holy mother…” He took another inch.

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Deadly Sins: Avarice

- 55 -

The process of adjusting to Sun’s wide length seemed to go on forever, sometimes painful, but never for long, and the pure bliss of being filled far outweighed the pain. When he’d taken Sun fully in, he raised up slightly, then back down, carefully stroking the shaft with his ass. Sun smoothed Hogan’s hair from his eyes. “How does it feel?” he asked breathlessly. “It feels…” Hogan exhaled sharply as Sun shoved his hips upward sending his cock deeper, “…like nothing will ever compare.”

Sun leaned forward, taking Hogan’s mouth with his, plunging his tongue between those full, plump lips. He’d wanted to cry out when his cock had penetrated the first snug ring of Hogan’s anus, entering with a pop that could be felt, if not heard. The incredible heat from his sleek canal enveloped his cock and sent warmth through his entire body. Now, as he lunged upward, the channel squeezed and massaged his cock in a smooth dragging motion. He rocked his hips forward and back, driving his shaft in and out. “Oh God,” Hogan groaned against his lips. “I can taste you in my mouth,” Sun said fiercely, as he bent forward and gently bit Hogan’s nipple, causing the blond man to cry out. “I can feel your channel squeezing my shaft, pulling it deeper, and tighter within you.” “Fuck me.” Hogan’s mouth went slack with desire. “Fuck me hard and make me come again.” Sun shoved Hogan backward, needing to get leverage to thrust. Hogan braced himself with his forearms as Sun moved over the top of him, lifting a thigh to his shoulder. In the new position, Hogan looked up at Sun with dreamy half-closed lids. “Faster… harder…” Sun obliged with a plunging assault, impaling the pliant ass. A sudden rush of blood gathered red-hot in his groin and his balls tightened upward. The pressure on his

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engorged cock, ready to explode, nearly sent him over the edge. Fearing he wouldn’t outlast his lover, Sun concentrated on the blond man’s pleasure. He fisted Hogan’s rigid cock and stroked it in time with his thrusts, paying careful attention from the head to its base. Hogan sucked in a staccato breath and blew out with a wail of euphoric rapture as his back bowed. Sun rammed him deeper, and Hogan’s ass spasmed in rolling undulations across the stretched surface of his cock. Come spurted between them from Hogan, as the blond man continued to groan with the pleasure coursing through him. Unable to hold back, Sun pumped faster, spilling his seed deep within the silken channel. As the spasms faded to a dull twitch, and his cock thrummed with a dull ache, Sun waited until he softened slightly to withdraw. After, he collapsed beside Hogan. “I am,” he started, placing a light kiss on his lover’s lower lip, “content.” Hogan grinned. “Yeah, me too. Me too.” Soon, the American slept. Sun quietly clothed himself and left the room to talk with Chu about the hulijing. He knew his teacher would not be happy, but Sun had to find a way to save Hogan, for good or ill.

Chapter 7 Hogan woke to find Sun gone. Since he was fairly safe in the room, he didn’t try to leave to find him. Instead, he explored the quarters. There was a large gold Buddha at an altar, with a finely woven tapestry behind it. Incense burners sat symmetrically on both sides. Hogan stepped forward and tripped on a rolled bamboo mat. He grabbed the wall hanging to break his fall, and it ripped. “What?” A huge opening showed from behind. He strolled behind the gold statue and entered. Why is there a cave here? Against his better judgment, but unable to fight curiosity, Hogan started down the long corridor. Nearly a hundred yards in, he scrunched his nose at the damp musty smell of the cave system. “What is this place?” Even with moisture beading the thick, gray walls, there were no stalagmites or stalactites formed. “Impossible.” The cave had to be thousands of years old. Hogan had toured the caverns near Springfield, Missouri, several times. Because of this, he knew that careful attention had been paid to touching the walls to stunt the growth of spears that should be jutting from both the roof of the cavern and floor. He continued forward through the winding corridors, his chest growing heavy with each step. Hogan rubbed his hand over his heart and could feel a pulse jumping through his skin. He fell to his knees in front of a massive door with seven locks as a crippling pressure mounted inside of him. “What the fu…” His lungs seized, cutting off his breath. Sheer panic flooded him. He tried to crawl away from the door, but his limbs were growing cold beneath him. “You should have stayed in the room, husband.”

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The hulijing! But how had she gotten through the room with the wards? Hogan wanted to scream, but nothing would come from his mouth. The demon’s naked body was curvaceous and feminine, like the Charlotte he remembered, but the fox head stared at him with its unnatural smile, roaring with mocking laughter. “Cat got your tongue, sweetheart? Or maybe it was the fox.” She strutted around his fallen body. “You could have been free of me, you know. All you had to do was convince Xiao Sun to sell a few artifacts, give him a taste of the riches he so desperately and secretly desires.” Its sharp fingernails raked across his back as a sucking wind poured into his chest. Hogan coughed and sputtered as his breathing resumed, but he still couldn’t move. The demon had paralyzed him. “Why don’t you leave me alone? I’m no good to you now.” Its piercing laughter echoed through the cave. “I own you. Until the day you die.” “Then kill me already and get it over with.” “Oh, I plan to kill you, but not for a long, long time. I’m not done playing with you yet.” Its tongue lolled from the side of its mouth like a dog’s, panting with excitement. The demon kicked Hogan onto his back and in one motion straddled his waist. Even though its skin looked human, the demon’s thighs felt plush, like fur. It leaned forward, its soft full breasts brushing against his chest. “Don’t you want to play, love? We used to play like this all the time.” The hulijing licked his face and ground its wet pussy against his cock. “Get off of me, you bitch.” Revolting repulsion and nausea surged through him as his cock grew hard against the demon’s movements. “You are a puppet, my dear. I’d hate for you to forget that.” His hands traveled to her nipples of their own volition, or at the volition of the hulijing, as Hogan was powerless to control his own body. “I pull your strings and make you dance.”

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With bile rising in his throat, he knew it was going to rape him, and he couldn’t even close his eyes. “No, dear God. No.” “Hah! You can’t beg to a god you don’t believe exists, Hogan. You are as dead to him as he is to you.” The demon dragged a fingernail down his chest, filleting a six-inch strip of skin from his hide. It placed the flesh to its mouth and ate it. Horror filled Hogan. “This is insane.” “You taste divine, lover. But you always tasted so yummy.” The hulijing licked its bloody finger clean. “That’s one more piece of your soul I own. Over time, you will be completely mine. For eternity.” The hulijing leaned forward, grasping his cock, readying itself to mount him. “Stop, please, please.” “Begging to me now? Good, much better.” The demon slid its slick orifice over Hogan’s shaft, squeezing his cock tightly inside its hot canal. “You always liked that trick, didn’t you?” “I… hate… you!” “Not as much as you hate yourself, babe.” The hulijing readied itself to strip another piece of skin from his chest when a blurring form shot from the passage and knocked the demon from its perch on Hogan. The hulijing shrieked and wailed against its assailant. Hogan blinked. Sun? He felt a sharp heavy object hit his side and land beside him with a clang. “Hogan! Open the door. I cannot hold the demon for long. You must open the door!” Sun yelled. Hogan turned his head and saw Sun pinning the demon against the wall of the cave. Smoke sizzled from the hulijing’s shoulders under the pressure of Sun’s hands. Slowly, the ability to move his arms and legs returned. He crawled to the door. “It’s locked!” “The keys. I threw you the keys. Hurry!”

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Hogan saw the bundle of iron keys on the cavern floor. Still stiff from the paralysis, he dropped them twice before he got back to the huge, iron door. “I’ll kill you!” he heard the hulijing screaming, but when he glanced over his shoulder, Sun still had it restrained against the wall. He placed a key into the first lock and nothing happened. He couldn’t turn it one way or the other. He tried the next key, then the next. Finally, the fourth key opened the first lock. “Can you hold it, Sun? This may take a few moments.” “You must hurry. It is trying to shimmer out of this place and the bone dust I am using to hold it will not last long.” Hogan frantically went to work on the second lock. “You’ve got a plan?” “Yes.” Sun’s voice sounded strained. “The Agrippa is thick in my mind. I am afraid that even if the bone dust lasts, I may not. Now, get the door open.” “I’m on it.” He’d gotten four locks open, three more to go. While shifting through the keys, he wondered what Sun meant by the Agrippa. The last three locks went quickly, and after they were all opened, Hogan swung the large door open as the smell of rotten eggs flowed out into the corridor. Eyes watering from the sulphuric stench, he turned his head and choked back the bile rising in his throat. Inside the room was a large square thing hanging from a twisted beam. It was covered in chains and locks. “What the hell?” A compulsion to reach out and touch this monstrous object pulsed through Hogan, compelling him forward. He tripped into the room. “Don’t touch the book!” Sun yelled. A book? Yes, a book that needed to be opened. Walking to the Agrippa was like trudging through quicksand. His legs felt heavy, leaden. “Hogan! No! The Agrippa kills all it touches!” He looked back at Sun. The hulijing continued to struggle and scream as the Chinese man grabbed its arms and pulled it toward the doorway. He tried to move, to go to Sun and help him, but the compulsion to touch the book became stronger. Hogan

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felt a renewed sense of peace. A feeling he hadn’t had in a very long time. “I must go to the book.”

Chapter 8 Sun watched helplessly as his lover’s hands were mere inches from the large leather bound volume. He knew the Agrippa would destroy Hogan, consume him, if the American were to touch it. Only a Guardian could touch a book of the dead and survive. He understood all too well what Hogan faced. He’d faced the same desire to reach out for the book when his uncle had first introduced him to the Agrippa. But Hogan was different -- he’d had no discipline to resist the temptation of the whispered promises. Open me, Xiao Sun, and I will not take the unfortunate life of your little boyfriend. Sun shook his head, sliding his hands down to the demon’s wrists. “No. I’ll not bargain with you.” Don’t you think I would have had him touch me already if I wanted it to be so? I am the only thing that can save Hogan Ryan. Open me, Xiao Sun, and take your reward. Riches beyond your dreams and a lover to share them with. Besides, you will be free of me. Isn’t that what you want? Tempting, Sun thought, but at what price? He knew the history behind the ancient tome. If opened, disaster would follow, and who would have to die? Chu? The villagers of Jilin who had provided for him and his family over the centuries? Too high. The hulijing jerked its body, but Sun maintained his grip. The demon howled in anger, snapping its maw at Sun. What if the sacrifice is his, not yours? I will take his family as payment. If Hogan Ryan has nothing or no one to go back home to, well, you are almost guaranteed that he will stay with you. He never needs to know the why or how, only that you are the only one left in this world who loves him.

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Sun looked at Hogan, who still stood, arm stretched, mere inches from the Agrippa. The offer, though vile and repugnant, was also tempting. He could have Hogan and the right to pass on Guardianship of the Agrippa. Perhaps to my brother? Sun banished the thought. He wouldn’t place that burden on anyone else. In his distraction, Sun failed to notice the bone dust, which held the hulijing in place, was nearly all but gone from his hands. The demon broke free of him, slashing five long gashes across his chest. Quickly recovering, he threw himself headfirst at the hulijing causing it to tumble forward, knocking Hogan several feet from the Agrippa. Hogan landed on the ground with a whoosh as the breath escaped his lungs. Still, the Agrippa would not be deterred. Which do you prefer me to take? The hulijing or Hogan? the Agrippa asked. I will have one of them. You must choose, Xiao Sun. Open me or I will make the decision for you. Once again, Sun watched as Hogan inched his way toward the book. Sun ran to him, snatching his wrist and tugging the hypnotized American away from the Agrippa. The contact with his lover snapped Hogan from the spell. “What happ --” “No time.” He pulled Hogan back behind him, placing his body as a shield between Hogan and the Agrippa. I warn you, Xiao Sun! “Enough!” Sun roared. “Hogan, escape while you can and shut the door behind you.” “I’m not going to leave you to clean up my mess, Sun.” “Go!” He punched out at Hogan, shoving him back toward the entry. The demon laughed. “You cannot stop me, human.” With lightning speed, it circled Sun and came up behind Hogan, snaring him in an embrace. “This one is mine, and I’ll be taking him with me.” Hurry, before you lose your lover, Xiao Sun. Hogan’s eyes held Sun’s with remorse and resolve. He has accepted death.

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It doesn’t have to be this way, the Agrippa whispered. The demon is mine to control. And once again, the fate of Hogan Ryan is in your hands. Open me, now! Making his decision, Sun walked to the Agrippa and unlatched the locks that held it in place. It dropped heavily to the ground, landing on its back, as the hulijing cackled behind him and the Agrippa’s cry of exalted triumph echoed in his mind. Only one lock remained -- the one that kept the book closed. “Let Hogan leave this place and close the door behind him or I will not open your pages.” Open me first, then you both can go free and enjoy your rewards. “No. He leaves, or I will not do as you wish.” “Sun, don’t do it,” Hogan said, struggling against the hulijing. “I’m not worth it.” The demon wrapped its arm around Hogan’s throat to hold him still. “Shut up, fool.” Open my pages, Xiao Sun. Open me! He’d failed. The Agrippa had called his bluff. His shoulders slumped with exhaustion. “No.” Then Hogan Ryan’s life is forfeit to the hulijing. The air shimmered around the hulijing as its form wavered in and out of transparency. Sun stepped forward and gazed intently upon the demon. “Did you think to come and go in this room as you please, foul spirit? This room is on consecrated ground. You cannot escape with your tainted magic.” The demon tried to flee once more, but this time, it barely achieved a diaphanous state. With hate-filled ferocity, the demon threw Hogan like a rag doll across the floor, sending him rolling. His head hit the rock with a thud, knocking him unconscious. The fox-headed hulijing scoffed a bark of laughter. “He’ll keep until later. For now, you’re out of bone dust, which leaves you in quite the predicament.” “I will kill you, demon, and send your ashes to Hell.” “Tsk, tsk. Killing is immoral, Xiao Sun. I don’t think you have it in you.” “It is not immoral to kill a monster.”

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The hulijing tapped its elongated chin. “Hmm, well, perhaps…” The demon’s form began to transform like melting wax. Shoulders widened, legs grew thick with muscles. Hair sprouted like new grass over the demon’s chest as its breasts flattened and expanded into hard, well-formed pectorals. Lastly, its face elongated and flattened, its features becoming human, male. It had transfigured itself into Hogan. Holding its hands out, the naked demon strode forward toward Sun. “Am I really such a monster?” It winked. “You didn’t think so when I was sucking your cock. How do you want to die, Xiao Sun?” The demon, now in Hogan’s form, fondled its genitals. The hulijing’s large cock grew harder and longer with every caress to nearly twice Hogan’s size. “Maybe you’d like me to fuck you to death?” “You have no power here.” Sun’s voice held steady, stronger than he actually felt. “Oh,” it said, stroking its massive cock. “I’m going to show you power. I may not be able to leave this room, but neither can you, and I plan to split you wide open before I kill you.” Sun tried to open his mouth to protest, but he couldn’t move his jaw. He willed his hand forward, to reach out, but it remained limp at his side. His whole body stood frozen in paralysis. But how? The hulijing licked its finger. “Your flesh was even better than Hogan’s. Very tasty, exotic. But like all good Chinese, it leaves me hungry for more.” The false blue eyes the demon wore flashed red as it stalked toward Sun. In the hulijing’s advance, Sun noticed it gave the Agrippa a wide berth. It is avoiding the book. The knowledge did nothing to ease his mind. He was immobile with no hope of escape. I can stop this. Just think of what your life could be, Xiao Sun. Sun sent the Agrippa his thoughts. I will not. Have it your way, boy. Since I’ve been introduced to the American, I think he will be a good substitute for you. Once you’re dead, he will be the new Guardian.

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Mocking laughter ripped from the hulijing’s mouth, sending a clear message that it had been privy to the conversation between the Agrippa and Sun. And, the Agrippa added, we already know how easy he is to corrupt. Sun stilled his mind, readying himself for the humiliation and death that would soon come at the hands of the demon. So be it.

A massive pain mounted in Hogan’s skull. Reluctantly, he forced his eyes open. Through blurred vision, he saw Sun standing rigid while the hulijing advanced toward him. Voices? He heard three of them in the room, but there was only Sun and the demon. Where was the third coming from? The conversation had something to do with choices, and guardians, and… Sun’s death? Adrenaline surged through Hogan’s body, sharpening his vision. The hulijing wore his form, naked, hard, and ready. Hogan could feel the emotions pouring through the demon -- anger, hatred, and a warped sense of joy. The anger was mostly due to the difficult time the demon was having holding Sun in place. It took more effort than it should. Hogan knew the demon’s powers were weakened in here. His heart pounding in his chest, he managed to stand. Bracing his back against the wall, he watched as the hulijing tugged its enormous cock and planted a kiss on Sun’s neck. A shiver swept through Hogan. “Stop,” he rasped, his throat still raw from being choked. The hulijing either didn’t hear, or it chose to ignore him. Hogan’s breath became a quick pant as he drew what strength he had left and raced forward, head first into the hulijing. Pain exploded as his already sore skull made contact with the demon’s right side. After the impact, the demon spun away from Sun, and Hogan stumbled forward, his knees and palms scraping the hard ground. Hogan’s body halted while he knelt on all fours. “I was going to save you for later, pet.” The demon paced around him. “But I will reward your eagerness with immediacy.”

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From the corner of his eye, he saw Sun wiggle his fingers. Hogan wasn’t certain, but he guessed the hulijing might not be able to hold him and Sun at the same time. The demon’s breath hissed from its nose as it too noticed the movement. It held out a hand. “I’ll get to you soon,” it directed at Sun. With that moment of attention on Sun, Hogan was able to drop down on his elbows. Quickly, he crawled behind the hulijing and in front of the large book on the ground. The demon spun around. “What do you think you are doing?” Before it could paralyze him again, Hogan yelled, “Hit it, Sun! Now!” He hoped Sun understood and braced for the impact. Before the hulijing could react, Sun rammed the demon with his shoulder, sending the hellspawn over Hogan’s back and onto the Agrippa. A high-pitched whine whistled from the hulijing’s mouth as it lay writhing on top of the Agrippa. “Master! Master, don’t! I have served you well!” Reaching down to help Hogan up, Sun’s soft, usually gentle face hardened as he stared at the hulijing in disgust. “Only a Guardian may touch the Agrippa and survive.” He crossed his arms. “This includes demons.” “No… no… No!” the hulijing screeched as its body convulsed, shifting from Hogan’s form back to the naked female with the head of a fox, then melting into a puddle of green ooze, until it finally disappeared into the cover of the Agrippa. Hogan felt a tingling in his thigh and chest along with an audible pop in his head. The voices of Sun and something else that had been thick in his mind went away. His pulse finally slowing, he looked at the fresh wound and old scar as they both disappeared, new skin covering the hulijing’s marks. “That’s weird.” Sun raised an eyebrow. “What?” “I could like hear your thoughts and stuff, but now I can’t.”

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Nodding, Sun walked around the book. “Briefly, parts of our souls shared the same existence in the hulijing. It is gone, and with that our souls returned. You are free now. You may return home to your family.” Stunned, Hogan nodded. “Yes, I suppose I can.” Making a low grunt of irritation, Sun shrugged then rubbed his hands together. Hogan stood next to Sun, shoulder to shoulder. He reached out and placed his palm on his lover’s hands. “If it’s all right with you though, I’d like to stay for awhile.” Though Sun didn’t smile, his eyes lit with happiness. “Yes, I would like that very much.” Hogan did smile. “Good. It’s settled then.” Sun gestured to the door. “You must leave now so I can attend to the Agrippa.” Hogan’s gaze fell to the large, six-foot by six-foot tome. A heavy burden indeed. “Don’t you need some help? I mean, I know I can’t touch it and all, but maybe there’s something I can do?” “You already have helped me, but this I have to do alone.” Anger edged Sun’s voice. “I have unfinished business with the Agrippa.” As Hogan left the room, he looked back once and watched in awe as Sun wrestled the book from the floor. He’d never met anyone with Sun’s strength, physically, emotionally, or mentally. He ventured to guess that he never would again.

Chapter 9 Sun gasped as the tickle of soft kisses along his spine woke him from a deep sleep. A pleasant chuckle sounded from behind him, as Hogan worked his hands between his stomach and the bed sheet. Strong fingers slid down Sun’s abdomen, brushing his already hardening shaft. “Good morning,” Hogan said in a low, heady voice. It had been three months since the American had agreed to “stay awhile” and Sun counted his blessings for each day. Wen Chu had been wary about the decision, but he acknowledged that Sun was the master of the house. The Agrippa, on the other hand, protested for weeks, but when Sun refused to answer, the book stopped speaking to him. He still felt its presence at times. Hogan lay on his side propped up on one elbow, his cock rigid and thickly veined. Rolling over, Sun glided his fingertips across the firm cuts of muscle on his lover’s stomach. “Good morning,” he murmured back. Hogan cupped Sun’s balls lightly with his hand and gave them a gentle squeeze. His cock twitched and stiffened in response. He bit down on his lower lip and moaned. Hogan’s mouth quirked up into a half-smile. “Damn, you’ve got a big dick.” Sun had been shocked at first with Hogan’s crude talk during intimate moments, but now it fired his blood with hunger and lust. He grasped Hogan’s hair and drew his face forward, sucking the blond man’s lower lip into his mouth, then released it. He’d let go of the fantasy of pretty words he’d heard Jin and Chu whisper to each other all those years ago for something much better, something real. “All the better to fuck you with.”

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“Shit, you’ve got a nasty mouth on you.” Hogan’s half-smile turned into a grin. “I like it.” His breath came fast as he pressed his lips to Sun’s, darting his tongue between the straight, white teeth. Sun responded in kind with subtle urgency as his heart quickened its pace. Gliding his hand down Hogan’s thigh, he pushed him onto his back with his shoulder, and then slid on top, resting his lower body between Hogan’s legs. Working his mouth to Hogan’s ear, Sun tugged his lobe with light nibbles. Hogan crooked his head around to look at Sun. “Are you sure you don’t want to sell one of your old pieces around here? It could be something small.” Sun laughed. They’d had this conversation more than once. “Are you trying to tempt me with greed again, Hogan Ryan?” “No.” Hogan chuckled. “Just thinking a vacation to the Greek islands might be nice.” Sun tapped his chin. “Maybe.” A odd compulsion entered his mind. “How about Bailey, Colorado, instead? For vacation I mean.” “Bailey?” He pushed his thigh between Sun’s legs. “I was thinking some place a little less… Mid-America.” “Fine. Fine.” Sun’s smile was feral, hungry. The urge to travel to Colorado was still there, but he acquiesced for the moment. “For now, though, I am thinking there is no place like home.” Grinning, Hogan kissed him. “I knew I shouldn’t have told you the story of The Wizard of Oz.” “I liked that tale very much. Besides, you should always tell me everything.” He tugged the blond’s lower lip between his teeth. “But for now, less talk, I think.” “For now,” Hogan happily sighed. For now, Xiao Sun, the Agrippa agreed. Sun’s eyes widened as the Agrippa’s laughter rang loud and long through his head.

The… End?

Read about the other books in the Deadly Sins Series from Changeling Press!

Deadly Sins: Envy by Kira Stone Oliver St. John is following a dangerous path which he hopes will lead him to one of the demonic Agrippa books. His investigation has brought him as far as Brazil, but no one will speak of the man rumored to guard the deadly tome. Raphael Georges Pedro Martinez is investigating a rival, someone who could wrest the ancient, possessed Agrippa known as Envy from his control. Instead of an enemy, he finds an educated man who makes him feel as though love was created just for the two of them to share. Both men have secrets they hide from the other. Will their love be strong enough to survive the lies, or will the Agrippa’s power drive them mad with ENVY?

Deadly Sins: Lust by Lacey Savage Welcome to the Di Maldo castle, where lust drives even the sanest person wild with desire… Molly Di Maldo lives in a world shrouded in darkness, shadows and constant, throbbing need. As the Guardian of the Agrippa, an ancient demon bent on possession and destruction, her purpose is simple: ensure the book is never opened. It should be an easy task for anyone pure of heart and able to withstand the constant temptation permeating the halls of the ancient Di Maldo castle. But Molly’s not pure. Her soul cries out for pleasure, answers every deliberate attempt the Agrippa makes to draw her toward the ultimate seduction. Lately, no

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amount of erotic books, toys or movies are able to quench the constant longing pouring through her body. That is, until Jared Roberts leaps over a windowsill and into her castle. What’s Molly to do when confronted with a real, flesh and blood man who can satisfy her every burning desire? But the Agrippa is always watching, constantly aware of the Guardian’s needs. When it sends an incubus to sweeten the deal, will Molly be able to resist the masculine temptation surrounding her from all sides?

Deadly Sins: Anger by Lexxie Couper Ira McKenzie is a troubled man. He has spent his life struggling with the undeniable anger that scorches through his veins. And the irrational feeling he is someone else, someone more than an Australian graphic artist. Someone rich. Someone powerful. Someone to fear. But in the arms of Beatrice ‘Rickie’ Sullivan, Ira finally feels like he has found his place in the world. At last he is at peace. Rickie Sullivan is every man’s fantasy. Twenty-four years old. A swimsuit model. Beautiful in every aspect. Drop dead gorgeous, she exudes a sensuality none can deny. Or ignore. But Rickie is more than just a stunning face and body. She’s intelligent, kind and gentle. And madly in love with Ira. Life just can’t get any better. Until Shahla enters Ira’s world. Who is the mysterious redhead only he can see? What does she have to do with the strange book suddenly appearing in his attic? A book that radiates death and sin? How can she make him hornier than he’s ever been in his life with just a look, and at the same time turn his anger into bloody, murderous rage? And, more frighteningly, why can’t he resist her?

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Deadly Sins: Sloth by Eve Vaughn How could two sisters be so different? Two gorgeous women. Two totally opposite points of view. Billie Cartwright’s always paid her own way, never willing to rely on her family’s wealth. She’s determined to prove her own worth. Her sister Felicity is always after whatever she can get with her good looks and charm -- and she’s not above bending the rules. Billie’s spent most of her life getting her shiftless sister out of scrapes. But this time, Felicity has gone too far. When the sisters discover they’ve inherited an aging mansion from a mysterious aunt, Felicity’s more than happy to take whatever she can get. Billie’s more than a little skeptical -- till she meets Grant Jorgensen, the trustee of their great-aunt’s will. Grant and Billie bump heads, but the instant attraction between the two is explosive. Billie’s head is filled with wet dreams for the sexy lawyer. The two meet again for one steamy night of passion, only to realize once will never be enough. Then Felicity’s accused of murder, and Billie discovers the forbidden secrets of the Agrippa. She’s ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for her sister, but nothing and no one will stop Grant from claiming his woman!

Deadly Sins: Gluttony by Belinda Richmond and Elizabeth Jewell With the inheritance of an Agrippa from his uncle, Alec Roth discovers an incredible zeal for the best that life has to offer. Under its influence, he became a wellknown gourmet chef, living a life of indulgence and gluttony of every imaginable kind. But after a near-fatal heart attack, Alec has held firm against the book and its attendant demon, Beelzebub, determined to rebuild his life on his own terms.

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Then he meets Lillian. Beautiful and intelligent, her very presence sets him on fire, makes him want. But Lillian is more than she seems, and the power of the book, and Alec’s own desires, may be more than he can resist.

Deadly Sins: Pride by Lena Austin “Pride, Envy, Avarice -- these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.” -- Dante Alighieri Who guards the Guardian of the demonic book, The Agrippa of Pride? Ex-con man Ian Hershey thought he was in the art dealer business for the money, the fame, and especially the glamour of the New York art world. That is, until Ian’s connection to his most mysterious client and cyber-buddy Dan Roman lands Ian in the hospital, beaten and tortured for Dan’s whereabouts. Ian runs to Dan’s home in the Rockies, hoping to save his friend. As Guardian of the Agrippa of Pride, Dan has resigned himself to the life of a recluse. The Internet provides him with all the human contact he needs. That is, until Ian shows up on his doorstep just ahead of the Russian Mafia. They know who Dan is and what he guards, and they want to use both for the power inherent in the demonic book. The demon housed in the book, Grip, has manipulated the situation, and the Russians are just one step in his plan for world chaos. Just the kind of thing Grip loves. Ian has a plan to stop Grip, but only if he can get the demon to cooperate, and get Dan to swallow his pride. Everybody loves a sinner. Especially a demon.

Reneé George Reneé George was born and raised in California. She has lived in Hawaii and Texas, before settling in the Midwest. Happily married for fifteen years, Reneé lives a hectic, but fulfilling, life with her husband and her sweet baby boy (okay, so he’s eleven now, but he is still her baby!). As a self-proclaimed voyeur, she thinks that there is something distinctly voyeuristic in most people. Watching the lives, loves, and selfdiscovery of unique characters unfold in the written word can be extremely satisfying. It’s like knowing a great secret. Fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction have always been a big part of her life, allowing her to escape the mundane. She became hooked on alternative worlds and realities after reading J. R. R. Tolkein’s books when she was nine years old. She enjoys writing strong characters with even stronger desires. Her website is at www.romance-the-night.com.