Unleashing Angel

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. Unleashing Angel TOP SHELF An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright 2010 by Mel Spenser Cover illustration by Alessia Brio Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-60370-980-4 www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: May 2010 Printed in the USA

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Dedication For my friend, Lisa Swan. She’s got the best ideas…

Special thanks to my brother, Barry, who is always supportive, and ensures that I actually write something; and to my friend, Ali Magnum, who gave me that final push I needed to finish this book. Also, thanks to my friend, Michael Thomas Ford, who gives excellent advice; and, whether he realizes it or not, was the catalyst for this book.

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Unleashing Angel by Mel Spenser Chapter 1 Angel turned the Jeep off the main highway onto an unmarked dirt road. Even if the moon hadn't been full, illuminating the night, he still would have been able to find his way. He'd driven this road many times over the last few years. A clearing opened up before him. It wasn't a parking lot, yet there was an assortment of six pickups and cars. Angel pulled up next to the one on the end. He cut the engine and sat very still for a moment. The top of his Jeep Wrangler was off and he listened intently. Waiting. Then he heard it. The howl came from his left, perhaps a half mile away. Within moments, another howl mirrored it off to his right. Satisfied, Angel settled down in the driver's seat to wait. He'd been through this routine many times. For almost an hour he sat and listened to the night sounds. He had almost dozed off when he heard the unmistakable sound of running. He sat upright. The first wolf came into sight at the edge of the clearing. Unleashing Angel - 4

As it came forward, two smaller ones appeared. Angel got out of the Jeep and stood next to it, watching them. The largest one with a black head and lighter body was in the lead. It stopped and raised its muzzle, sniffing the air. Three more wolves, these lighter in color and smaller, about the size of German shepherds, bounded into the clearing. They stopped when they became aware that Angel was standing there. For a moment, the wolves and Angel were still. All was quiet until, in the distance, more howling could be heard. As Angel watched, the lead wolf transformed. Fur disappeared. Paws morphed to hands and feet. The head changed until a recognizable face appeared where the wolf face had been. The process was very quick, perhaps seconds. The face grinned at him. "Angel!" "Hola, Hector," Angel said. "Hola! When did you get back?" "Around dinner time." Hector walked over to one of the trucks and picked up a pair of jeans that was lying on the open tailgate. Angel looked away as Hector got dressed. The other wolves, two males and three females, had transformed and were heading to their cars for their clothes. "Did you guys have a good run?" Unleashing Angel - 5

"Oh, man! It was great!" Hector said. As he pulled on a Tshirt, he added, "You're still not ready to come with us yet, are you?" "No." "You just need to get the job done. That's what all of us did. It's no big deal." He gestured toward the girls who were now dressed. "Any of them would be okay with helping you out. I don't know why you've waited so long, anyway." "I'm just not ready yet." "Well, you need to do it soon. You don't know what you're missing. We need to get you laid, man. And soon." Not likely, Angel thought.

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Chapter 2 "Where are you going this time, Brian?"

Brian tensed. He hadn't heard Sam walk into the room

because he was intent on packing. By Sam's tone, he knew that he was in for another argument. "I have to go to Arizona," Brian said. "I'm going to do a land survey for a large contract that we just won." "Were you even going to tell me that you were going?" "I would have, but you're never here," Brian said, not looking at Sam. "I never know where you are anymore, or

if you're even going to come home."

"I was having fun," Sam said.

Brian didn't respond to that and continued to pack. Sam

walked over to the tall dresser and started picking at his

perfectly styled hair with his fingers.

"When are you coming back?"

"Five weeks," Brian said.

"Five weeks! Summer will be over with by then! What am I

supposed to do while you're gone?"

"Just do what you always do," Brian said. Then he said

under his breath, "Whatever that is."

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"I can't believe that you are just leaving me alone like this," Sam said. He was beginning to whine, which recently had started getting on Brian's last nerve. "You never think of me. You just do whatever you feel like." Brian stopped packing, and they looked at each other's reflections in the mirror. "In case you hadn't noticed, I'm the one with the job. I'm the one who pays for everything. One of us has to be responsible." "I've been looking for work," Sam said. "I just haven't found anything." "Nothing? In eight months? This is LA. There are lots of jobs out there." "I haven't found anything that I like." "No, the truth is that you don't want to work. You're happy with me paying for everything while you go out and party all night," Brian said. "Sometimes I don't see you for days at a time." "I like to have fun." "Well, I'm not having fun, Sam." Brian closed his suitcase and put it on the floor with the others. "I think it's time that you found another place to stay," he said. Unleashing Angel - 8

"You're kicking me out? But I don't have a job. Where would I stay?" "You might try one of the friends who you've been spending so much time with," Brian said. "Maybe they have a place where you can crash." "I thought that you loved me," Sam said. Brian knew that Sam was going for Brian's weak spot. It usually worked, but this time it wasn't going to. "I thought that I did too," Brian said. "But..." Sam stopped primping in the mirror and looked at Brian's reflection. "But, what?" Sam asked when Brian didn't complete the sentence. "Look, Sam. It's not working," Brian said. "We want different things. I had wanted to settle down and be with one person. You want to party. It's just not going to work." "Yeah? Well you know what, Brian?" Sam asked, finally turning around to look at Brian. Brian could tell that Sam was getting mad. And when he got mad, he got petulant. "You're boring. That's right. You never want to go out. You don't get high. You work all the time. We're both young, man. You're acting too old." "Sam, we're pushing thirty. We're not kids anymore," Brian said. "I like to have fun. I just have other ideas of what fun is. Getting high and crashing at someone's apartment isn't Unleashing Angel - 9

my idea of a good time." "So you're just leaving?" Sam asked, following him out to the driveway. "What am I going to do?" "You need to find another place to live," Brian said. "I'll be back at the end of summer. That should give you enough time to be out." "Just like that. You're kicking me out." "Well, it is my house," Brian said. "You prick." Brian ignored him and got into the SUV. He backed out of the driveway, and as he was pulling away, he saw Sam walk back toward the house. Brian hoped that when he got back, Sam would be gone. What Brian had said was true. He did want to find someone and settle down. He had spent years cruising bars and getting into bad relationships. Sam was just another example of his bad judgment. Maybe there wasn't anyone out there for him. At any rate, Brian knew that the last several months had been a waste. He decided that he wasn't going to make the mistake of hooking up with anyone else again for a long time. *** As soon as he cleared the Los Angeles area and headed east on the San Bernardino freeway, he felt the tension finally leaving his body. As the traffic became less congested and Unleashing Angel - 10

the landscape changed, he started looking forward to the next several weeks. He was heading down to a remote area in Greenlee County, Arizona. Their client, Kreodyne, was a large company, and was willing to pay a lot for the land survey that Brian had been contracted to do. From what he understood, they wanted to see if the land was usable for a manufacturing plant. Brian's job was to test the suitability for such a project and to provide an estimate of the value of the land. He looked forward to the trip for a variety of reasons. The obvious reason was getting away from Sam and their deteriorating relationship. But what he was really looking forward to was being away from the city for a while. Part of his survey would take him to areas so remote, that he would have to rent a guide and horses to get there. He loved going out into nature, and had done a lot of day hiking before he met Sam. He wasn't too great with horses, but he figured he could manage well enough. In addition to the SUV full of surveying equipment, he had also brought his camera equipment. He planned to take photographs of wildlife and develop them in the darkroom that he had set up in his house. He would be near the Blue Range Wolf Reserve, an area that was set aside to reintroduce the Mexican wolf that had almost gone extinct. If he was really lucky, he might spot one of the wolves and get a picture of it. He hadn't arranged anything beforehand, but he figured that he would be able to hire a local person who knew the area well. The place where he was staying was adjacent to the Unleashing Angel - 11

remote area, and he had at least done his homework in order to know that he could rent horses nearby. Yes, he was looking forward to a nice relaxing month away from the city, and from any drama with ex-boyfriends. *** Several hours later he had made it to Phoenix. The trip was too long to comfortably make it in one day, and he was in no hurry. Since he'd gotten a late start, he had booked a room at a motel for the night, intending to finish the trip the next day. He found the motel easily enough. Once he checked in, he got settled and took a shower. Then he set off to find food. When he walked into a nearby diner, he was immediately greeted by a pretty blonde hostess. She turned on the charm, flirting with Brian as she led him to his table. She was replaced by a waitress who was also young and pretty. She made it perfectly clear all through dinner that there was more on the menu than just the food. When Brian finished his meal, he left, leaving her a nice tip. She seemed somewhat confused that he wasn't going to take her up on her obvious offer. However, Brian politely feigned ignorance and then got the hell out. He was heading back to his motel when he remembered a gay club that he had noticed the last time he had passed through town. He hadn't gone there then because he had been in a relationship with Sam. However, a lot had happened, and he decided to go check it out. He supposed that he had been in denial for some time Unleashing Angel - 12

where Sam was concerned. He had fallen for Sam hard. Sam had seemed to be everything that Brian had wanted in looks and personality. Sam was a petite brunet and was very stylish with a tan complexion. Brian had always had a weakness for that physical type to begin with. Sam also had a lot of friends, was always the life of the party and ready for the next one. However, Brian quickly grew tired of the night life, wanting to spend more time alone with Sam and slip into a comfortable relationship. Sam, on the other hand, kept looking for the next party. Brian suspected that Sam had been cheating on him for the last couple of months. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what had been going on. At first, Sam had started hanging around with friends when Brian worked late. Then Sam had started coming home later and later. Brian could smell the alcohol and pot on Sam's clothes. Sam also smelled of other things that Brian didn't even want to think about. Then Sam didn't even bother to come home at night. Lately, he had been disappearing for days at a time. It had gotten to the point where Sam had stopped returning Brian's calls. Then, after several days of not hearing from him, Sam would show up. As a result, they hadn't had sex in ages. Well, at least Brian hadn't had sex in ages. And now that he had finally broken it off with Sam, Brian was more than ready to get laid. That was Brian's main thought as he turned into the parking lot of the club. He was going to get laid, damn it. It had been way too long. When he walked into the club, he looked around, checking out the atmosphere. It was busy for a Thursday. Several guys were dancing while others stood around trying to talk Unleashing Angel - 13

over the loud music. Brian went to the bar and ordered a drink. Once he got it, he turned around and leaned on the bar to check out the crowd. There were a lot of goodlooking guys, and he decided that he wouldn't have much trouble finding what he needed. He didn't have long to wait, as he was immediately cruised. The muscular blond was nice, but not what Brian was looking for. Being every bit of six foot three, Brian preferred small men. He liked his partners to be petite and almost delicate. Blond and fair was okay in a pinch, but he liked brunet and tan. And there were so many guys in the place, he decided to be a little choosy. He hadn't done a pick-up in a bar in a long time, but it was amazing how easily he slipped back into the game. After a few drinks, Brian started to get into the spirit of the chase. Soon, he spotted someone that he liked. The guy was exactly how Brian liked them. Brian smiled, and the guy immediately came over to him. "Well, hi there, tall, dark and handsome," the guy said, smiling up at him. "I wondered if you were here just to look, or what." "Or what," Brian said. He vaguely thought that maybe he had had too much to drink. It felt like he had a stupid grin on his face. "Or what is good. I'm Gary, by the way. And you are?" "Brian." "It's definitely nice to meet you, Brian. I haven't seen you Unleashing Angel - 14

here before." "Just passing through," Brian said. "Passing through is good, too," Gary said. Gary moved close and leaned back against the bar next to Brian. When Brian felt a hand on his ass, he laid an arm across Gary's shoulders. Then he felt the hand slide into the back pocket of his jeans and stay there. Brian fleetingly thought again about how fast and easy all of this was moving. He also had a buzz going on in his head. The alcohol and long day of driving were starting to take their toll. When they finished their drinks, Gary took Brian's hand and started leading him through the bar. They went down a hallway and into a dimly lit back room. Brian could make out several couples together. Some were sitting on sofas or chairs that were strategically placed in semi-private areas separated by curtains hanging from the ceiling. Others were standing around the room in darkened alcoves. Over the muffled music, Brian could hear moans and other sounds that indicated that this was not a room for conversation. Gary led him to one of the curtained-off areas. Inside was an oversized stuffed chair with rolled arms. Gary flopped down onto it and pulled Brian with him. Once Brian was next to him on the chair, Gary didn't waste any time. He leaned Brian back and pressed his body against Brian's. He kissed Brian aggressively as he ran his hand over Brian's chest through the shirt’s fabric. Brian instinctively put both arms around the smaller man, pulling Gary to straddle Unleashing Angel - 15

Brian’s lap Brian leaned back and let Gary have at it. Gary’s hands worked on Brian’s belt and zipper as they kissed. It didn't take long before Gary had pulled out Brian's cock and began stroking the underside of it. Then Brian felt a different heat against his cock. He realized Gary’s cock had been freed from it’s confines and was rubbing against Brian's as they continued kissing. Brian's hands slid into the back of Gary's jeans and cupped his ass. There wasn't much room in the tight jeans, so Gary straightened up on his knees. When he did, Brian used both hands to push Gary's jeans down to his thighs. Then Brian's hands went to work squeezing Gary's ass and running fingers along the crease. Gary leaned over and kissed Brian as he wiggled his hips. Then Gary froze when Brian's fingers found his hole. Brian was surprised to feel that Gary was already lubed up and ready to go. Gary smoothly rocked against Brian's hand as Brian's fingers pushed into him over and over. Gary finally broke the kiss and straightened up on his knees again. He fished around in his pocket and removed a condom. He tore open the package and rolled it onto Brian's cock. Then he stood up with his jeans around his thighs, pulling Brian to stand as well. Gary turned away from Brian and then rubbed bare ass cheeks over Brian's groin while holding onto Brian's thighs. Brian ran his hands up under Gary's shirt and caressed the slim chest. Then Gary bent over and rested both elbows on the chair, offering that cute ass to Brian. Brian put a hand on each of Gary's ass cheeks and spread them wide. He Unleashing Angel - 16

stepped close, pressing his crotch against Gary's ass and rubbed the underside of his cock against Gary's hole. Gary wriggled and pushed against Brian almost frantically. Brian took his cock in hand and lined it up with Gary's hole. Brian worked his cock against the tight opening until he was able to get the head of it past the ring of muscle. Gary relaxed some more and Brian pushed in. Gary was tight, and Brian felt the squeeze as he sank deep. Once fully inside, Brian paused for a moment. Gary was exquisitely tight, and Brian was almost overcome by the heat gripping his cock. It vaguely registered with Brian that he was in a public place having sex with a stranger. Since he'd gotten older, this was so unlike him. However, at that point, he was powerless to stop. It had been too long for Brian, and Gary's ass just felt too good. Brian slowly withdrew almost all the way, and then he slid back in until his crotch was pressed up against Gary's ass. He stood still, looking down in the half light at his dark trimmed pubes up against Gary's white ass. When he didn't move, Gary bucked into him, obviously trying to get Brian started. Brian took the hint. He gripped Gary's hips and started thrusting. It had been so long since Brian had sex that he just started pounding away at Gary's small, tight ass. As Brian rammed him over and over, he could feel Gary jacking himself off. The whole atmosphere of the place was surreal. The music, the couples around them having sex, and the sensation of Gary's tight anus on his cock quickly became overwhelming. Before long, Brian came hard and Gary was right with him. Unleashing Angel - 17

They didn't have the luxury to take the time to come down off of their high. When he was done, Brian pulled out, holding onto the condom. Gary straightened up and turned toward him. Brian looked down at Gary's smiling face in the dimness of the room. "God, Brian. That was intense," Gary said as he pulled up his pants, tucked himself away, and adjusted his clothes. "It's been awhile," Brian admitted. He pulled off the condom and tossed it in a nearby trashcan. "It may have been a while for you," Gary said. "But, baby, you know how to give a boy a good ride." "You're not so bad yourself." "Got any plans for tonight?" Gary asked. He was obviously offering more of the same, but Brian had gotten what he had come for. Gary was nice, but Brian was not interested in more than just a hook-up right then. It was almost as if Gary was his final break from Sam. Having been faithful to Sam while they were together, this brief coupling with Gary took on a symbolic split to the relationship. It was officially over with Sam, and now Brian could move on. "I've got to get some rest," Brian said. "I have to leave early in the morning. But thanks." "Oh, my pleasure," Gary said. "If you pass back through, stop by. I'm usually here on the weekends. Sometimes I work the bar during the week. You can just ask for me." Unleashing Angel - 18

"I'll keep that in mind, Gary," Brian said. "Thanks." Brian left the bar shortly after that and went back to his motel. He took another shower, and had barely flopped across the bed before he was asleep.

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Chapter 3 Brian saw signs for the place that he would be staying at as he got closer to the area.. Blue Range Cabins was four miles past the town limits. He followed the signs and then turned down a nondescript road. There were no street names, and Brian was thankful that they had thought to put out directional signs. He finally spotted the entrance and then drove in. Oh, man, Brian thought as he turned the SUV into the parking lot. The place reminded him of something out of a movie. The site consisted of about twenty individual small cabins. RVs were parked near the back of the property. He noticed that at least they were well spaced out, so he shouldn't have a lot of noise from the tourists at night. Near the entrance was a building that held the office, and behind it was a building that probably contained washing machines and other services for guests. Off to the side of all of that was a very large swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs. He had to admit that the place did look homey, though. He had read on its website when he had made the reservation that it was family-owned. It was a good thing, because this was going to be home for the next few weeks, he thought as he pulled into the parking spot next to the office door. As he got out of the car, the intense, dry heat immediately hit him. He didn't waste any time going into the motel office. Compared to the oppressive temperature outside, the office Unleashing Angel - 20

lobby was very cool. He stood for a moment letting his eyes adjust to the change in light. When he could see, he noticed an older man standing behind the counter. "Can I help you?" the man asked, smiling. "Hi," Brian said. As he stepped up to the counter, his foot bumped something soft. He looked down and saw what appeared to be a dog on the floor. At least, that's what it looked like, although he wasn't sure. The creature was lying on its side and was completely still. Whatever it was, it seemed dead. Brian leaned over to get a closer look. The animal was covered with splotchy fur in a mixture of gray, brown, and black. The ear that Brian could see was poking up at a odd angle away from the head. Its eye was partially open, as was its mouth, and its tongue lay in a wet puddle on the floor. Suddenly it gave a spastic stretch, and Brian jumped. When it relaxed, there was an audible fart followed by a sound similar to air escaping from a tire. The beast thumped its tail twice on the floor, groaned, and went still. "Oh, that's Lester," the man behind the counter said. "Don't mind him." A nasty stench began filling the air, and Brian fanned in front of his face with his hand. "He's old," the man added, as if that explained everything. "What can I do for you?" Unleashing Angel - 21

"My name is Brian Stewart. I booked a cabin here for the next four weeks." "Welcome, Mr. Stewart," he said. "I'm Juan Diaz. We're happy to have you stay with us." They made small talk as Juan checked him in. At one point, Lester let out a series of puffs from under his lips. Then his feet began twitching on the floor, his toenails clicking. Mr. Diaz looked over the counter at the dog. "Looks like he's chasing rabbits. Which is funny because the only movement he does these days is to get up to go lie somewhere else. He's my son's dog." As they watched, Lester rolled over on his back. With his front feet in the air, the dog's back legs flopped open. Brian’s nose wrinkled as a new series of smells affronted them. When the dog relaxed, his mouth fell open and his tongue lolled out, sliding to the floor. Once they were done, Mr. Diaz gave Brian his key. Brian started to leave, but then remembering, he stopped and turned back to man behind the counter. "I was wondering..." Brian said. "I'm here to do some land surveys. I can't do it all by myself. Do you know of anyone available who I could hire to help me while I'm here? It's not hard work. Basically standing around holding things while I do calculations. I mostly need another set of hands." "Of course," Mr. Diaz said, smiling. "My son can help you. He's home from college for the summer. He works for us here, but he should be able to help you when he's done." Unleashing Angel - 22

"I'm also going to need to rent horses and hire someone to take me out to some of the more remote areas. Those would probably be overnight trips." "My son can help you with that, too. He rides. Our family has owned much of the land around here for generations. All of my children grew up here and know the area well. One of my wife's brothers has horses that you can rent." "Is your son around?" Brian asked. "May I talk to him?" "Yes, let me see if he's close by. Angel," Mr. Diaz called. "Come out here, son." "Coming," Brian heard a male voice say. They both turned toward the door that led back to the office. They watched as a kid, who apparently was Angel, came into the room. To Brian, he looked to be about seventeen. If his father hadn't just said that Angel was in college, Brian would never have guessed it. He wasn't tall, and probably came to Brian's chin, at the most. Angel had a mass of shiny dark curls that were loosely tied back. Several tendrils of hair had come down and framed his face. He had a delicate nose, full lips, and unusual, light gray eyes framed with lashes as dark as his hair. Brian thought he was beautiful. Angel, indeed. Juan introduced them. "Mr. Stewart is looking to hire someone for the next four weeks, Angel," he said. Unleashing Angel - 23

After Brian gave Angel an idea what he needed, he said, "I also need someone to help me find my way around. Do you think that you would be interested?" "Sure," Angel said, shrugging slightly. "So can I meet you down here in the morning?" Brian asked. "Say around seven? I'll get us some breakfast and we can talk more about what I need to do." "Okay," Angel said. Not one for talking, Brian thought. The kid was cute. All right, he was beautiful, Brian admitted. Not that Brian was going to do anything about it. But obviously, Angel didn't have much going on upstairs. It was just as well. The last thing that Brian needed was to get involved with the hot, small-town teenager. "All right," Brian said. "See you tomorrow then." *** It took Brian a while to unload his SUV. He left the surveying equipment in the car, and brought in his personal things and camping equipment. He had sorted all of his camping gear, and it was strewn on the floor of the small cabin. Before long, he noticed that it was starting to get later in the afternoon. He realized that he was hungry, and decided to go into to town to find food. He got his keys and headed out to his SUV. Unleashing Angel - 24

As he was driving out, he passed the swimming pool. He glanced over and saw Angel standing at the very edge of it. Lester was lying nearby, legs in the air, feet dangling. Angel was holding a long pole, cleaning the sides of the pool, wearing nothing but a pair of cargo shorts that sat low on the hips. There was a slight breeze, and the loose tendrils of Angel's hair fluttered around his face as he looked intently down at the water. Brian couldn't help himself. He slowed the vehicle and stared. Brian gave a sharp intake of breath when he noticed the tattoos on Angel's flat stomach. What looked like two birds were low on either side of Angel's belly, framing his navel. They had their wings spread and were flying downward, into the waistband of Angel's shorts. They looked like swallows, or maybe bluebirds. Jesus, Brian thought as he licked his lips. Brian gave himself a mental shake. He had to stop staring at the local jailbait. With that thought, he accelerated and headed out in search of food. *** Later that evening, as Brian was driving back to his cabin, he passed a bar. It was a Friday night and there were a lot of cars in the parking lot. It was too early for bed, so he turned into the lot. The sound of the music hit him as soon as he got out of his SUV. When he walked in, he stopped at the entrance for a moment to get his bearings. A few people looked at him, but no one really paid him much attention. Although, as he Unleashing Angel - 25

headed to the bar, several of the ladies smiled at him. He found a seat at the end of the bar and ordered a beer. He sat and looked at the crowd. The music was loud, and the people gathered there were loud as well. They were all having a good time, blowing off steam on a Friday night. Brian thought back on the previous night, a gay bar with a very different clientele. He actually liked the feel of this place. Everyone seemed to know each other. As he looked around the room, he spotted a mass of curls. The person was turned away, but Brian just knew that it was Angel. When the person’s head turned, it confirmed Brian's thought. Brian wondered how someone that young was allowed in a bar. Heck, Angel even had a beer. Angel was with several guys. He was apparently telling a story, and he had the attention of everyone at the table. He was very animated, giving broad sweeping gestures, using his arms as he spoke. Brian couldn't help it and smiled. When he got to what must have been the punch line, the group started laughing, and Angel grinned at their appreciation. Brian thought that Angel was beautiful before, but saw that the kid was absolutely breathtaking when he smiled. Man, he needed to knock this off. He had just broken up with his boyfriend. Gotten laid by a stranger, the night before. And now he was ogling the local straight boys. Brian felt like a dirty old man. He decided that he just needed to get this job done, turn in his data, and collect the money. And try not to get involved with anyone in a small town in the middle of nowhere in the process. Unleashing Angel - 26

***

Very early the next morning, Brian was outside in front of the cabin, stretching before his run. Anxious to start the day, he had gotten up at an ungodly hour. When he saw how the moon, although not completely full, lit up the sky, he decided to go for an early morning run. Coming back from dinner last night, he had checked out a couple of routes and had marked the mileage on his odometer. After a few more stretches, he headed off at a jog. He couldn't help but glance at the pool as he went by. Of course, no one was there at this time. By the time he was out on the main road, he already had a steady rhythm going. The road was illuminated in front of him. Once off of the cabin property, he headed away from town where there were no other buildings. It wasn't long before his thoughts went to Sam. He wondered if Sam was going to take him seriously and be gone by the time Brian returned. Then his thoughts drifted to Gary and their brief time together in the back of the bar. Gary seemed nice enough and was cute. Brian decided that he would look Gary up on his way back through Phoenix. Gary would be good for another hook-up at least. However, Brian was not going to get involved with Gary, or anyone else for that matter. Not for a while, anyway, he amended. Brian had always had the notion of finding somebody and settling down. His parents had always had a great relationship. His older brother and sister had both gotten married, had children, and were happy. Even though he was gay, Brian just assumed that he would find a guy and live Unleashing Angel - 27

happily ever after. Maybe not in suburbia, but somewhere where gay guys could live together openly. He had even bought his house near West Hollywood. He knew that he was subconsciously building a nest. Sometimes he felt like such a nerd. He was basically kind of a romantic at heart, but he couldn't help it. Sure, he had done his share of cruising, but not as much as a lot of gay guys he knew. He was really kind of behind most of his friends, who always seemed to be dating and talking about their latest boyfriends. At least he wasn't so hopeless that he fell in love with every guy he met. When he had found Sam, though, he thought that he was in love. They couldn't keep their hands off each other in the beginning. They had seemed to have a lot in common. When Sam lost his job, Brian let Sam move in with him. Brian saw it as the next logical step in their relationship. But then look how that had turned out. Brian was mulling over his track record with dating and boyfriends when he heard a sound off to his left. Because the visibility was very good, he had no trouble spotting what had made the sound. Over on a low rise, he saw them. A pack of five large dogs were standing together about thirty yards away. He could clearly see their silhouettes and the moonlight shining on their fur. At least, he thought that they were dogs. They didn't look like coyotes. They weren't skinny enough. They were just standing there watching him. They made no effort to hide or come toward him. Wait a minute... maybe they were wolves. Maybe they Unleashing Angel - 28

were part of the Mexican Wolf Recovery program. Brian got excited at the thought of seeing the rare animals. He wished that he had at least thought to bring his small camera with him. He probably could have gotten a shot of them with the moon as bright as it was. Brian continued to look at them as he ran. Finally, as if on cue, the five of them turned and trotted in the opposite direction. The whole interlude thrilled Brian, and he decided to ask one of the locals about them later. *** After his run, Brian took a shower and then headed off to meet the beautiful Angel. That was how Brian thought of him now: the beautiful Angel. He was such a dork sometimes. When he drove up to the office parking lot, Angel was already there waiting for him. Of course, Brian immediately noticed that mass of unruly hair. Then he noticed the cargo shorts that Angel had on, and the memory of seeing Angel by the pool the evening before came rushing back to Brian. This morning, however, Angel had on a T-shirt that covered any artwork on that gorgeous abdomen. When Brian pulled up, Angel came over and climbed into the SUV. "Morning," Brian said. "Are you hungry?" "Yes," the kid replied. Unleashing Angel - 29

As Angel buckled up, Brian glanced down and noticed Angel's shorts tighten across the thighs. He gave himself a mental slap. He needed keep his mind on business, and not on debauching the local hot teen. "Okay," Brian said. "Show me where we can get some food." Angel directed them to a diner in town. They went in and had barely sat down when a cute young waitress came over to their table. "Hi, Angel." She was all smiles. "Hi, Carmen." "I don't usually see you in here for breakfast," she said. "No," Angel said. "Not usually." Brian watched the two of them. Carmen was smiling at Angel, really turning on the charm. It was obvious that she had a crush on him. Angel, however, didn't seem all that interested. He wasn't even making eye contact. In fact, he seemed irritated that Carmen was being so friendly to him. Brian thought that Carmen was a pretty girl, and she seemed nice enough. When it became painfully obvious that Angel wasn't going to chitchat, Carmen took their order. Brian watched Angel as Carmen walked away. Angel had turned his head to look out the window, as if purposely not watching the girl's retreating backside. Unleashing Angel - 30

"Nice girl," Brian said. Angel turned his head and looked at Brian. The look on Angel's face was unreadable, almost blank. "What?" "Carmen. I said that she seems nice. Is she your girlfriend?" Brian asked. "Carmen? Hardly," Angel said. "Not even going there." Brian thought that an odd response. Brian was feeling nosey, plus he wanted to get Angel to talk, so he decided to press it. "Why not? She's cute," Brian said. "I've known Carmen all of my life. We grew up together," Angel said. "Everyone thinks we're going to get married or something. It's never going to happen. Ever." Angel seemed irritated. Well, that sounded final. They sat and looked at each other from across the table. Changing the subject, Brian said, "So, kid. Your dad said that you were home from school for the summer. Where are you going? Junior college?" Angel leaned back in the seat and frowned at him. Oh, great, Brian thought. Not only is the kid simple, yet very cute, he's also a surly teen. Unleashing Angel - 31

"Angel," he said. "Not kid."

"Sorry."

"Caltech," Angel said.

"The California Institute of Technology?!" Brian asked,

practically choking on his coffee. "In Pasadena?" He picked up a napkin and blotted his shirt. "JPL?" The kid must be kidding. Angel was now in full scowl, his arms folded across his

chest, frowning at Brian from the other side of the table.

"What's your major?" Brian asked.

"Physics," Angel said.

Brian just stared back at him open-mouthed.

"How old are you, anyway?" Brian blurted out.

"What's it to you?" Angel asked. Brian could tell that he

was good and pissed now. "How old are you?"

"Uh, twenty-nine," Brian said and could feel himself blushing. Not only was the kid cute, he obviously was smart, too if he was going to Caltech. Brian was definitely getting off on the wrong foot here, and didn't need to be pissing off the hired help. "Hey," Brian said. "Sorry, man." Unleashing Angel - 32

Angel was still leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed, and he was still frowning. About that time, a different waitress brought their food to them. They started eating in silence. Finally, Angel said, "Twenty-two."

"Huh?" Brian asked.

"I'm twenty-two," Angel said. "I'll be twenty-three in

January."

"You look..." Brian trailed off.

"Yeah, I know," Angel said. "I look like a kid."

"Sorry," Brian said again.

"Forget it," Angel said. "Everybody thinks I look like a

kid."

They ate in silence for a while. Then Brian asked, "So

you're going to Caltech, huh?"

"That's right."

"I live in LA," Brian said. "Near West Hollywood,"

For the first time, Angel looked at him as if Brian might

actually be interesting.

"Oh yeah? WeHo?" Angel asked.

Obviously Angel had enough savvy to know that WeHo, as

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it was referred to, was the gay area in LA. Brian could almost tell what Angel what thinking. It was written all over his face. "That's right. I own a house adjacent to that area," Brian said. Brian watched Angel as that bit of information registered. A flicker of acknowledgement crossed Angel's face. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. Brian had seen a lot of reactions from people in his day, ranging from disgust to very interested. But he had never seen anyone just go blank. The question was, did Brian want to fill Angel in on his preferences? This was a small town after all. He could only imagine how a gay guy would go over here. Better to keep that little tidbit of information to himself. Before he could think on it much longer, Angel changed the topic. "I'm in a dorm," Angel finally said. "Well, they call them houses at Caltech. I'm in Ricketts. I'm on a full academic scholarship, and part of the deal is that I have to stay on campus. It was okay at first, but now I'm one of the older ones and I really don't like being around the freshmen and their silliness." "I don't blame you. When I was in college, I got an apartment as soon as possible." "I only have until December, then I'm done," Angel said. "You're finishing up early." Unleashing Angel - 34

"Yeah." "Then what?" Brian asked. "Right now I have the choice of JPL or staying on as a grad student doing research. I haven't decided yet. But I do know that I don't want to stay around here, that's for sure," Angel said. "And I'm not going to marry Carmen and have a bunch of kids." "So what do you want to do then?" Brian pressed. He was surprised that he was actually interested in what Angel's plans were. "I want to stay in California somewhere. Get a job out there eventually," Angel said. "But I'm not sure how that would work out, considering..." He trailed off and looked out the large window. When he didn't say anything else, Brian asked, "Considering what?" Angel's gray eyes met Brian's. Angel had a wary look, like maybe he had given Brian too much information. It was obvious to Brian that Angel had caught himself and was not going to offer any more. Angel was saved from responding by Carmen. She had come over to refill Brian's coffee and make another futile attempt at small talk with Angel. When she went away, Angel asked, "So what are you doing here, anyway?" "My company sent me out to do a land survey. I'm told that our customer wants to build a plant down here." Unleashing Angel - 35

"What kind of plant?" "I'm not sure. I think that it's some sort of manufacturing plant," Brian said. "I don't know all of the details yet. My job is to gather the info on the land and then submit the results to our client." "There are a handful of families that own most of the land in this area. Our land has been in the family for generations." "That's what your father said. My company has already rented a small cabin out at a place called Dietz Lake. I need to drive out there in the morning to drop off my equipment and set some of it up. That's supposed to be my base camp, so to speak. Do you know where it is?" "Yes, I know," Angel said. "I've been there. That cabin is pretty rustic. I mean, it's got windows and locks and all. So your stuff should be okay. But it's only one large room. There's not even a bathroom. It has cots to sleep on. And any power is from a generator." "Will it be okay for what I need it for, you think?" Brian asked. "Sure. But you don't want to have to stay out there more than a night or two," Angel said. "It's not comfortable. There's no running water. Plus there are all sorts of wild animals out there." "Wild animals?" Brian asked. "That reminds me. While I was out running early this morning, I saw what looked like a pack of wolves." Unleashing Angel - 36

"Really? Are you sure that's what they were?" "Well, I don't know," Brian said. "But they sure looked like it." "Might have been," Angel said. "But the reserve is about fifty miles north." "That is so cool," Brian said, getting excited. "I like to take photographs of wildlife." "So you like being out there?" Angel asked. "Love it. I can hardly wait," Brian said. "Sometimes I go out into the Mojave desert near LA so I can get out of the city and take pictures." "Huh," Angel said. He looked at Brian thoughtfully, but offered nothing else. Well, Brian thought, at least Angel wasn't frowning at him anymore. "Do you know what areas that you need to go to?" Angel asked. "Yes," Brian said. "I have a map here somewhere." Brian began rummaging around in his pack. While he did, Angel moved the dishes out of the way. Finally, Brian produced a map and spread it out on the table. He pointed to several areas on the map, showing Angel the places that he needed to go to. Angel seemed familiar with all of the Unleashing Angel - 37

places that Brian pointed out. "Here's where your base cabin is," Angel said, pointing. "It's not hard to find. But we're going to need horses to get to this other lake. We'll follow this canyon to get there." "You father said that you know where we can rent horses." "I have an uncle who has some. He will even bring them out to the cabin, and we can leave from there. It will take us a day in and a day out. How long did you want to stay there?" "I probably only need one day at the site," Brian said. "So we're talking two nights." "That's right," Brian said. "I brought camping gear. We'll just need horses for us, a pack horse, and food supplies." "Uncle Manny can get all of that for us," Angel said. "No problem." "Great," Brian said as he started folding the map. "I appreciate you helping me with this. And I can't wait to get out there with my camera." "It can be remote, but it's pretty out there," Angel said. "I think that you'll like it." Brian looked at Angel's light gray eyes with their impossibly long lashes, and thought that he was going to like it a lot. Unleashing Angel - 38

***

The rest of the first day together, Brian and Angel went over the map and planned out their schedule, figuring in the time that Angel had to work at the motel. Finally, Angel had to leave in the afternoon to go do some work for his mom. That evening, as Brian headed out to find a place to have dinner, he spotted Angel walking across the grounds. Lester was walking behind him. Rather, it could loosely be called walking. The dog moved stiffly and at times his rear end threatened to overtake his front. Brian slowed the SUV to a crawl and watched Angel from a distance. Several times, Angel turned to wait for the dog to catch up. The wind had picked up, causing some of Angel's hair to come loose, and it was blowing around his face. Brian also noticed that the wind had caused Angel's T-shirt to hug his body and outline his slim torso. Brian watched Angel and Lester until they disappeared from sight behind some cabins. As Brian accelerated, continuing on his way, he noticed that his cock was half hard. He realized that he had gotten hard just from watching Angel walk. Then he thought of himself and Angel out at a campsite. Sharing a tent. Miles from everyone. Alone. Before he knew it, he was almost completely hard. He adjusted himself through his shorts as he drove off of the property, then headed into town. *** Brian found a place to eat called, of all things, the White Unleashing Angel - 39

House. There was no indication as to why. It was a small place in the downtown area in the middle of the block. When Brian went through the door, he saw that he had two choices. To his right was a small bar with a pool table and a handful of booths. To the left was a very small diner that had two booths and a long, L-shaped counter that could sit about a dozen people. There were three customers, all sitting at the counter. Two flat-screen TVs hung from the ceiling in the small room. One had on a news channel, the other was showing a Mexican soap opera. Brian chose the diner side, sat down, and ordered dinner. Later, as he was finishing up, a group of guys came in. They filed into the bar side, and the last one through the door was Angel. Angel spotted him instantly, smiled, and gave a little wave, then came over to Brian. "Hi. Getting something to eat, huh?" "Yes. It was pretty good, actually," Brian said. "I was just finishing up." "If you don't have any plans, you can come over on the other side and grab a couple of beers with us," Angel said. He looked a little uncertain and then added, "That is, if you want to." "Sure, I'd like that," Brian said. "Let me close out here and I'll come over." Angel gave him a big smile and then went to the bar side. When Brian went to the other side a few minutes later, they Unleashing Angel - 40

were all sitting in one of the oversized booths. Three of the guys sat on one side of it. Angel and another guy sat on the other. It looked like the only spot available to sit was next to Angel so Brian slid into the seat next to him. Angel introduced the others and Brian discovered that they were cousins. They appeared to be the same group that Angel had been with the night before. After a while, three of them got up to go play pool, leaving Brian, Angel, and his cousin Hector sitting across the table. "Angel told me that you're here to do some land surveys," Hector said. "That's right," Brian said. "What you really need," Hector said, "is someone who knows the area." "Well, I hired Angel." "Oh, hell, Angel couldn't find his ass with two hands and a flashlight. " "Hector, you're so full of it," Angel said. "He's one to talk. Hector is always getting lost." "Bullshit!" Hector said. "Remember that time we were coming back from Tucson?" Angel asked. "And you said that you knew a shortcut? We kept driving and driving. We finally ended up a hundred miles south of here in Bisbee." Unleashing Angel - 41

"One time!" Hector said.

"More than one time," Angel said. "Remember when we

were driving to Albuquerque?"

"Okay," Hector said. "Never mind."

"I fell asleep and we ended up in El Paso. Over two

hundred miles in the wrong direction!"

Hector ignored the good-natured ribbing and said to Brian,

"You let me know if you need any more help, okay?"

"Thanks," Brian said. "I'll keep that in mind."

Brian heard Angel mumble, "Oh, no."

Hector looked back over at his shoulder to see what Angel

was talking about. Carmen and a girlfriend had come into

the bar. Hector smiled and waved them over to their booth.

"Shut up, Hector," Angel said.

As Carmen slid in on the other side of Angel, he scooted

away from her until his thigh was practically touching

Brian's. The other girl sat next to Hector.

"I didn't know that you guys were going out tonight,"

Carmen said. "I saw Angel's Jeep out front, so we thought

we'd stop."

Angel didn't say anything. He was looking down at the

table, his good mood apparently gone.

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"Hey! No problem," Hector said, all smiles. "Not sure why we stopped by here tonight. We were heading over to the Swinging Door, but Angel wanted to stop all of a sudden." Angel quickly glanced up at Hector, then at Brian. He blushed and looked back down at the table. Brian wondered what had made Angel want to stop at the White House. Maybe he had seen Brian's car parked out front... "We were heading over there, too," Carmen said. Brian kind of lost track of the conversation for the next twenty minutes or so, because Angel was sitting so close to him. The heat of Angel's thigh next to his had all of his attention. He wondered why he was having this reaction to Angel, who he didn't know, and was way too young for him anyway. After a while, it became obvious that Angel wasn't going to talk anymore. And Hector seemed to be running out of his limited repertoire of small talk. Carmen and her friend got up to go talk to the guys at the pool table. "Why did you invite them over?" Angel asked Hector, once they were out of hearing range. "Ah, they're nice," Hector said. "Carmen is cute." "That's what I told him," Brian said. "Who asked you, anyway?" Angel asked, turning to look at Brian. "Well, she is," Brian said. Unleashing Angel - 43

Brian couldn't help but grin at Angel because he actually looked like he was pouting. Angel looked at Brian for a moment longer, and then all of a sudden smiled back. Brian melted. "See? I've been telling him that for years," Hector said. "But he won't listen to me."

"If you like her so much, Hector, why don't you date her?"

Angel said, turning his attention back to his cousin.

"Maybe I'll just do that. But she's always had the hots for

you."

Carmen came back over to their table, effectively ending

their conversation.

"We're all going to go over to the Swinging Door before we go out for a run," she said. "Are you guys coming?" "Oh, are you a runner, too?" Brian asked.

Brian saw Hector's eyes open wide as he looked at Carmen,

obviously trying to send her an unspoken message.

"Uh... not really," Carmen stammered.

"Sure. Let's go," Hector said. He stood up cutting the

conversation short.

Angel looked at Brian, "Do you want to come?"

"No, I'm going to head back, but thanks."

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When they all walked out of the White House together, half of them got in Carmen's car. The rest of them got into Angel's red Jeep. As they pulled away, Angel waved at Brian and said, "See you tomorrow morning." Walking to his SUV, Brian replayed the last bit of conversation in his head. They all went running at night? That seemed odd. But what seemed more strange was Hector's reaction and obvious change of subject. Hector wasn't exactly smooth in his transitions of conversation. Brian had no idea what any of it meant, and had all but forgotten about it by the time he began driving back to the campground. What he did remember vividly, however, was Angel's warm thigh next to his. And Angel's smile directed at him.

Unleashing Angel - 45

Chapter 4 "Turn up here," Angel said, pointing. Following his directions, Brian turned off onto a dirt road. "Now we follow this for about six miles," Angel said. "It doesn't sound like much, but because of the conditions, it will take a long time. It's going to take over an hour just to get there." Brian took it slow, careful not bounce them around too much on the uneven road. As it was, the going was rough, and it did seem to take a while just to go one mile. After what seemed like forever, Angel said, "There it is." Brian looked in the direction that Angel was indicating. Sure enough, there was a cabin sitting off in the distance. And it was small. Even as they got closer, the cabin didn't look any larger. After winding around at times almost on itself, the road finally ended in front of the cabin. "Here we are," Angel said. When they came to a stop and Brian turned off the engine, they both just sat in the car looking at the building. "Man. That is small," Brian said. "Told you," Angel said as he unbuckled his seat belt. Unleashing Angel - 46

The cabin had a porch with two wooden rocking chairs on it. As they walked across the porch, Brian got out the key that he had been given. He unlocked the door and let Angel go through the door first. "You weren't kidding," Brian said. The cabin was one large room about thirty feet across and twenty feet deep. A fireplace at one end had an old sofa and an overstuffed chair in front of it. Two camp beds were at the other end of the room. A makeshift room divider made from a curtain hung from the ceiling. What could loosely be called a kitchenette was in one corner that held a freestanding stove, some cabinets, and a small counter space. In the center of the room was a large table with two ladder-back chairs. A light bulb with a metal shade hung over the table. Old curtains hung at the four windows, and several braided oval rugs were scattered around the room. "This cabin is mostly used during hunting season," Angel explained. "Bathroom?" Brian asked. "There's an outhouse," Angel said. "Oh, right, you told me that. Water?" Angel pointed out the door, "The lake. You have to boil your water. Fortunately, though, we brought bottled water. We can use it to drink and cook with." "Man, you weren't kidding," Brian said again. He stood looking at the room, his hands on his hips. "This is rustic." Unleashing Angel - 47

"Are you okay?" Angel asked. "Sure," Brian said. He didn't want to appear like a complete city boy in front of the kid. He was used to hiking, but man, he hadn't expected the cabin to be this primitive. "Let's unload and get set up." *** They spent the next hour bringing in their personal gear. They put sleeping bags on the beds and unloaded the cooking supplies and food. Then they decided which pieces of surveying equipment to set up and started bringing it in from the SUV. They were carrying the last of the equipment into the cabin, when both stopped to watch as a car came toward them. The car kicked up a cloud of road dust behind it as it steadily progressed along the secluded road. "Who is that?" Brian asked. "Whoever it is, they're coming here," Angel said. "Because this is the only place that this road goes." They watched as the car got closer. Angel noticed that the driver was going too fast for the uneven road, which caused the small vehicle to bounce as it went along. Finally, it got to them, slowed down, and stopped. Dust swirled everywhere, causing Brian and Angel to fan around their faces with their hands. "I don't believe this," Brian said when the dust cleared. Unleashing Angel - 48

"What?" Angel asked him.

Instead of answering, Brian walked over to the car. Angel

followed.

"Sam, what are you doing here?" Brian asked as a guy got

out of the car.

Angel noticed that the guy, who Brian referred to as Sam,

looked like he had stepped out of some fashion catalog.

And his hair was gelled and spiked. Angel wondered what

a guy like that was doing out here in the middle of

nowhere.

"Well, that's a nice greeting," Sam said.

"Hi," Brian said. "But what are you doing here? How did

you find this place?"

"I got on a plane and rented a car," Sam said. "And here I

am."

"But why?" Brian asked.

"I came to see you," Sam said.

Then Sam looked at Angel and raised an eyebrow. An

eyebrow that Angel swore looked plucked. And why was

this guy looking Angel up and down?

"And you are?" Sam asked Angel.

Then Sam gave Brian a kind of pointed look, a look that

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Angel didn't understand, but didn't like nonetheless. "Oh sorry," Brian said. "This is Angel. Angel, Sam." Sam barely acknowledged Angel and turned his attention back to Brian. "Look. We need to talk," Sam said. "You got anything to drink around here? Maybe bottled water or something?" "Sure," Brian said. "Let's go inside." The three of them headed toward the cabin. However, when Brian and Sam went inside, Angel decided not to follow and sat on one of the rocking chairs on the porch. He sensed that they were going to need some privacy. However, once they got inside, it was difficult not to overhear them. Their voices were already raised, and besides, Angel was curious as to what the hell was going on. He sat alone on the quiet porch, and their voices carried out to him. "So why are you here, Sam?" Brian asked. "I came to see if we can work this out." "You came all the way to Arizona? How did you possibly find this place?" "I talked to a few locals. Everyone knows everybody else in these hick towns," Sam said. "I asked directions. ‘Turn right a half mile after the Ace Hardware billboard.' And here I am." Unleashing Angel - 50

Angel could only imagine the stir that Sam had caused in the small town. "Look, I know that I hadn't been around much--" "You would disappear for days at a time," Brian said, cutting him off. "Well, I realize now that you could have taken it wrong," Sam said. "Taken it wrong?" Brian sounded incredulous. "When two people are in a relationship, one doesn't just disappear and not call to let the other person know what's going on." In a relationship? Angel wondered if he had heard right. "I know that you are kind of clingy," Sam said. "I should have realized that it would bother you." "Clingy! Normal people don't behave like that," Brian said. "If they love each other, they spend time together. They respect each other. And they don't come home smelling like smoke and sex. That is, when they finally do decide to come home." Love? Brian and Sam? Now Angel was really paying attention. "But I do love you," Sam said. "You sure have an odd way of showing it," Brian said. "I came all the way out here, didn't I? Don't you love me Unleashing Angel - 51

anymore, Brian?" There was silence. Angel wasn't sure why it mattered, but he strained to hear Brian's answer. "No, Sam. I don't." More silence. The longer the silence dragged on, Angel wanted to yell from his rocking chair for somebody to say something already. "Your actions killed my love for you, Sam," Brian finally said. "I really wanted it to work. Maybe too much. I wanted a commitment. But I guess that you just weren't ready." "I've changed, Brian," Sam said "I'm ready to settle down." "What's changed in the three days since I've been gone, Sam?" Brian asked. Good question, Angel thought. Sam didn't answer. Then Angel heard Brian say, "You're not here because you love me, are you? You're here because you can't find a place to crash." Sam didn't deny it. "Now I get it. All I am to you is a meal ticket, aren't I?" Brian asked. "Well, I'm not falling for it, Sam. It's over. And what I said stands. You need to be out by the time I get back to LA." For some inexplicable reason, Angel was pleased with Unleashing Angel - 52

Brian's response. He felt butterflies in his gut and was kind

of giddy. Weird.

"You prick," Sam said. And Angel almost giggled out on

the porch.

"Ah, here we go," Brian said. "The real Sam comes out."

"Oh, I get it now," Sam said. "You're attracted to that kid."

Kid? Angel thought. Does he mean me?

"That's not true," Brian said.

"He's exactly your type, too," Sam said. "Cute and petite.

Very pretty. You've probably already had him, haven't

you?"

Had me? Angel thought.

"Sam. Stop."

"You better watch out, though, Brian. He looks like

jailbait."

"Goddamn it, Sam. Stop it. He can probably hear you." Their conversation was interrupted by the high-pitched sound of a siren inside of the cabin. Angel jumped at first, and then recognized it as the battery-powered weather alert. "What the hell is that?" Sam said loudly over the sound. Angel got up and went into the cabin. Without saying a Unleashing Angel - 53

word, he walked past the two of them and pressed a button on the alert. The alarm stopped and they all listened as the warning came out for a storm heading their way. "Looks like we're stuck here for a while," Angel said. He pressed the button, silencing the endless loop of the weather report. "What do you mean?" Brian asked. "This storm that's coming," Angel said. "It's severe, and it's heading right for us." "Well, I need to get out of here, then," Sam said. "No, you can't," Angel said. "They also said flash flooding. It's very dangerous." "Well, that's just great," Sam said. He went over and plopped on the chair in front of the fireplace. He sat and glared at Brian. "How long is the bad weather supposed to last?" Brian asked. "The warning is for the next four hours. But then it will be dark, and he can't risk going out," Angel said. "So it looks like we are all stuck here for the night." "I don't think so," Sam said. "I'm not staying in this shit hole in the middle of a storm." "It's the safest place to be right now," Angel said. Frankly, he didn't want Sam there either. The guy was a jerk. Unleashing Angel - 54

"Look," Brian said. "We've got enough food, and it's just

overnight. There are two beds here and a couch. We can

make do."

They all looked toward the window as they heard thunder

off in the distance.

"We better make sure that we have everything we need

inside, and make sure the windows are up on the cars,"

Angel said as he walked to the door.

While Angel and Brian finished bringing things in, Sam sat

on a rocking chair on the porch, pouting.

When they were out next to the SUV, and out of Sam's

hearing range, Brian said to Angel, "I'm sorry about this."

"It's not like you planned it or anything," Angel said.

"Yeah... but still."

"It's okay," Angel said. He wasn't sure why, but he was

irritated. "Oh. We need to make sure that the generator is

going. I'll go out back and check it."

Angel busied himself closing up the SUV.

"Angel."

Angel turned and looked at Brian. Brian looked kind of

upset, like he wanted to say more. Angel waited.

Finally Brian said, somewhat lamely, "Sorry."

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"Whatever," Angel said as he brushed past Brian on his way to the cabin. "But I'm not giving up my bed." Angel looked down at Sam on his way into the cabin. Sam glared back up at him from the rocking chair. Angel picked up the tools he needed and headed out the rear door of the cabin to check on the generator. As he worked on it, he thought about all that had happened in the last half hour. So Sam, the asshole, was Brian's ex-boyfriend. That logically made both Brian and Sam gay. Then Angel remembered that Brian had said he owned a house near West Hollywood. Well, this was just getting more and more interesting. Angel already knew that he didn't like Sam. The guy was a jerk. To top it off, they were all stuck here overnight in a six hundred square foot cabin in the middle of nowhere. It wouldn't be so bad if Sam weren't here. If it was just him and Brian. Yeah, he might as well admit it to himself. Brian was hot. He had thought so the minute that he had laid eyes on the guy. At first, he had thought that Brian was kind of an arrogant jerk. It seemed Brian had treated Angel as if he were a kid. Like Angel was just the hired help. Although, Angel had to admit, when they got to know each other a little more, Brian's attitude toward him changed. Brian had become less of a jerk the more time that they were together. Or maybe it was just Angel's attitude that had changed. To be honest, Angel had to admit that Brian wasn't bad at all. Brian did seem like a nice guy, once they had gotten to Unleashing Angel - 56

talking. He had a similar sense of humor and was interested in wildlife, so he couldn't be all bad. Plus Brian was pretty damn good-looking. Tall, dark, and handsome were the words that came to mind. Really tall. Brian had to be about six three. And he was a runner, with a runner's lean body. To top it off, Angel had just found out that Brian was gay, too. And apparently not attached to anyone right now. The whole secluded cabin setup was starting to sound pretty good. Except for the fact that the ex-boyfriend was spending the night. The three of them together. How cozy. Thunder, much closer now, brought Angel out of his musings and reminded him that he needed to get the generator going. With the approaching storm, it was starting to get dark earlier than it normally would, and they were going to need light soon. Once Angel got the generator running, he went back into the cabin, where Brian was lighting the candles that were on the mantle. And Sam, the asshole, was now camped out on the chair in front of the fireplace. Angel walked to the middle of the room and pulled the string on the light bulb that was over the table. Fortunately, it worked, and dim light filled the cabin. "Oh," Brian said when he saw the light come on. He looked back at the candles that he had been lighting. "That's okay," Angel said. "We'll need them if we lose power." "Are you guys getting hungry?" Brian asked. Unleashing Angel - 57

Sam didn't say anything. "Sure," Angel said. "Let me show you how the stove works, and we can get something started." Brian and Angel worked side by side in front of the small stove and counter area, preparing the dinner. It wasn't a fancy meal, just some sloppy joes, chips, and beer. They made small talk while Sam sat and did nothing, listening to music on his headphones. By the time that they sat down to eat, the storm had arrived and the rain was pelting the metal roof of the cabin. Angel and Brian ate at the table while Sam remained glued in his chair, eating and tuning them out with his headphones. When they were done, Brian and Angel cleaned up. As the evening wore on, Angel's patience was wearing thin. He had had enough of the stilted conversation and watching Sam, the asshole, sulk from across the room. "Sounds like the storm is letting up," Angel said. "It should be okay to leave in the morning." "Okay," Brian said. Sam, of course, didn't even acknowledge Angel. "Anyway," Angel said, "I think that I'm going to bed. There's not much to do out here once it gets dark." "Okay," Brian said again. "I'm going to go over some of these maps for awhile. Good night." Angel went around behind the makeshift curtain to the beds. He stripped down to a T-shirt and boxers. He lay Unleashing Angel - 58

down on his back on his sleeping bag, propping his head with his hands. He lay there for a while, thinking about the weird situation he was in. Here he was, stuck in a remote cabin with two fighting ex-boyfriends. One thing was certain, this summer break was turning out to be more interesting than he originally expected. *** "Believe me, as soon as I get my shit together, I'm leaving. I don't even know why I bothered." Angel blinked awake, only half hearing the voices. Then it all came back to him. He could hear that Sam and Brian were already up. And by the sound of it, bickering. Again. "Do you want something to eat?" Brian asked. Angel couldn't believe that Brian was actually offering the asshole some food. Just let him leave, Angel thought. Don't be nice to him. "No, I'll get something in town," Sam said. Good luck with that, Angel thought. It was a Sunday morning and nothing would be open. But Angel wasn't going to offer any suggestions. He just wanted Sam gone. When Angel heard them go out the front door of the cabin, he took the opportunity to get up to put some clothes on. While he was pulling up his jeans, he heard a car leave. Shortly after that, he heard the cabin door open and close. Angel came out from behind the room divider, pulling his T-shirt over his head. When his head popped out of the Unleashing Angel - 59

neck of the shirt, Angel saw Brian standing there staring at

him.

"What?" Angel said.

"Huh? Oh, nothing," Brian said. He cleared his throat and

walked over to the counter. He started fixing coffee, using a

pan of water on the stove. "Good morning."

"Morning."

"Sam left," Brian said.

"I figured as much."

"Would you like some?" Brian offered.

"No, thanks, I'll just have a water."

"Look," Brian said. "I'm really sorry about last night. You

shouldn't have had to listen to that. "

"It wasn't your fault," Angel said.

"Yes, it was. It was because of me that he came here in the

first place." Brian turned back to the stove and added, "He

was rude to you, and that pissed me off, too." Brian turned back around and faced Angel. He looked vulnerable. It was obvious to Angel that Brian was embarrassed, and maybe even wondering what Angel thought about him. "Man," Angel said. "I can't believe you were ever with Unleashing Angel - 60

him." "Why?" Brian asked. He started to look, and sound, a little defensive. “Because he's a guy?” "No," Angel said. "Because he's an asshole. I just figure you could do better." With that comment, Angel decided to head outside on the pretense of getting something out of the SUV. He wasn't ready for the gay conversation to continue. And he certainly didn't want to play his hand by letting Brian know that Angel was attracted to him. Angel thought that he detected some interest from Brian, but he wasn't sure. Maybe though, Angel would just see how interested Brian was. As he walked out to the SUV, Angel thought of ways to get a rise out of Brian, so to speak. *** Brian looked out the window and watched as Angel went out to the SUV. He had no idea what the conversation they'd just had meant. Angel didn't seem remotely bothered by the gay thing. But it was obvious that Angel disliked Sam. And what did Angel mean about Brian doing better? It was all too confusing. But one thing was for certain, Brian had just about lost it when he came in and was face to torso with a half-naked Angel. God, the kid was beautiful. Swallows. It was a pair of swallows that were tattooed low on Angel's stomach. In black work. In the few seconds of exposed Angel flesh, Brian also noticed Angel's lean body, Unleashing Angel - 61

tan skin, and dark nipples. The only hair on the kid's front was the thin treasure trail of hair that went from the navel and then disappeared into the waistband of the white boxers that were sticking above the jeans. Amazingly, Brian had taken all of that in, in a matter of moments, and had filed it away in his brain. Brian wondered if Angel had caught him staring. Sam was right about one thing, Angel was exactly Brian's type. *** During the morning, Angel helped Brian survey the immediate area. They took a break to eat, then went out to finish up. As it got later in the afternoon, it had gotten much warmer outside. Angel was driving Brian crazy. It had started right after lunch. It had gotten so warm that they had both started sweating. Every so often, Angel would lift the hem of his T-shirt and wipe his forehead. He would often do it while standing next to the target rod just as Brian looked through the level. It would immediately break Brian's concentration, causing any calculations that Brian had been thinking about to vanish. What consumed Brian’s thoughts, instead, were the flashes of the tattoos on Angel's stomach. Brian had no idea why those damn tattoos had such a strong effect on him. Then, late in the afternoon, Angel decided to cool off in the lake. Brian took the opportunity to get his camera and take some pictures of the area. Brian must have gotten turned around, and at one point, found himself west of the lake. He Unleashing Angel - 62

saw that Angel was swimming. Brian wasn't going to hang around, but curiosity got the better of him. He lifted the camera and focused the telephoto lens on Angel. About that time, Angel came out of the water. Brian was disappointed when he saw that Angel had left his boxers on. However, they were white cotton and clung to Angel's body. The wet fabric outlined Angel's cock, giving Brian a pretty good idea what Angel was packing. Brian was unable to look away while Angel sat down on a flat rock to dry off. When Angel reached down and adjusted himself inside the wet fabric, Brian sucked in his breath. Brian felt a stirring in his groin and suddenly he felt like a pervert spying on Angel. He turned and retraced his steps, heading back to the cabin. *** When Angel came back from the lake a little while later, Brian couldn't help but notice that Angel was carrying the wet boxers. Brian quickly jumped to the realization that Angel was going commando inside his jeans. Brian's cock tried its damnedest to stand up and wave hi. Not wanting to announce his growing hard on, Brian continued sitting in the rocking chair. Although he about lost it when Angel hung the boxers over the rail to dry. "So, do you want to head back or stay another night?" Angel asked. "Uh..." was all that Brian managed to say. Unleashing Angel - 63

"Brian? Are you okay?" Angel was standing there looking at him, waiting for an answer. "Well, if we stayed one more night, I could finish up here with today's reports. Then we could survey the area to the south in the morning before we leave. Do you have to get back? " "No, I don't have any plans," Angel said, giving him a little smile. "I'll call home so they don't worry. I'll go get my cell." Brian knew that it was a mistake the moment the suggestion left his mouth. He just kept wading in deeper and deeper, until soon he would be in over his head. *** They made dinner and sat down to eat across from each other at the small table. Brian was very aware of Angel and being alone together way out in the middle of nowhere. And to top it off, he was tongue-tied and kept blushing. He had no idea why he had reverted to being fifteen. "I wonder if Sam made it back okay," Angel said. Brian felt himself blush. So much for avoiding unpleasant topics. "I assume so. I'm sure I would have heard if something had gone wrong." Unleashing Angel - 64

The silence returned and stretched out between them.

Finally, Brian asked, "What do you like to do for fun?"

"Well, as you can probably tell, there's not much to do

around here. When I'm not helping my mom, I spend my

free time hanging with my cousins."

"How about when you're at school?" Brian asked.

"I study and do research," Angel said.

"What else do you do? Any sports?"

"No. I'm not really a fan of sports."

"Me either," Brian said. "How about friends?"

"I guess my best friend there is Jen," Angel said. "We both

started at the same time and are in the same house."

"Is she your girlfriend?" Brian asked.

"No," Angel said. "She's my friend."

"What do you two do?"

"Mostly we hang out. Go to movies. Shop," Angel said.

"Shop?" Brian asked.

"Well, yeah. Don't you shop?"

"I suppose so," Brian said.

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"Oh. So you think it's weird that I have a girl that's a friend

who I shop with," Angel said, frowning.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I..." Brian said.

"I'm kidding," Angel said, smiling now. "Dork."

"Dork? " Brian said. "Look who's calling who a dork.

Twerp."

"Goof." "Nimrod." *** "Well, I'm going to go to bed," Angel announced. Brian's reaction almost made Angel laugh out loud. Brian had turned beet red.

"Oh. Yeah. Okay," Brian stammered around. "I'm going to

finish up here, then I'll come to bed. I mean, go to bed..."

Angel turned away, smiling to himself.

"Okay then, Brian. Good night."

"Night."

Angel went behind the makeshift curtain and stripped down

to a T-shirt and put on his now dry boxers. He lay on his cot with his hands behind his head, looking at the ceiling. Unleashing Angel - 66

He thought back over the day. Brian's reactions during the afternoon and this evening were amusing. Angel thought it was adorable when Brian stammered and blushed. He smiled when he remembered seeing Brian watching him at the lake earlier and then disappearing back into the chaparral. Oh... he had seen Brian standing there, all right. Angel had only wished that he had skipped the boxers. At least Angel knew that Brian was interested. There was no doubt about that now. *** A sound woke Angel, and it took him a moment to get his bearings. Thunder rumbled in the distance. When his eyes adjusted, he remembered that he was in the cabin. It was late, however, moonlight shone through the windows. As he lay there, he listened to the approaching storm. Then he realized what had awakened him. Brian had come behind the curtain and was getting ready for bed. Angel shifted and lay on his side facing Brian. He pretended to be asleep as he watched Brian take off his clothes in the moonlit room. When Brian removed his shirt, Angel stared at the muscled chest with its dark nipples. Brian's lean abdomen was a testimonial to the daily running. When Brian's fingers went to the waistband of the jeans, Angel felt himself starting to get hard in anticipation. Angel felt kind of bad watching Brian, but there was no way in hell that he was going to stop looking. As he watched, Angel's hand slowly drifted to his crotch. He adjusted his rapidly filling cock through his boxers as he watched Brian remove the jeans. Unleashing Angel - 67

Once Brian had peeled down to only a pair of boxer briefs, he lay down on the other bed, not four feet from Angel. They were so close together Angel could smell the faint scent of Brian's soap and the masculine scent of his skin. Angel wondered if Brian could tell that he was awake. Angel tried to remain as quiet as possible as his hand crept under his T-shirt and then under the waistband of his boxers. Quietly, Angel curled his fingers around his rigid cock. He looked at Brian's profile in the next bed, as pale light from outside illuminated Brian's chest, and the dark hair on it. Angel lay there, looking at Brian's prone body while gripping his own hard cock in one hand. He silently rubbed his thumb over the slit, picking up pre-come and sliding it over the tight head. Then Angel noticed that Brian's boxer briefs were tenting as, apparently, Brian's cock was also hard. Angel stifled a sharp intake of breath when Brian's hand came down and adjusted himself through the fabric. When Brian's hand went under the waistband into his own briefs and Brian began fondling himself, Angel gave a shiver. He must have made a sound, because Brian paused and looked toward Angel. Angel remained perfectly still, trying to make his breathing even so that Brian would think that he was asleep. He must have been convincing, because Brian turned his head and looked back up at the ceiling. While Angel watched, Brian began stroking himself. It was all Angel could do not to shoot. The rain began pelting the metal roof of the cabin. The sound was enough to cover Brian's movements as they Unleashing Angel - 68

became more urgent. Before long, he tensed. As Angel watched, Brian came. He was quiet about it, but Angel could see Brian's hips rise. When Brian was done, Angel rolled over with his back to Brian. As quietly as he could manage, and under the cover of the sound of falling rain, he stroked himself until he spilled over his own hand. Even after he was through, visions of Brian getting off stayed with him. He knew that what had happened was something he was not going to forget for a long time.

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Chapter 5 Over the next three weeks, Brian would pick up Angel in front of the office every morning. They would have breakfast and then head out either to the cabin, or to an area that Brian needed to survey. Then they would part in the afternoon or evening so Angel could help out at the motel. One particularly hot afternoon, Brian decided to go try out the pool. As he went through the gate, he spotted Angel lying on one of the chaise lounges. Lester was lying there too, half under Angel's lounge. Brian teetered for a moment, trying to decide whether he should stay or leave. His rational side said to leave. Angel had been driving him nuts and it was getting worse every day. Between being so close to him, and the fact that Angel would take off his shirt when they were out, surveying was starting to take its toll. Of course, Brian walked over and took the chaise next to him. As if he had had a choice in the matter. "Hi." Angel raised his head, shielding his eyes with his hand. "Decided to cool off?" "Yes. We've been going at it pretty good. I'm ahead of schedule, so I thought I'd take a break. You?" Unleashing Angel - 70

"I just finished cleaning the pool." Damn. Missed it, Brian thought. Lester woke up, probably because he heard the voices. He must have forgotten that he was lying under something. He tried sit up, causing the chaise, with Angel on it, to lurch. Angel grabbed the arms of the chair to brace himself. "Geez, Lester," Angel said. The dog scrambled around in confusion for a few moments, half crawling under the chair. Finally, he backed out, treating Brian to a close-up of his dusty rump. Once free, the dog turned around in the tight space between the lounges to face Brian, laying his head on the chair arm so Brian could pet him. "Not too many people here right now," Brian said, petting Lester's head. "They tend to clear out around dinner time," Angel said. "Lester likes you. He usually just ignores everyone else." Angel was right. For some reason, Lester had taken a liking to Brian. The dog would often show up at Brian's cabin, lying on the porch. The first morning the dog was there, Brian had practically tripped over him. Brian was almost used to the dog's odor. "I've always liked dogs," Brian said. "I'd like to get one, but I travel a lot. It probably wouldn't be bad if I had someone reliable living with me." Unleashing Angel - 71

"Are you looking for a roommate?" "No," Brian said. "Nothing like that. More of a partner. That is, if I ever find the right guy." "Sam?" "Ah, no," Brian said. "Not Sam. I need to find someone who wants the same things I do." "And that is..." Angel prodded. "Nothing much. Just someone who likes me. Wants to do things together. Create a life together." "Sounds nice," Angel said. "I'd like that, too. But I'm not sure I'll ever get it." He sat up. "I'll be right back." Angel walked to the deep end of the pool and then dove in. Brian watched as Angel swam toward him. When he got to the shallow water, he stood up. Brian tried not to stare as water rolled down Angel's body. "You ought to cool off, too," Angel said to him. He tilted his head slightly and added, "Isn't that what you came here for?" What did I come here for? Brian thought. As if he didn't know the real answer. Brian cleared his throat, and said, "Uh, yeah." Brian got up and headed to the other end of the pool. Angel waded alongside in the water until he had to tread, and Unleashing Angel - 72

watched as Brian dove in. When Brian came up for air, Angel was a couple of yards away from him. "Feels good, doesn't it? Angel asked. "Great." Angel glanced around. "Looks like everyone else has left." His gaze met Brian's directly and added, "It's just us." It finally clicked in Brian's thick skull. He's flirting with me! Or am I imagining it? He decided find out. "So we have the pool to ourselves?" Brian asked. "For a little while. But you never know when someone will show up." Angel went under the water and then came up almost directly in front of Brian. For a few moments Angel had his eyes closed, and Brian watched the water roll down his face. Brian couldn't help stare at a water droplet on Angel's lip, wanting badly to lick it off. Angel opened his eyes and their gazes held. Brian was overcome by how beautiful his eyes were up close. Angel lifted an eyebrow and his gray eyes seemed to be sending out a dare. A challenge that Brian was more than ready to meet. "Are you doing anything tonight?" Angel asked. Unleashing Angel - 73

"Not really. Just the usual," Brian managed to say. "Finding

dinner somewhere. How about you?"

"No plans."

"You're not going out with your cousins?"

Brian noticed that Angel hesitated, then said, "They have

something they need to do. I can't go."

"Sounds mysterious."

"Hey, Angel!"

They both turned toward the voice.

"Hola, Hector," Angel replied. He looked back at Brian and

gave a little shrug.

When he hesitated, Brian asked, "So, do you want to grab a bite later?" "Yes. I'll come by your cabin. I'll bring pizza," Angel said quickly before he dove under the water. Somewhat surprised at what had just happened, Brian watched Angel swim to the edge to greet Hector. As Brian waded toward the shallow end where they were, he kept replaying in his head what had just happened. He was pretty certain that Angel was flirting with him. But how could that be? Angel wasn't gay. Or was he? The only girl that Angel ever Unleashing Angel - 74

talked about was his friend, Jen. And Angel certainly didn't have any interest in Carmen, as attractive and nice as she seemed to be. Brian still didn't know the full story about Angel. They talked about everything. But Brian could tell there were some things Angel was holding back. When he got closer, Brian overheard Hector say to Angel, "You're missing out, man. We need to get you laid." Angel gave Hector what appeared to be a warning look. He glanced at Brian. Then he said something in Spanish that Brian didn't understand. They spoke to each other in Spanish for a few more moments. "Okay, then. I'll see you tomorrow night at the gathering," Hector said as he started to leave. When Angel looked at him, Brian got the impression that Angel was wary. "Gathering?" Angel waded past him to the pool steps. "It's just a community meeting. They have one every month." Brian got the feeling that he was being given a partial explanation. Angel wasn't telling him something. He could tell. "I have to do a couple more things for my mom. Then I'll come by," Angel said as he picked up his towel. "Is that still okay with you?" Unleashing Angel - 75

"Yes. See you in a couple of hours, then."

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Chapter 6 Later, back at his cabin, Brian was sitting in a rocking chair, waiting for Angel to show up. Lester had sought him out and was lying on the porch, stinking up the general vicinity. Brian had no idea why, but he was nervous. It had seemed obvious that Angel had been flirting with him at the pool earlier. If he'd read all the signals correctly, they were going to be doing more than eating pizza and talking about land surveys. However, until today, Angel had never given any indication of being gay. Maybe Angel was bi. He was mulling over these thoughts when the object of his obsession pulled up in the red Jeep. He stood up as Angel came toward the cabin carrying a pizza box. "Let's eat inside. It's too hot out here," Angel said. "The bugs will start coming out soon. And besides, Lester reeks." When they moved inside the small cabin, Brian sat on the bed and Angel took the only chair. They pulled the table between them and put the pizza on it. "Smells good, " Brian said when Angel opened the box. "I'm starving." As it turned out that they did talk about land surveys while they ate. But then they switched onto more interesting topics. "Can I ask you a personal question?" Brian asked, when Unleashing Angel - 77

there was a pause in the conversation.

"I suppose."

"I've heard your cousin make a couple of odd comments."

"Like what?" Angel asked, looking a little guarded now.

"Just a couple of offhand comments about you."

"Like..."

"Usually it had to do with you needing to get laid, as he put

it."

Angel relaxed a little.

"Well, I don't have much experience. "

"A good-looking guy like you? You should have had a lot

of girls interested at college."

"Oh, I did," Angel said. "Never went out with any of them,

though." He picked a mushroom off a piece and popped it

in his mouth.

"You've mentioned Jen before."

"She's just a friend," Angel said, staring at the pizza on the

table between them.

Brian noticed that Angel had completely stopped looking at

him. There was something that Angel wasn't telling him.

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"Are you scared?"

"No."

"Is it a religion thing where you can't do it until you get

married?"

"No."

"So what's the holdup?"

"I guess I just never found the right guy yet." Angel had

said it so softly, that Brian almost missed it.

"Wait a minute. Are you saying you're gay?"

Angel looked up at him, eyes apprehensive.

"Who else knows?"

"Jen does," Angel said. "And some of the people at school."

"But no one here."

Angel shook his head.

"Well, that explains a few things," Brian said. "And you've

never done anything with a guy before?"

"Some things. But not much."

"Never gone all the way?"

Angel looked down and shook his head again.

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"Why not?"

"I'd never found anyone I wanted to do it with," Angel said.

Then he added "Until now."

Brian looked at him for a few moments, trying to absorb

what Angel had just told him. Then it hit him. Angel

wanted him.

"Are you sure?" Brian asked.

"Yes."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Here? Now?"

"Well, if you don't want to--"

"Of course I want to," Brian said, cutting him off. "But why

me?"

"Because I like you."

They looked at each other for a few moments in silence.

The gorgeous guy sitting across the small table was gay.

And if Brian was reading things right, Angel wanted Brian

to help him with his little virginity problem. Brian was

more than willing to help out.

"Well, okay, then," Brian said. He got up and moved the

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table out of the way, then sat back down on the edge of the bed. "Why don't you come over here next to me?" Angel got up and moved to sit next to Brian. He sat looking down at his lap. Brian tentatively put an arm around his shoulders, noticing that Angel felt very tense. "We don't have to do anything you don't want," Brian said. "If you feel uncomfortable at any time, tell me to stop." "Okay." "We'll take it slow," Brian said. "Trust me?" Angel looked up at him, and their gazes held. Then Angel leaned in toward Brian and stopped before their lips made contact. They sat side by side on the bed, faces mere inches apart. Angel's gaze lowered as he looked at Brian's mouth, and he licked his lips. Finally, Brian put his hand behind Angel's head and pulled him until their lips touched. Vaguely, Brian wondered what the hell he was doing. Angel was a kid. And a virgin. But he couldn't stop himself. He gathered Angel up in his arms, practically crushing Angel's smaller body against his larger one. Angel gave a small sound, and his hands clutched Brian's shirt, bunching it. Brian thought that he was hurting him, and let him go. "God, Angel," Brian said. "I'm sorry." Angel just looked at Brian. Then got up, toed off his shoes and sat, straddling Brian's legs. He wrapped his arms Unleashing Angel - 81

around Brian's neck. "Don't be," Angel said, before he kissed Brian again. He pulled back and said, "I want this." "Are you sure?" "Yes," Angel said. "Show me what to do." Brian groaned and pulled Angel tight against him. His hands gripped Angel's ass and pressed their crotches together. He could feel Angel's erection against his and knew that Angel was telling the truth. Brian leaned back on the bed, taking Angel along. Brian figured that with Angel on top, he could back off if he felt like it. Although Brian hoped that he wouldn't. Angel didn't. Angel straddled Brian's larger body, practically dry humping Brian through their clothes as they kissed. Brian thought that he better slow things down or Angel would be done before they even started. Brian put his hands on either side of Angel's head and broke the kiss. Angel looked down at him, eyes were dark, almost black with desire. Angel's lips were wet and swollen from being kissed. Oh, God. Brian was in so much trouble here. "Hey," Brian said. Angel looked down at Brian as if to ask why in the hell they had stopped. "Let's get more comfortable. I want to see you." Angel looked at him, dazed for a moment, then his face Unleashing Angel - 82

cleared. He straightened up onto his knees, still straddling Brian's body. In one movement, he removed his T-shirt. Brian looked at the young man sitting on top of him. Angel's hair had come loose and curls hung around his face. Brian looked at Angel's tan chest and dark nipples. He took his hands and ran them up and down Angel's sides. When he ran his palms over the nipples, Angel shivered and gave a sharp intake of breath. Brian rolled over until they were going in the right direction on the bed with Angel underneath. He began kissing Angel's face, and then worked his way down Angel's jaw. Angel pushed his head back into the pillow when Brian started kissing his neck, offering it up. Brian gave soft kisses to Angel's throat. Brian's lips rested for a moment at the pulse point where Angel's neck met the shoulder. Angel's pulse fluttering wildly beneath Brian's lips, and Brian resisted the urge to suck at the delicate skin. Instead, Brian continued on, kissing Angel's collarbones. Brian moved farther down, kissing Angel's chest, and he moved to one nipple to lick it. The nipple pebbled instantly, causing Angel to moan and arch his chest as his back rose off the bed. Brian slid both hands under Angel's back while lightly plucking at both nipples with his lips. When he felt Angel tense under him, he stopped giving attention to the sensitive flesh. He moved down to Angel's flat stomach, pausing a moment to look at the swallow tattoos there. Finally, he could touch them. Brian traced his shaking finger tips over them before Unleashing Angel - 83

pressing his lips to first one, then the other. Brian had to see him. He was powerless to stop as his fingers moved to undo the buttons on Angel's jeans. When he parted the fabric, he glanced back up at Angel's face. Angel was looking at him with hooded eyes, lips parted. Getting no indication that Angel wanted him to stop, Brian's fingers curled on the waistband. Angel's hips lifted as Brian slid the jeans and boxers down Angel's legs, then tossed them to the floor. Brian pulled his own shirt off as he got up to stand next to the bed. He stood looking down at Angel as he undid his jeans and slid them off. He saw Angel's eyes widen when he slipped his boxer briefs down and his cock was revealed. Brian paused again, looking for any sign of hesitation from Angel. Instead, Angel raised a hand, beckoning Brian to join him on the bed. "Be right back," Brian said. He went into the bathroom to get the condoms and lube. He came back into the room and set them on the bed. As he moved to get into the bed, Angel spread his legs. Brian rested back on his heels between Angel's legs and looked down at the young man laid out before him. Angel's dark curls were spread out on the pillow, contrasting with the white pillowcase. Tan skin outlined muscles and delicate features that made up Angel's perfect body. Brian had never seen anyone so beautiful, nor had he ever desired anyone as much. Unleashing Angel - 84

His hands shook slightly as he reached out. He placed his hands on Angel's sides, ran them up over the ribs, and then back down Angel's front. Angel's cock was rigid and weeping. Brian was amazed, and thankful, that Angel hadn't shot yet. He leaned over and ran his tongue up the underside of Angel's cock. "Oh, God," Angel said, and his body trembled. Brian took Angel's cock lightly in one hand and guided it to his mouth. When Brian's lips closed around the tight head and tasted the hot flesh, Angel gave a strangled sound. Angel’s cock swelled further and Brian didn't get much warning before Angel came with a shudder. Brian knew that he shouldn't, but he couldn't help himself. Brian was desperate to taste, and he kept his mouth on Angel's cock, taking it all as Angel came. He felt Angel's hands fluttering around his head as he milked Angel's cock. Once Angel was done, Brian licked his cock, then leaned up and kissed Angel on the lips. "Are you okay?" Brian asked. "Oh, God," Angel said again, only this time more breathless. Brian smiled into the kiss. He propped himself on his hands as he kissed Angel. He felt his own aching cock rub across Angel's belly and he felt Angel's feather-light touch along his thighs and hips. Unleashing Angel - 85

Angel broke the kiss and looked up at Brian. "Can... can I touch you?" Angel asked. "Please..." He moved and lay on his back next to Angel. Brian felt Angel's hand hesitantly touch his chest. His eyes closed as Angel's hand drifted down his front and did a slow circle on his abdomen. Angel's touch was excruciatingly light. When Angel's hand brushed against Brian's cock, they both gasped. Brian waited tensely a few moments, every nerve on alert, and then sighed when Angel's fingers curled around his cock, holding it in a light grip. When Angel's hand slid down the length of it, Brian lifted his hips off of the bed, trying desperately to increase the pressure. As Angel ran a hand along the shaft, Brian's hand joined in. Brian wrapped his hand around Angel's, showing Angel how he liked it. Angel got the message and tightened the hold on Brian's cock. Angel ran a hand clumsily along Brian's cock, brushing the fingertips across Brian's balls. When the touching abruptly stopped, Brian’s eyes opened and he lifted his head off of the pillow to look at Angel. Angel was moving down between Brian's legs. Brian knew what was coming next, and pressed his head back into the pillow, waiting for it. When Angel's lips touched the head Unleashing Angel - 86

of his cock, he almost lost it. When Angel began licking it and the tip of the tongue dipped delicately in the slit, Brian's entire body tensed. When Angel's mouth went around his cock, he shuddered. "Angel, I'm going to come," Brian said, warning him. Angel took his mouth off of Brian's cock and held it in his hand, watching it intently as Brian pulsed, come erupting from it and spilling over Angel's hand. Before Brian was done coming, he reached down and pulled Angel up for a kiss. Brian rolled to his side and they lay kissing. As they kissed, Brian rubbed his hand over Angel's back and smooth ass while Angel ran his fingers through the hair on Brian's chest. Angel pressed the length of his body against Brian as they kissed. Brian felt Angel's erection, as hard as it had been not long before, slide along his thigh. It was yet another reminder of how young Angel was: getting it up again so quickly. "Brian?" Angel asked. "Yes?" "Will you show me the rest?" "Are you sure?" "Oh, hell yes," Angel said. Brian chuckled. As they kissed, Brian rolled Angel over. Unleashing Angel - 87

Then he sat up on his knees between Angel's spread legs. Brian grabbed a pillow and lifted Angel's hips, putting the pillow under him so that Angel's ass was elevated. "Here," Brian said. "Put your legs back." Brian guided Angel's legs back so that Angel's knees were almost by his head. Brian looked down at the spread ass in front of him. Angel's dark pucker clenched and unclenched as Brian looked at it. He moaned deep in his chest, and then leaned over. When Brian's tongue touched his asshole, Angel jumped as if he had been shocked. Angel's arms flew out to his sides and his hands gripped the sheets. Brian ran the flat of his tongue over Angel's entrance, and nibbled at the ass cheeks on either side of it. Angel kept up a nonstop litany of groans, his head thrashing back and forth on the pillow. When the tip of Brian's tongue started fucking his asshole, a high-pitched sound came out of Angel. Brian paused and smiled. "Do you like that?" Brian asked. Angel gurgled. Brian gave a little laugh as he reached over and picked up the lube. Since Angel's ass was at such a delightful angle, Brian poured some lube directly onto Angel's spread crease. Then Brian ran his fingertips over the hole, causing the unintelligible sounds to come from Angel again. Unleashing Angel - 88

His finger inched in, and Angel's hole gripped his finger. "I need for you to relax for me," Brian said. It took a bit of coaxing, but finally Angel relaxed enough to allow Brian's finger to slide in. Brian pushed his finger in and out several times. When Angel relaxed the tight ring of muscle even more, Brian added a second finger. "Oh, God," Angel moaned. "Do you want me to stop?" Brian asked. "We don't have to do this." "No," Angel said. "No, what?" Brian asked, confused. "Don't stop," Angel replied. Thank God, Brian thought. He had gotten hard again, himself. He wouldn't force Angel into doing anything, reminding himself that Angel was a virgin, and had virtually no experience. But he was really hoping that he was going to get to fuck that sweet ass. Brian reached over, got a condom, and put it on. He put some lube in his hand and started slicking up his sheathed cock. Better to have too much lube than not enough for Angel's first time. "Let's try this," Brian said. Brian maneuvered them again until he was on his back with Unleashing Angel - 89

Angel straddling him again. Angel leaned forward on Brian's chest and they began kissing. Brian's hips started rising and lowering in a steady rhythm. His cock was sliding between Angel's spread ass cheeks, gliding along the sensitive hole. It didn't take Angel long to get the idea. Breaking the kiss, he rose up on his knees. Reaching behind himself, he grasped Brian's cock between his thumb and fingers, guiding it to his hole. When the blunt head of Brian's cock put pressure against Angel's hole, they both froze. Then Angel gradually lowered himself on Brian's cock. Angel gave a sharp intake of breath when Brian breached him, and he stopped. Angel rose slightly, and then lowered himself again. He did this several times. Each time, Brian's cock made farther progress inside of him until finally Brian was buried balls deep. Once Brian was all the way in, Angel stopped, his eyes closed. "Are you okay?" Brian asked. Angel's eyes opened. Eyes almost black with desire looked back at Brian. Instead of answering, Angel braced his hands on Brian's chest and began to ride Brian’s cock.. As he did, he dropped his head, his hair brushing along Brian's chest. Brian held onto Angel's hip with one hand as Angel's movements increased. With his other, he took Angel's cock Unleashing Angel - 90

in his hand and stroked. He could tell that Angel wasn't going to last long. When Angel came, it was intense, come shooting out onto both of their chests. His already unbelievably tight hole clenched around Brian's cock. The smell of Angel's come and the ripples from his muscles massaging Brian's cock was all it took. Brian came as well with a deep moan. Angel collapsed on Brian's chest. They lay there panting, trying to catch their breaths for a few minutes. Then Brian rolled them over. He held onto the condom as his softening cock slipped from Angel. He removed it and tossed it in the general direction of the trashcan. Then he cleaned them both up the best that he could with the edge of the sheet. Brian maneuvered them until they were spooning. He held Angel up against his chest and buried his face in Angel's hair, inhaling Angel’s scent. After a while, Angel's breathing evened out, and Brian could tell that he was asleep. As he lay there, the enormity of what had happened came crashing down on Brian. He had just had sex with a virgin. Not only that, he felt like he was very much in danger of falling in love. *** Brian said goodnight to Angel way past midnight. Angel walked back to the main house, Lester tagging along. He hadn't wanted Brian to go with him, so Brian let Angel leave without much fuss. It was not like Brian needed to walk him home from a date or anything. Unleashing Angel - 91

Brian was just damn near giddy with the thought of Angel. It did nag at him that he had told himself that he wasn't going to jump into another relationship. And here he was not even a month later, as excited as a teenager with a new boyfriend. He couldn't help himself. Was he that much of an incurable sap? As unrealistic as he knew it to be, Brian turned his attention to how they could make it work once they both got back to LA. At first, they would probably only be able to see each other on the weekends, or when Angel's classes didn't interfere. Then they could discuss what they wanted to do next. Apparently, Angel only had one more semester, as he would be graduating in December. If they were still together, and Brian had every intention of that happening, they could decide the next step then. Maybe they would move in together. Or maybe they would get jobs in another city and move. Brian could pretty much live anywhere. His work was mostly contract, and he was sent on jobs. It would all depend on where Angel found a job. Brian didn't like snow, but heck, if Angel liked it, he would even move to Boston. Of course, it would be ideal for them to move up to the San Francisco area where they could live as freely as they wanted. Brian caught himself. Here he was making all of these plans with someone who he didn't know all that well. Was it just the rush of a new relationship? Hell, was it even a relationship? But he didn't see Angel as a one-night stand. Brian didn't Unleashing Angel - 92

see Angel as just something to pass the time while he was here. He was already thinking about the fall, when Angel would be returning to Caltech. It was only a month away. Brian didn't live that far away from Pasadena, and they could work out something so that they could be together. Brian couldn't help but feel that he was jumping the gun. But this time it was different. He knew Angel was the one. He just knew it. *** Angel's mind was racing as he made his way from Brian's cabin back to the main house. He couldn't believe what they had just done. It was by far the most amazing thing that had ever happened in his life. He had gone out with a couple of guys in college over the last few years. They had done some kissing and fumbling around while sitting in darkened cars after a date. But never anything remotely like what he and Brian had done. He had never wanted to go that far with anyone before. But with Brian, it just seemed right. It had felt fantastic. Sure, his ass hurt, but even that was a reminder of what had happened. He had actually been in bed with a real man, feeling another man's body. And that man had been touching him back. Angel gave a shiver as he remembered. And Brian... Oh my God, Angel thought. The man was gorgeous. Angel vividly remembered every detail of Brian's body: his chest, his stomach, the hair on his body, that cock. Especially Brian's cock. Angel had never gotten to really look at and handle another man's cock like that Unleashing Angel - 93

before. The hand jobs in the cars had been fun, but this was different. This was real. Angel couldn't help but compare the way Brian's dick felt compared to his college dates. They were boys. Brian was a man. Brian's cock was the thickest, not that he had that many to compare it with. And the weight and fullness of Brian's balls... He really liked Brian's balls. Angel blushed when he remembered what Brian had done with his mouth. Angel vaguely remembered hearing about rimming, but he had never thought much about it. Now he was thinking about it, that was for sure. A lot. And Brian had sucked Angel's cock. No one had done that to him before, either. He didn't know which one he liked better. Definitely the blow job, he decided. He wondered if Brian minded that he didn't last very long. Brian hadn't seemed to mind. In fact, Angel remembered the way Brian looked at him. Angel had seen pure desire in Brian's eyes. Angel was amazed that a grown man who was as gorgeous as Brian would want him. It amazed him that he could have that effect on anyone. Him, a scrawny kid from a hick town. But Brian didn't look at Angel like he was a skinny dweeb. Angel had seen several emotions on Brian's face. It was obvious that Brian desired him. But it was also evident to Angel that what they had done meant more to Brian than just getting laid. Had Angel seen another emotion there? Or was it just wishful thinking? Angel tried to bring himself to his senses. But he couldn't help it. He was crazy about Brian. And it wasn't just because Brian was the first guy to fuck him. Angel had Unleashing Angel - 94

never even come close to wanting someone to do that to him before. It's not something he had ever trusted someone else with. Who was he kidding? Angel wasn't anything to Brian. They didn't even know each other that well. But what if...? Angel was willing to find out. He intended to find out if he was just imagining it or there was something more going on between him and Brian.

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Chapter 7 Angel walked into the kitchen as his mom was getting dinner ready. "Hi, baby," she said. "Could you start setting the table for me?" "Sure," he said as he went toward the cabinet were the plates were located. Only, he didn't make it. A searing pain shot up his spine and then down his limbs. He fell to the floor.

"Angel!" He vaguely heard his mom call his name.

He held up his hand and looked at it. Only it wasn't a hand,

it was a paw. It was then that he passed out. *** When he woke up, Angel was in his bed. His mother was standing there with a worried look on her face. His dad was

standing next to her, his face grim.

And the family veterinarian was there. What the fuck?

"Ah," Dr. Sanchez said. "Here he comes."

Angel looked up at them. They were all in black and white.

He noticed the intense smells in the room. He could hear his brothers and sisters playing out in the yard. Everything Unleashing Angel - 96

was amplified. Except his eyes. Everything looked so odd. "Angel," Dr. Sanchez said. "You've gone through your change. Do you understand what I'm saying?" His change? Angel looked around. His face felt odd. His tongue flicked out and licked his muzzle. Muzzle? Now he got it. He had finally gone through his first wolf change. But something was wrong. He knew it. Why was it daylight? He looked at Dr. Sanchez. The man was hard to focus on, being so close, and Angel's muzzle was making him almost cross-eyed. "He understands," Dr. Sanchez said, looking over his shoulder at Angel's parents. He turned back to Angel and continued. "You've had a quick and violent change, Angel. What we need for you to do right now is to concentrate so that you can change back. You shouldn't have any trouble. Just think about it, and it will happen naturally." Angel laid his head back on the pillow. He closed his eyes. He felt a vague numbness, then a surge of power course from his center out to his limbs. He opened his eyes. Everything was in color. "What's wrong with me?" he asked when he was able. Unleashing Angel - 97

"Nothing," Dr. Sanchez said. "You did very well." Angel looked at them. The doctor and his parents were smiling now. "But it's daylight," Angel said. "Precisely," the doctor said, smiling even more broadly. "Don't you know what this means, baby?" his mother asked. She was smiling, too. It was like she was proud or something. Angel just looked at them, not getting it. "Son," his dad said. "Only the most powerful wolves can change during the day. You will be able to change whenever you want to, not only at night or when the moon is out, like the rest of us. No one else can do it. The last wolf who could do it was my father's uncle." Angel looked at his mother again. She was beaming. Angel understood, then. Their son was the most powerful werewolf that their family, and probably the area, had seen in seventy-five years. "How are you feeling now?" the doctor asked. Angel thought about it for a minute. "Fine, actually," Angel said. "In fact, I feel great. I'm starving." "I'll go fix you something to eat," his mom said, and then Unleashing Angel - 98

she left the room. The doctor went with her, leaving Angel alone with his father. "We have a gathering tonight," his dad said. "You'll need to come to that. The others need to know."

"Okay," Angel said.

"And Angel," his dad said before he left the room. "It's a

small town. It's good that you're strong."

Angel looked at his dad, not comprehending. However, his father didn't offer any more. "We need to leave after you get something to eat," his dad said as he left. *** Later, Angel and his father pulled into the parking lot of the

meeting hall.

"What's with all of the cars?" Angel asked. "I've never seen

so many at a gathering before."

"They are here to see you," his dad said. "Word has already

gotten out."

"Me?"

His dad parked the car and they went in together. As they

walked in, Angel could feel people looking at him. Oddly,

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it didn't make him nervous. In fact, he heard several people call out to him in greeting. He stayed with his father for an about an hour as the others came up to congratulate him. He didn't pick up bad vibes from anyone. They all seemed to accept him and the power that he was supposed to have. Finally, he spotted his cousins and went over to them.

"Hey, Angel," Hector said.

"Hi."

They walked outside together to get away from the crowd.

"I just wanted to let you know," Hector said. "I think it's

cool."

"Thanks," Angel said.

Hector gave him a punch in the arm.

"But you're still a pipsqueak," Hector said teasing him. "So

what's her name?"

"Her?" Angel asked.

"Of course, her," Hector said. "That's what usually triggers

the wolf gene. The endorphins from getting off for real for

the first time."

"What?" Angel asked.

"You know," Hector said. "Getting laid, man."

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Angel blushed. Crap, he had forgotten about that part. So now everyone was going to know that he had finally gotten laid. And they were all going to want to know who the girl was. Only it wasn't a girl. It was a dude. Oh, God. He was so screwed. "So, who popped your cherry, Angel?" Hector asked. "You must have given it to her good, man. Really let her have it, for you to be able to change during the day." "Hector, you're so crude," Angel said, irritated. "Come on. Was it Carmen?" Hector persisted. "Tell me about it." He got up to leave. "I've got to go." "Whatever, dude," Hector said. "See you later." Angel went to find his dad. When he found him, he asked, "Is it okay if I leave?" His father looked at him, concerned. "Are you feeling all right?" his father asked. "Has anyone bothered you?" "No," Angel said. "I'm okay. I just need to leave. I thought that I'd walk back." "You can go if you want to," his dad said. "I'll catch up with you later." Angel walked back to the motel. Once there, he went to the Unleashing Angel - 101

office. He started pacing back and forth, trying to think. Okay. Here was the situation as he saw it. He had been hanging around this town most of his life, working in his family's motel. He had been waiting for something to happen in his boring life. The break he got from going to school in LA was great, but he figured that he would have to return when it was done. Yet, even though he liked his cousins, he had never really felt like he fit in. He wasn't interested in what the other guys were into. He didn't like sports. He didn't like girls. He was a nerd who liked science and physics. And he had finally gotten laid. By a fucking dude. Now everybody was going to know that he was gay. They would all hate him. There was no doubt about it, he had to leave town before anyone found out. So where the hell did a werewolf go live and not get shot the first time that he changed? And what about Brian? What was he going to say when he found out he'd had sex with a wolf? Angel didn't expect that little bit of information to go over well. Oh, God. What was he going to do? "You're going to wear a path in the carpet if you keep that up." Angel jumped when he heard the voice. He stopped pacing and turned to see Brian standing in the doorway looking at him. Angel stood still, wringing his hands, looking at Unleashing Angel - 102

Brian.

"What's got you so upset, Angel?" Brian asked.

"I..." Angel didn't finish the sentence. He just shook his

head and waved one hand vaguely off to his side.

"Come here, baby," Brian said.

Angel took a step toward Brian, then stopped.

"No," Angel said.

"Why not?"

"I can't," Angel said softly. He could feel his heart

breaking. He had to get Brian out of there before he did

something stupid.

Neither of them said anything, looking at each other across

the small office.

"Angel?"

"I... I can't talk right now," Angel said. "I can't be with

you."

"Angel, tell me what's going on."

When Brian came toward him, Angel took a step back, then

turned and scurried around the desk, putting it between

them.

"You need to leave."

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"Angel, is it because we're guys?" Brian asked. "You're going back to LA in a few weeks. You can leave earlier. With me, if you want to. You'll be away from this place. It won't matter." If only he could go with Brian. If only it were that easy. "I need to think," Angel said. "And I can't think with you here. Can you just go now? Please?" Angel practically shouted the last at Brian. He saw the hurt stamped all over Brian's face. When Angel couldn't look at Brian anymore, he looked down at his hands, which he was wringing in front of his stomach. "Okay," Brian said softly. "I'll go for now. But we're not done talking about this, Angel." When Angel looked up again, Brian had gone.

Angel felt like shit because of the way he treated Brian. He

sat down in the chair and rested his head in his hands.

"Angel."

Angel looked up to see his dad standing in the doorway of

the office.

"What's wrong?" his dad asked.

"Nothing," he said, putting his head back down.

"Something is obviously bothering you, son," his dad said.

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"I can't talk about it." "Did you and Brian have a fight?" Angel looked up at his dad. "I heard a little bit of it as I was coming in," his dad said. "It's nothing," Angel said. "It doesn't mean anything." "It sounded like something to me," his dad said. When Angel didn't offer any explanation, his dad said, "I need to go outside for a smoke. Come keep me company." His dad walked out of the office, and Angel reluctantly followed. They ended up by the pool, and each took a chair. Lester appeared from the dark and came to lie between them. Angel leaned his head back and looked up at the stars in the clear sky as his father got a cigar ready. "My Great Uncle Matteo was a powerful wolf. I remember him from when I was growing up. He was a small man. He worked a little ranch on the family land. He had a friend who lived with him for thirty years and worked it with him. His friend wasn't a wolf, but he didn't mind that Matteo was one." "He?" Angel asked. "Listen, son. I need to tell you something," his dad said. "Has it occurred to you why there aren't more powerful wolves like you? Why do you think that the gene that Unleashing Angel - 105

makes you powerful is so rare? Have you thought about that?" "Not really. It's all too new." "I'll tell you why. Those powerful wolves were always hombres que como hombres. Homosexuals. They didn't get with the women, so they didn't pass on their genes." Angel turned his head and looked at his father, who was watching at him. "If they had impregnated the females, there would be plenty more of them, that's for sure," his dad said. "But they didn't, so the gene remains dormant and only shows up every so often. And in a way, it's a good thing that these men were so powerful. It kept anyone from giving them trouble. They didn't have to worry about narrow-minded people. "One of the good things about this, Angel, is that you can do anything you want. Being strong gives you the freedom others don't have. You don't depend on the moon. You don't have to live here. You can live anywhere and change whenever you want. You can live in the city." "But don't I have to lead the pack or something?” Angel asked. "No, you don't. Just because you're physically the strongest doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be pack leader." "I don't?" Unleashing Angel - 106

"No. It's not like it was in the old days. It used to be that everyone in the pack had different abilities that were used. We all depended on each other, and everything that was done was for the good of the pack. It used to be we were wolves first, humans second. Now it's different. All of this new technology has made things easier for all of us. We lead lives more as humans these days. We don't need to hunt for food anymore. We rarely kill anything. In our wolf forms, we mostly run as a pack and just enjoy the night. The pack is still important, but mostly because we are all still vulnerable due to the lunar cycle." His dad stopped to puff on his cigar. "You, though, can be as independent as you like. You can live your life anywhere. If you ever feel need to be around your own kind, all that you have to do is come visit. But someone like you, Angel, will probably do better in a big city. This town is basically full of good folks, but there are a few prejudiced ones out there. If you decided to stay here and have any kind of life, you would need to be strong. So it's good that you are. You would be able to defend yourself and whoever you chose as a mate. Whether it's Brian or someone else. But I think that you'll be okay." It was then that Angel realized that his father knew. Of course, Angel guessed that it was pretty obvious, but he had assumed that they were talking in generalities. His father was telling him that he knew Angel was gay. Not only that, but his father knew about Brian, and he was okay with it. "What about grandkids?" Angel blurted out. Angel wasn't sure what had made him ask it. It sounded Unleashing Angel - 107

kind of stupid once he heard it voiced. But it made his

father laugh out loud.

Lester sat up between them and barked. Angel placed his

hand on the dog's head to calm him. "Shhh, Lester."

His father indicated Lester with his cigar. "That animal

smells to high heaven. He needs a bath."

"I'll give him one, but you know it won't help."

"Angel. You have four brothers and three sisters. Do you

think that your mother and I are going to have any trouble

getting grandchildren?"

"You've got a point," Angel admitted.

"What about Brian?" his dad asked.

"What about him?"

"Angel, I'm getting old, but I'm not blind."

"Oh."

"Are you going to tell him?" his dad asked.

"I don't know."

"Why?"

"I'm afraid to tell him."

"You're afraid of what he will say when he finds out?" Unleashing Angel - 108

"Yes." "Angel, don't you think he has the right to know?” his father said. Instead of answering, Angel asked, "You don't think I'm a freak?" "Son, I could never think that. You are who you were meant to be," his dad said. "I'm so proud of you. You are the first of us to get a college education." Then he added, "I'm proud of all of my children. All of you are healthy, good kids. Not a bad one in the bunch." Angel, overcome with emotion, felt tears in his eyes. He hadn't realized the pressure and fear that had been building up in him. However, with only a few words, his father had made everything okay, just as he had when Angel was a little boy. "Besides, we're werewolves," his dad added with a chuckle. "None of us are what you would call normal." "Gracias, Papa," Angel said. "Papa? You haven't called me that since you were little." His father gave a contented sigh and added, "Just remember that we love you, hijo." *** That son of a bitch, Carmen thought. Unleashing Angel - 109

She had seen Angel leave the gathering and had come looking for him. When she found Angel and his father together, she decided to hang back until they were finished. And she had heard plenty. All this time, she had been waiting for Angel to come around. She had been patient. Sure, she had done her share of partying. But she and everyone else knew that they were supposed to be together. She had just been waiting for him to grow up. And now she had just gotten the shock of her life. The guy that she'd been waiting around for, like, forever, was gay. Not only that, he'd lost his virginity to another guy. And his dad seemed okay with it. What the hell was going on? Temporary insanity. That must be it. Angel was confused. What she needed to do was get that Brian guy out of the way. Then she could continue to work on Angel until he came to his senses. As Carmen headed back to her car, she saw Brian jogging off of the property toward the main road. She looked up at moon. Once she got to her car, she stripped off her clothes, changed to her wolf form, and went hunting. *** Angel came from the pool area, heading to Brian's cabin. Now that his father had made him see things more clearly, he couldn't wait to talk to Brian. That is, if Brian still wanted to talk to him. Unleashing Angel - 110

He didn't have a clue as to how he was going to tell Brian that he was a werewolf. And would that little bit of information turn Brian off? Would Brian go screaming into the night, never to be seen again? How about if Angel never said anything? Supposedly, he had control over transforming. He wondered if it worked like that. He could just keep it a secret. Granted, it would be a huge secret. Maybe it would be better just to find out how Brian felt about Angel first. No sense jumping into the whole wolf thing if it wasn't necessary. Kind of take it slow, and get the lay of the land, so to speak. That sounded like a plan. He would just talk to Brian and see where it went from there. Angel was walking toward the cabins, thinking about what he was going to do, when he spotted Carmen's car in the parking lot. He thought that it was odd that her car was there, but she wasn't around. He glanced toward the entrance of the property in time to see a small wolf exit the gate and begin heading down the main road. He recognized the wolf as Carmen. An alarming thought struck him, and he began pulling off his clothes. Within moments, he had shifted as easily as if he had been doing it all of his life, and was chasing after the smaller wolf. *** Brian watched the stripe in the road in front of him. The rhythmic sound of his shoes hitting the pavement was almost mesmerizing. The night was clear, and the moon lit up the sky, illuminating everything in his path. When Angel had told him to leave, he had gone back to the Unleashing Angel - 111

cabin. His first instinct was to get into his SUV and drive. Most likely to a bar. But he decided to run instead. He was pretty upset about the whole thing, and more than a little pissed off. As he ran, his thoughts, of course, turned to Angel. Remembering the scene in the office brought him nothing but confusion and despair. He had gone looking for Angel, eager to spend time with him. When he got to the office, however, it was as if he had come face-to-face with a stranger. The last thing that he expected was rejection from Angel. Here he had just gotten out of a bad relationship. Then, out of the blue, he met Angel and had gotten caught up in the excitement of the whole thing. Angel wasn't like anyone Brian had ever been with. The sex had been intense, not like any that Brian had ever had before. Brian poured all of his energy and affection into their lovemaking. It had been amazing. For Brian, it was a turning point. Brian didn't see Angel as a one-night stand. He had been thinking about the fall when Angel would be returning to Caltech. Brian didn't live that far away from there, they could work out something so that they could be together. But all of those thoughts had vanished when he came face to face with Angel earlier. He remembered that at first, Angel had seemed happy to see him. Angel even started toward Brian, but then stopped and backed off. It had seemed like Angel had wanted to say something, but couldn't. Then Angel had told Brian to leave, so he had left. The more Brian thought about it, the more hurt changed to Unleashing Angel - 112

anger. He was mad at himself as well as Angel. He had been stupid to rush into something so soon after breaking up with Sam. He knew better. He had even told himself not to get involved with anyone. And what did he do? He came to a small town, and the first chance he got, he fucked the local hot boy. Not only that, Brian felt like he was falling in love with Angel. Brian thought that he should give Angel some space. Maybe Angel was freaked out by what they had done. But no, Angel had seemed perfectly okay with everything. Brian had made sure that he hadn't forced Angel to do anything. No, something had happened between their time together and tonight. Something had caused Angel to back off. And Brian was determined to find out what it was. And then not get emotionally involved with anyone ever again. He was not going to get hurt again. As he continued on down the moonlit road, Brian replayed the scene in the office in his head. Angel had rejected him and told him to leave. But there was something Angel wasn't telling him. He didn't think that Angel wanted to break it off. Brian didn't believe it. He refused to believe it. Brian couldn't help going over it in his mind in an endless loop. It was about that time that Brian noticed the sound of something running in the mesquite. It sounded like an animal. And it sounded like it was running along with him, keeping his pace. Whatever it was, he couldn't see it, even in the bright moonlight. He listened intently as he ran, Unleashing Angel - 113

glancing around. He heard some puffing breaths as the thing kept pace with him. He figured that it must be an animal. He wracked his brain trying to think of what types of animals were in the area. Coyote? Some kind of big cat? Then he had an alarming thought: if the animal was big enough to be heard and keep pace with him, it was probably a predator. That thought sent a shot of panic through Brian. He tried to think. Did coyotes attack people? He didn't think so. Brian increased his speed, and whatever was running parallel with him increased its speed, keeping pace. Brian slowed down, and the thing running next to him slowed also. He had the strangest feeling that the thing was stalking him. He slowed even more until he was walking. He walked in a circle with his hands on his hips, trying to catch his breath. He looked out into the darkness, straining to hear any sounds. He saw a blur before he actually heard anything. A dark shadow erupted from the brush alongside of the road. Before he could react, he felt fur and muscle slam against him as he was knocked to the side. Brian landed on the ground hard and his wind was knocked out of him. He put his hands up in a defensive gesture as the animal snapped at him. Everything was moving so quickly, but he could tell that whatever was attacking him looked like a big dog. Suddenly, the animal snapping in his face was gone. With a Unleashing Angel - 114

yip, the animal was no longer on his chest and had disappeared from sight. He struggled to sit up so that he could see what was happening. Another animal appeared to be attacking his predator. They both looked like dogs. But they were too large and exotic looking to be dogs. One was much larger, almost dwarfing the other. It looked black in the moonlight, whereas the smaller one was much lighter in color The two animals were moving so quickly, it was hard for Brian to make out what they were. However, it was pretty clear from all of the snarling that they were fighting. It was all over quickly. It was obvious that his attacker was no match for the new arrival. His attacker broke away from the fight and took off running. Instead of following, his rescuer stopped and looked at Brian. Brian stood up, dusting the dirt and rocks off of himself. All the while, his rescuer watched him. Brian had the strangest feeling when the animal looked at him. Then, a few moments later, the animal turned away and followed the first. Brian stood alone in the middle of the deserted road, trying to figure out what had just happened. He knew one thing for sure: he was heading back. Now. Enough running for one night.

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Chapter 8 The next morning, Brian was sitting in a booth at the diner. He had spent a sleepless night thinking about Angel and the way that Angel had pushed him away. He had gotten angrier the more he thought about it. Then he thought about getting attacked by some wild animal. He kind of blamed that one on Angel, too. If Angel hadn't been a jerk, Brian wouldn't have been out running last night. He would have been having sex. A lot of it. Thoughts of Angel rotated in his brain with memories of being attacked by a wild animal. Brian had just ordered his food when Angel walked through the door. Even though his feelings were hurt and he was still pissed, Brian perked up when he saw Angel. However, when Angel didn't even glance his way, Brian felt his mood getting even worse. Brian watched as Angel went up to Carmen. The moment that Carmen saw Angel, her eyes narrowed, and she glared at him. Brian could see that Angel was also pissed off and frowning. When Angel got close to her, they started arguing. Brian wondered what had happened, and wished that he was close enough to hear. As he watched them, he saw Carmen gesture angrily in Brian's direction. When she did, Angel turned and looked at him. Angel barely acknowledged Brian before turning back to Carmen and continued arguing. That pissed Brian off even further. Unleashing Angel - 116

It appeared to Brian as if he had come between Angel and Carmen. For all of his protesting, Angel and Carmen seemed to be pretty close. They probably really were a couple. Maybe Angel was bisexual. Anyway, somehow, she had found out that her boyfriend liked boys. It seemed as if Angel was playing them both and had been caught. Well, it was a good thing that Brian had come to his senses and was not going to get involved emotionally. Brian watched as Carmen threw up a dismissive hand, turned, and walked away from Angel. Angel made an equally dismissive hand gesture to her, and then started walking in Brian's direction. Angel came up to Brian's table and looked down at him. "Is it okay if I sit down?" "If you want," Brian said. He was mad, but he wanted to know what the little shit had to say by way of explanation. Angel sat in the booth across from Brian, still looking agitated and pissed off from his confrontation with Carmen. Brian watched Angel fidget around with the silverware on the table for a minute. When Angel didn't look as if he was going to say anything, Brian decided to give it a try. "Well?" Brian asked. Angel still didn't reply. But it was obvious to Brian that Angel had something on his mind. "Do you have something to say?" Brian asked. "I went to see you last night," Angel said. "But you weren't Unleashing Angel - 117

there."

"I went running," Brian said.

"Yes, I know."

"You do?"

"I figured it out," Angel said.

"Oh," Brian said. Then he added, "I got attacked by some

kind of animal. A dog or coyote or something."

Brian saw a flicker of what looked like alarm in Angel's eyes. Then Angel glanced nervously in Carmen's direction. "Don't worry. Your girlfriend went back to the kitchen," Brian said. "She can't hear."

Brian watched as anger flared across Angel's face.

"I told you that she's not my girlfriend," Angel said.

Angel looked really pissed. But so what? Brian was pissed

himself and confused. And hurt. Brian didn't want to talk about this right now, not in a restaurant with everybody sitting around them. "Look, do you even want to work with me anymore?"

Brian asked. "I still need your help."

"Yeah, I do."

"I need to ride up to Canyon Lake tomorrow."

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"I already set it up with my uncle," Angel said. "The horses will be at the cabin in the morning." "Fine," Brian said. He got up, tossing more than enough money on the table for his uneaten breakfast and a tip. "Well, I need to get to work. I'm going to be doing some paperwork at the cabin today. So I guess that I'll meet you tomorrow morning." "Oh, okay." Angel seemed disappointed that Brian was leaving. Brian couldn't keep up with him. Well, now Angel knew how Brian felt. "See you tomorrow morning then, Angel," Brian said, not waiting for a response, and left the diner. When he got in his SUV, Brian sat for a couple of minutes without starting the engine. He felt like shit. That hadn't gone well at all. The stress of seeing Angel had taken its toll. He had an upset stomach, and he felt a headache coming on. He didn't need this crap. He didn't need any of this shit. He was just going to finish the job and go home. *** Brian set down his pen and rubbed his face with both hands. He had been at the cabin doing paperwork for most of the day and needed a break. Getting up from the table, he grabbed a fresh bottle of water from the cooler and headed out to the porch. He sat down on one of the rocking chairs. Of course, it Unleashing Angel - 119

wasn't long before he started thinking about Angel again. Was Angel playing him? The truth was, Brian didn't know. He hadn't given Angel a chance to explain himself. Angel had come to tell him something, to offer an explanation. But Brian had been such a jerk that he hadn't let Angel talk. So now Brian was no better off and was still in the dark. Brian was just kind of gazing off into space when he first noticed the animal. It was standing about a hundred feet away. It looked an awful lot like a wolf. And it was staring right at him. With a rush of excitement, Brian decided that he wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Not making any sudden moves, he stood up and went back into the cabin to get his camera. Once inside, he moved quickly, gathering his equipment. He got his SLR camera, making sure that he had enough film in it. Then he changed out the lenses, putting on the telephoto lens. When he had it together, he went to the window and peeked out. He was excited to see that the animal was still standing where it had been earlier. Brian took a few quick shots of it through the window. He didn't think that the quality would be that great through the window, but he wanted to get something in case he scared off the animal. Then he went back outside. He sat back down on the rocking chair and held the camera in his lap. After a while, he slowly lifted the camera and began focusing on the animal. It was definitely a wolf. Its fur was very dark, appearing black, and it was too large and muscular to be a coyote. Coyotes tended to be lighter in color and almost skinny looking. Although bigger, this animal was very Unleashing Angel - 120

similar to the pack of animals he had seen when he had gone running that first morning. The wolf was looking away from him while he continued focusing the camera. He was able to take a few pictures. Then, as he was ready to take the next picture, the wolf turned its head and looked right at Brian. Brian was able to take a perfect face-on shot. The face and eyes of the animal were amazing. Brian lowered the camera and looked directly at it. They stayed that way, staring at each other for a few moments. Then the wolf turned and trotted away. Brian watched it until it was out of sight. Brian looked down at his arms that had broken out in gooseflesh. He had definitely felt some sort of the connection with the animal. What it was, he had no idea. However, the animal seemed to have an intelligence about him that was unmistakable to Brian. Brian looked at the camera and noticed that he only had two frames left on it. He stood and quickly took two landscape shots to finish up the roll of film before going back into the cabin. He was excited about seeing the animal and couldn't wait to tell Angel about it. Brian had wanted to ask Angel about wolves in the area, but had been so pissed off this morning, he had missed the opportunity. Hell, he didn't even know if he could talk to Angel anymore. Angel's rejection, and his apparent relationship with Carmen, kind of took the wind out of Brian's sails. To top it off, Brian had acted like a complete asshole this morning. Just a couple of days before, they had been able Unleashing Angel - 121

to talk about anything; now there was just this strange, negative vibe that hung in the air between them. Brian didn't know if the void between them could be fixed. Then Brian remembered what he had decided about not getting involved with anyone; but, damn it, he couldn't stop thinking about Angel. He was helpless to do anything else. *** It was late by the time Brian made it back to town that evening. Instead of going straight back to his room, Brian decided to head out to the Swinging Door. He had been there a few times since that first night he arrived in town. Maybe he would grab a bite there. He had already gone by the White House and hadn't seen Angel's Jeep around. Not that he was looking for him. However, when he got to the Swinging Door, there were very few cars. It wasn't packed like it had been the other times he had been there. He didn't see Angel's Jeep, either. He quickly lost interest in stopping. Instead, he drove through a burger joint and took the food back to his cabin. *** Angel followed the line of cars as they turned off the highway onto the dirt road. About a mile later, they were in the makeshift parking lot. He pulled his Jeep up next to Hector's truck and got out. Hector walked to the back of his truck and put down the tailgate. He was taking off his shirt as Angel walked up to him. Unleashing Angel - 122

"Hey, welcome to the club, cuz," Hector said, smiling. Angel stood for a moment watching his cousins, male and female, taking off their clothes. He had seen it many times before and it didn't bother him. However, this was the first time for him to be stripping down in front of them. He glanced around as he took off his own T-shirt. No one was paying any attention to him. He took off his shoes and tossed them on the tailgate. He looked around one last time, then pushed his jeans and boxers down. He tossed them onto the truck bed along with everything else. "You ready?" Hector asked, smiling at him. Angel nodded. "You know how to do it, right?" "Yes." "Well, do it so we can go," Hector said, encouraging him. Angel concentrated, and with very little effort, he shifted into his wolf form. Immediately, his senses intensified. Smells and sounds were almost overwhelming. He looked up at Hector, who was now in black and white. As he watched, Hector shifted. He felt something at his side and one of his cousins was standing next to him. He glanced around as the rest of the pack joined them. With very little communication, Hector turned and ran toward the mesquite. The others, along with Angel, moved as a pack, following Hector. Unleashing Angel - 123

Hector was taking the lead that night. Angel knew that when wolves were newly changed, the others would look out for them and protect them. His cousins flanked Angel as they began to run. Before long, three wolves veered off from the original pack. There were five of them that continued on. Hector was still in the lead, with Angel and his cousins following. Angel's heightened senses caused everything to be amplified. At wolf's level, he viewed everything differently. Objects appeared quickly, and then were gone as the wolves continued on. The smells from the ground and air were almost intoxicating in their intensity. Aware of the others in the pack around him, he could hear their breathing as they ran. As they silently ran, they bounded over obstacles on the desert floor. The power, agility, and grace he felt in his body and muscles were exhilarating. He was finally experiencing firsthand what all the fuss was about. And he loved it. Lost in sensations, he began to run harder. With little effort, he broke away. Before long, he had put distance between himself and the pack until he was alone in the desert, running free. His movements were fluid, without restraint, and he felt the wind flowing over his fur. His senses alive, he smelled the night air as he never had before. It was him and the night. He felt like he could go on forever. Eventually, he found his way back to where the cars were parked. He slowed and approached cautiously. When he was sure the way was safe, he trotted into the clearing and over to Hector's truck. No one else was around as he shifted Unleashing Angel - 124

back. After he put on his clothes, he sat in his Jeep as he had many nights before, listening the wolves calling to each other. He noticed that everything was duller now. His hearing and sense of smell barely picked up anything by contrast. He decided that nothing compared to running free through the night. Before long, the others returned. They entered the clearing cautiously at first, as Angel had done. Still panting from their run, they went over to their cars. Angel got out and walked over to Hector as he transformed. "What took you guys so long?" "Man!" Hector said. "You took off! We couldn't keep up with you. I've never seen anything like it." He looked past Angel's shoulder and said, "Uh-oh." Angel looked in the direction that Hector indicated. Carmen had entered the clearing and was heading for her car. They looked away as she shifted and got dressed. "What happened between you two?" "Nothing." They both glanced over toward her. She looked their way and curled her lip up at them. "Wow, somebody's mad. She's majorly pissed," Hector said. "I thought you guys would be all lovey-dovey." Unleashing Angel - 125

Angel avoided eye contact, and Hector noticed.

"What are you not telling me?"

"Nothing," Angel said again. "There is nothing to tell."

Hector stared at him for a few moments. Angel saw

Hector's face change as realization set it.

"It wasn't her!" Hector practically yelled.

Angel cringed. "Will you keep it down?"

Hector stepped closer to him and spoke in a lower tone. "It

wasn't her, was it? That's why she's so mad."

"Will you stop?"

"You've got to tell me who it was," Hector said. "You can't

hold out on me."

"Hey, Angel, Hector," one of their cousins shouted. "We're

heading over to the Swinging Door. We'll meet you there."

Angel took the opportunity to escape any more questions,

and headed for his Jeep.

"I'll see you guys there," Angel said. He quickly got in,

started his Jeep, and left.

As he drove along the dirt road back to the highway he

fretted over his conversation with Hector. Fortunately, they were interrupted. This time. He knew that he couldn't put Hector off forever. And Carmen knew. It was a miracle that Unleashing Angel - 126

she hadn't said anything yet. Angel figured that she had her own reasons for not telling, and that gave him another reason for feeling apprehensive. As he turned onto the highway and headed for town, he realized that it wouldn't be long before everyone was going to find out about him being gay. He feared that his dad had been right. It was a good thing that he was powerful.

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Chapter 9 The next morning, Angel was waiting for Brian outside by the office as usual. When he climbed into the SUV, they mumbled a greeting to each other. They didn't say much of anything other than for Brian to ask Angel if he was hungry. They drove the rest of the way to the diner in silence. When they went inside, they were greeted by a sullen Carmen, who handed them two menus and told them to sit wherever they wanted. Angel led the way to their usual booth with Brian following silently in his wake. Brian looked at Angel sitting across from him. Angel's body language spoke volumes. His arms were crossed, and he was leaning back against the seat. It reminded Brian of the first morning that they were together. It was hard to believe that this was the same person that he had made love with just a few nights ago. This whole thing was leaving Brian confused, hurt, and now just plain tired. He couldn't take the silent treatment anymore. "I spent yesterday at the cabin," Brian said. Angel finally made eye contact with Brian. Brian was struck again at how beautiful Angel's light gray eyes were. Especially how they contrasted with those dark lashes. "I know," Angel said. "Huh?" Brian had forgotten what they were talking about. Unleashing Angel - 128

He had become mesmerized by Angel's eyes.

"I know that you went to the cabin," Angel said.

"How did you know that?"

"You told me yesterday morning that you were going to

go."

"Oh. Yeah," Brian said.

"So did you get a lot done?" Angel asked.

"Yes, I did."

They lapsed back into silence again.

"Are there wolves around here?" Brian asked.

Brian thought he saw a flicker of interest, or maybe

something more like alarm, flash across Angel's face. Then

it was gone.

"Why? Did you see something?"

"I've seen a few things," Brian said.

About that time, Carmen slammed a couple of water

glasses down in front of them. She glared at both of them.

"What do you want to eat?" she asked.

After they had given their order and Carmen had walked

away, Brian said, "Angel, I know what's going on."

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"You do?" "I've figured it out," Brian said. "What is it that you've figured out, Brian?" Angel asked. He seemed a little wary. "I mean, Carmen is pissed off. It's obvious that she found out about us. I imagine it's hard for her to have her boyfriend be with another guy." "Carmen is not my girlfriend," Angel said, his voice tight. "She has never been my girlfriend. She will never be my girlfriend." Angel was getting louder, and other people in the restaurant looked their way. He caught himself and lowered his voice. "I will never have a girlfriend," Angel said. "Will you get that through your thick skull?" Oh. Well. Now that just pissed Brian off. "Well, what the hell am I supposed to think, Angel?" Brian asked. He lowered his voice when he noticed someone from another table glance their way. "You run hot and then cold. And you won't tell me what's going on. I'm not a fucking doormat." "I tried to tell you yesterday, but you acted like a jerk," Angel said. "And then you left me sitting here by myself. Do you have any idea how that felt?" Unleashing Angel - 130

Brian felt a rush of guilt. "Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?" Angel asked. He had tears in his eyes. The last thing that Brian had wanted was to make Angel feel small. He had been so caught up in his anger that he hadn't even realized the hurt that he had caused. "Angel," Brian said. "I'm sorry." Angel wiped the back of his hand over his face, and then looked out the window. Brian could see that Angel was trying to get his emotions in check. "How about we get something to eat?" Brian said. "Then we can talk once we're alone, okay?" Angel gave a big sniff, and then said, "Okay." By the time Carmen brought their breakfasts to them, they had both calmed down and were at least talking civilly to each other. Brian was thankful for that. He was actually starting to look forward to the next few days on the trail, and being alone with Angel. *** When Brian and Angel arrived at the cabin, there was a large pickup truck with a horse trailer attached. Next to it was a man and three horses. Two of the horses were saddled, and the third was loaded with equipment. As they pulled up, the man waved to them and smiled. Unleashing Angel - 131

"Hola, Angel." "Hola, Uncle Manny. This is Brian Stewart." "Hi," Manny said to Brian. "I got you all set up here. You should have more than enough supplies." "Thanks," Brian said. He unloaded the camping equipment and, with the help of Manny, strapped it to the supply horse. When they got underway, it took Brian a bit to get used to the horse, but after a while, it wasn't so bad. Angel's uncle must have given Brian the most docile horse ever created. The animal took its cue from Angel's horse and plodded along next to it. The ride to the lake took much of the day. They stopped once for sandwiches and to let the horses rest. By the time that they reached the lake, it was late afternoon. Conversation between the two of them had been stilted all day. Together, they got the camping gear sorted and managed to get the tent up easily. However, the way that Angel had been tossing and slamming things around, Brian knew that Angel was still upset. Brian wished that he knew what to do or say to make things the way that they had been. He knew for sure that things were still not okay when he looked up at one point and discovered that Angel was no longer at the campsite. Brian stood up straight and looked around. Unleashing Angel - 132

He finally spotted Angel down by the water, facing away, looking out across the lake. Brian finished putting things away and went to join him. Angel must have heard Brian coming, because he glanced around. Then turned his attention back to the water. Brian came up and stood next to him. "Hey," Brian said. "What are you doing?" Angel shrugged and said, "Just standing." "It looks like everything is set up. I'll make something for us to eat later." "Okay," Angel said. Brian couldn't take the silent treatment anymore. "I'm really sorry for the things I said. And for leaving you sitting in the restaurant," Brian said. "I'm sorry that I made you feel bad." Angel continued to look out at the lake. "I know that I shouldn't have any right to expect anything out of you. I mean, we just met less than a month ago," Brian said. "I walked in to the middle of something you had going on." Brian realized, too late, that he had probably said the wrong thing, because Angel's lips clamped together in a frown. Brian tried to backpedal. Unleashing Angel - 133

"Wait. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that either," Brian said. "What I meant to say was..." Brian floundered around for a minute. "I'd really like for us to get back to where we were. I've missed you." Angel turned to Brian, and he could see that Angel was still angry. His eyes were dark and he was flushed. Brian wasn't expecting it when Angel launched into him, however. "First of all, this is the last time I'm telling you that I'm not with Carmen. Second of all, I'd like to get back to where we were, too. But you've been such an asshole that you wouldn't even let me explain what made me back off," Angel said. "If you had let me talk, you would have found out why. But no. You had to jump to conclusions, thinking you know the answers to everything. Well, let me clue you in, you wouldn't even be able to guess in a million years." "Angel, I'm sorry," Brian said again. His apology even sounded lame to him. "Don't you ever leave me hanging like that again, Brian," Angel said, and gave Brian a shove. Brian staggered back. Before he could say anything, Angel continued. "Don't turn and walk away, or just leave me sitting in a fucking restaurant by myself." Angel gave him another shove. Brian staggered back some more. Brian couldn't believe how strong Angel was for such a small guy. Unleashing Angel - 134

"And you listen to me when I'm trying to tell you something," Angel said. "Got that?" "Uh, sure?" "Because if you do it once more, you will never see me again." By this time, Brian had regained his footing and was able to brace himself against Angel's onslaught. However, Angel was up in Brian's face. Did he just growl? Brian thought. As he looked at Angel, Brian could have sworn that something weird happened to Angel's eyes. It was like they changed, and then went back to the way that they were supposed to be. It was only an instant, but whatever it was, it had been intense. Brian marveled at this aggressive version of Angel. In his mind, he had envisioned Angel as just that: a sweet, beautiful kid. The person in front of him now wasn't being sweet. In fact, Angel was being downright dominant. Rather than being a beautiful kid, Angel was a gorgeous, pissed off man. Brian went hard as stone. Before Angel could say any more, Brian grabbed Angel's wrists, pulling the smaller man to him. Brian's mouth came down hard on Angel's as he held on and forced Angel's hands behind his back. After a moment's hesitation, Angel responded with an aggressive kiss. Their wet tongues were almost dueling, the intensity of it taking Brian's breath away. When he released Angel's wrists, Angel's arms went around Unleashing Angel - 135

Brian, pulling him as close as possible. Brian could feel Angel's hard cock through the layers of fabric. He put both hands on Angel's ass and pushed on it so that the contact between them would increase. They melded together, arms around each other, desperately kissing each other, sliding their mouths across one another's, their tongues invading. They were almost devouring each other in their desperation to get as close as possible to the other person. It was part passion, part power struggle out on that shore by the lake. Finally, Brian broke the kiss to come up for air. Panting, they looked into each other's eyes. He barely had time to catch his breath before Angel was right back at him, mouth locking with Brian's. Brian's mind was reeling. He was doing what he could to hold his own, but Angel's passion was becoming overwhelming. It was like some sort of animal had been unleashed from inside of Angel. The power surge from the smaller man was heady stuff, and Brian was about ready to come just from kissing. He had never had anything like it. They broke the kiss again and Brian looked down in a daze to see Angel's hands undoing Brian's jeans. Brian decided to speed along the process by removing his own shirt. Then he set to work pulling off Angel's T-shirt. Angel stepped back and pulled off his boots and socks. Then he undid his jeans and pushed them off. He stood before Brian naked, with his cock fully rigid, pre-come glistening on the tip. Unleashing Angel - 136

Brian took in the sight. His gaze traveled over Angel's tanned skin, now golden in late afternoon sun, the lithe body, the dark nipples, and those swallows. God help him, the swallow tattoos on Angel's flat stomach got Brian every time. Without taking his eyes off of Angel, Brian quickly removed the rest of his own clothes, until he too stood naked on the muddy shore. Brian watched, fascinated, as Angel looked at him. Angel's gaze traveled over Brian's body almost hungrily. Brian could have sworn that he saw that odd flicker in Angel's eyes again. But it was so quick, it may have been the way that the light was hitting them. After a moment's hesitation, they closed the distance between them. They clutched at each other as they kissed, hands frantically roaming over skin. Brian felt himself being pulled down. Angel sank to the ground, taking Brian with him, until they were both on their knees in the mud. They stayed that way, kissing, while they rocked their hips against each other. With every sway of their bodies, their hot cocks rolled together across the other's skin. Angel broke the kiss and turned away from Brian. Angel dropped down on hands and knees and it was obvious to Brian what Angel wanted. Brian laid his hands on the tight mounds of Angel's buttocks, ran his hands up Angel's back and then down the sides, stopping to caress Angel's ass. As Brian's hands kneaded Angel dropped to his elbows in the mud. Brian looked at the perfect ass spread in front of him. Angel's hole was just too tempting. Brian ran his thumbs over the tender skin, while at the same time reaching Unleashing Angel - 137

between Angel's legs, fondling Angel's cock and balls. Angel rocked toward Brian, offering himself up. Brian knew that he shouldn't. He knew that he was clean and that Angel, until recently, had been a virgin. But, God help him, he couldn't stop. He rubbed the head of his leaking cock over Angel's pucker. The more he did it, the more intense his need became. After slicking the way with his pre-come and spit, Brian lined up his cock up with Angel's hole, gripped Angel's hips, and sank into Angel's body. He stopped when his balls rested against Angel and looked down at where they were connected, his pubes resting against the perfect globes of Angel's ass. Angel was so tight, it was like Brian was being held by a strong fist. "Angel, we've got to stop," Brian said through clenched teeth. But Brian didn't want to stop. He didn't know if he could stop at this point. He had already gone too far. What little rational thought he had remaining left him when Angel bucked up against Brian, as if trying to get Brian jumpstarted. It worked. Brian held Angel's hips and began moving. As Brian thrust, Angel pushed up onto his hands to brace himself. It was like Brian was possessed. He just kept ramming at Angel. Mud was starting to get everywhere. Spatters on their skin only served to drive Brian on. He felt like an animal in rut out by that lake. Unleashing Angel - 138

Brian reached around and gripped Angel’s cock in one hand, stroking it in time with his thrusting, rubbing the precome around the head with his thumb. When he started to hear unintelligible sounds coming from Angel, Brian took it to mean that Angel was close. Well, Brian was close himself. He changed the angle and gave a few more shallow thrusts, pegging Angel's gland each time. Angel came hard, giving a yell that was a wild guttural sound, almost a howl. Before he came, Brian at least had enough sense left to pull out at the last moment. Stroking himself hard, he came as well, leaving ribbons of come across Angel's back and ass. Brian held his cock and rubbed the head of it over Angel's ass until his tremors subsided. Then he leaned over and rested his chest against Angel's back. He trailed his hands along Angel's sides, while kissing Angel's shoulder blades. "Are you okay?" Brian asked, still trying to catch his breath. Angel nodded as he moved away and sat in the mud. He looked up at Brian, pushing hair out of his face with the back of one hand. He was panting slightly, and his face was flushed. Brian thought that he looked beautiful. Brian leaned forward and kissed him gently. "Are you okay?" Brian asked again. He was a little worried because Angel hadn't said anything. And then Angel smiled at him. One of those beautiful Unleashing Angel - 139

smiles that lit up Angel’s face and eyes. Brian gasped at the sight of it. Brian hadn't realized how much he had missed Angel's smiles. He was filled with awe, overwhelmed by the mud-spattered person sitting in front of him. "We're a mess," was all that Brian managed to say. "Come on, then," Angel said as he stood up and held out a hand. Before Brian could resist, Angel was leading the way into the cool water of the lake. When they were about waist deep, Angel dove and swam under the water before surfacing several yards away from Brian. When Angel came up out of the water, he shook his head, flinging droplets from his hair that sparkled in the sunlight. The surreal beauty of it felt dreamlike to Brian. Brian was captivated as Angel stood and pushed his hair from his face with both hands, rivulets of water rolling down his body. Finally, Brian snapped out of it, and then dove under the water himself. Then they cleaned up the best that they could in the lake, getting the mud and come off of them. *** That evening, Brian made dinner over the campfire. As they ate, he was still trying to figure out what had happened earlier by the lake. Angel had completely taken him by surprise. Angel hardly seemed like the unsure virgin from the other night. Angel had been aggressive. And strong. The whole thing was odd, but it was a complete turn on. Brian had felt like an animal going at it down by the lake in broad daylight, and blushed remembering it. Unleashing Angel - 140

Then Brian winced when he remembered doing it with no lube. He hadn't meant to hurt Angel. Along with that thought was the fact that they had done it without a condom. It was like he had lost his mind. Thank God he had the sense to pull out at the last minute. He glanced at Angel, who saw him looking and smiled back. Angel seemed okay. "How are you doing?" Brian asked. "I hope that I didn't hurt you." Angel looked at Brian like he was surprised. "I'm fine," Angel said. "I mean, I definitely felt it. But it was fucking hot." Brian blushed again. He had never heard Angel swear before. First the aggressiveness and now the cussing. These were facets of Angel's personality that he needed to pursue further. Brian felt his cock twitch. Up until now, he wouldn't have thought that he could get it up again after that scene by the lake. Brian shifted on the log he was sitting on. Damned if he wasn't perking right up. He wondered vaguely if Angel was up for anything later. "Angel, I'm sorry about not using a condom." Angel waved his hand that was holding the fork in the air. "Oh, no problem. You wouldn't have done it if you weren't clean. I trust you." Brian felt a stab of guilt. Why should Angel trust him? Brian had been behaving like a cretin. Unleashing Angel - 141

"Well, yes," Brian said. "I am clean. But the point is, I shouldn't have done it. I'm the older and more experienced of us. I should have been using my head." "You did," Angel said, giving him a wink. "And very well, too, I might add." Damned if Brian didn't blush again. What was going on here? Whatever had happened, he liked Angel's newfound self confidence. He had to admit, it seemed to put them on a more equal status. When they finished eating, Angel stood up and stretched. "That was great," Angel said. "Thanks for making that for us." "No problem," Brian said. "Really?" "Yes. I used to hike all of the time. I was hiking the Appalachian Trail, taking my summer vacations and doing it in sections. I still have a third to go. I haven't gotten a chance to go this season, though. Sam hated being outside. So that's why I run. To keep in shape." "I haven't done the hiking," Angel said. "But I'd like to. The most I've done is gone out on our land on horses." They talked as they cleaned up. Brian finished putting things away while Angel went to check on the horses. Brian didn't know why he was feeling nervous. Maybe he Unleashing Angel - 142

didn't know what Angel expected from him. He wasn't sure if Angel wanted more sex or wanted to be left alone. He was hoping for the sex. But he would take his cues from Angel. "Well, the horses are okay." Brian jumped. He hadn't heard Angel return. "I don't know about you," Angel said. "But I'm going to turn in." Angel stood next to the tent and looked at Brian as he took off his boots. Brian had no idea how to respond. Then Angel disappeared through the flap. Brian walked over to the tent and stood next to the entrance. He was nervous and had no idea why. It wasn't like they hadn't been together before. Deciding, he removed his boots and crawled into the tent. *** The next day, they seemed as if they were back on track. The previous night, Angel had been assertive. Well, actually, it was more like aggressive in what he wanted Brian to do with him. It had been fast and hot. Now, today, they were tired but content. They spent the day surveying the area. Angel trotted around and patiently held the target rod while Brian looked though the level and made notes. They got along well enough, talking and joking. Things seemed relaxed and back to normal between them. Brian had even taken some time out Unleashing Angel - 143

to take photographs of the landscape, and quite a few of Angel. That evening they sat by the fire after having finished a light dinner that Brian had made for them. Angel was feeling much better about everything. Brian had seemed truly sorry about the way things had gone. Angel also admitted to himself that it wasn't entirely Brian's fault, either. He wondered if they were back on track and if it would be a good time to bring up his little secret. He honestly had no idea how Brian would react. Brian would no doubt run screaming into the night. Or laugh at him. As if on cue, the sound of a wolf howling carried through the canyon to them. It was answered by another. Obviously, some of them had decided to go out tonight. "Did you hear that?" Brian asked. He had gone perfectly still, and was straining to hear. A third wolf chose that moment to respond to the first two. "Yes," Angel said. "What are they?" Brian asked. "Wolves,” Angel said. He might as well get it out. Brian looked at him, clearly excited. "For real? Are they Mexican wolves from the Blue Range Refuge?" "Not exactly," Angel said. "But they are wolves." Unleashing Angel - 144

"What kind are they?" Brian asked. "This is so cool." Angel wondered how cool Brian would think it was when he learned the truth. "There are legends around here about wolves," Angel started. Brian looked at him expectantly. No, that wasn't any good. Angel tried again. "The land around here is owned by three main families. They have owned it for generations. They've managed to hang on to it this long because no one wants it. It's pretty much uninhabitable as it is, and it would cost a fortune for anyone to develop." "What has this got to do with wolves?" Brian asked. "I'm getting to that," Angel said. "The families pretty much stay here. They're born here, they marry and stay together for life, raise their families, and then die here. The story is that the wolves are linked to the families." Angel stopped and waited. "What do you mean?" Brian asked. "Do these people take care of the wolves?" "You could say that." "But wait a minute, the only wolves that are supposed to be anywhere near this part of the country are the Mexican Unleashing Angel - 145

wolves that they reintroduced at Blue Range."

"That's what the official story is, anyway," Angel said.

"You mean the Blue Range wolves aren't real?"

Angel was beginning to wonder if Brian was dense.

"But I've seen them," Brian went on. "More than once. I

even think that I was attacked by one."

"Oh, the Blue Range wolves are real, all right," Angel said.

"And that's turned out to be convenient, actually. When

people start saying that they are spotting and hearing

wolves, it can be blamed on the Blue Range wolves."

"Convenient?" Brian asked.

"Yes. It keeps people from coming in and snooping around.

It allows the families to live in peace."

"I still don't get what the families have to do with the

wolves," Brian said.

He might as well get it over with, Angel thought. No more

beating around the bush.

"The families are the wolves," Angel said.

He watched Brian's face in the dim fire light. Angel could

almost see the wheels turning in Brian's head. Angel could

see the instant that it clicked in Brian's brain.

"What are you saying? Werewolves?! Like in the movies?!

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You've got to be kidding," Brian said. Angel didn't reply. He sincerely hoped that he wasn't blowing this. Brian looked at the sky. "It's not a full moon," Brian said. "Explain that." "The full moon only applies to the young ones. As they get older, they can shift any night of the lunar cycle." "Shift?" "That's when they change into their wolf forms," Angel explained. Angel watched Brian's face as he processed what Angel had told him. "I saw a wolf during the day. In broad daylight. At the cabin. A big black one. I even got pictures," Brian said. "Ha! Explain that." "There are very rare wolves that can change at any time. They can skip generations before one is born. They are very powerful. There is only one known in the area right now." "So you're telling me that what I've been seeing are werewolves?" Angel just looked at him. Finally, Brian's face changed again. Like he was in on the joke. He smiled broadly. Unleashing Angel - 147

"Oh, man!" You almost had me," Brian said. "Here we are sitting by a campfire, out in the middle of nowhere. With wolves howling in the background. "Look at my arms," Brian said, holding his arms out in front of him. "Well, it's dark... But you gave me chills." Angel knew that this wasn't going to work. At least, not right now. Unless he shifted, Brian wasn't going to believe him. But he couldn't take it if Brian was grossed out by it. He watched as Brian got up and started putting things away. "You really had me going," Brian said, chuckling. Angel got up and helped put things away. Brian didn't seem to notice that Angel wasn't laughing also. *** When they finished cleaning up, Brian walked over and put his arms around Angel. Angel came willingly enough, but it seemed to Brian that something had changed. Some small nuance was different. Angel was back to being stiff and unsure with him again. He wracked his brain to try to figure out what had caused such a quick change. It was subtle, but he was starting to become more attuned to Angel's moods. As he held Angel with one arm, Brian took his finger and lifted Angel's chin. Angel's gaze met his, and without speaking Angel licked his lips, waiting for Brian to make the next move. Unleashing Angel - 148

Brian leaned down and kissed him. Angel responded and Brian wrapped his arms around Angel, pulling him close. Closing his eyes, Brian and brushed his lips over Angel's, lost in the soft skin against his own. Holding Angel's body against him while taking his time kissing was getting Brian very aroused. His cock pushed against his jeans and he tried to find more contact by pressing his crotch against Angel. "Do you want to go into the tent?" "Yes," Angel answered. It was said so softly that Brian felt the word against his lips, rather than heard it. Brian held Angel's hand as he led the way to the tent. Once inside, they both removed their boots and socks and set them outside. Angel scooted out of the way while Brian zipped the mesh flaps. When Brian turned around, Angel was sitting at the back of the tent and the unsure look had returned. Brian silently cursed himself and wondered what he had done to bring about this change in Angel. "Hey. What are you doing way over there?" Brian asked. Instead of answering, Angel looked down. His hand was nervously fidgeting with the zipper tab of the sleeping bag. "Angel, if I've said something to upset you, please tell me." Angel responded by slightly raising one shoulder toward Unleashing Angel - 149

his ear. "Do you want me to leave you alone?" Still looking down, Angel shook his head. "We don't have to do anything if you don't want. I would never force you. But I would like to hold you if that's okay. Can I just hold you, at least? Then maybe you can tell me what's gotten to you all of a sudden." Brian knew that it sounded like he was begging. But he didn't care. He wanted the carefree Angel back. Angel looked up and met Brian's gaze. "I'm not sure what I should do," Angel said. Brian remembered another time when Angel had said something similar. It was during their first time making love. Angel had been on the edge of a new experience, and he had trusted Brian to be his teacher. Now, however, Brian wasn't sure what the words meant. Brian reached out a hand. Angel looked at it, and Brian held his breath as he waited. Finally, Angel reached out and closed the distance across the tent. Brian felt a flood of relief when their hands touched. "Hey. Come here, huh?" Brian gave the slightest of tugs for encouragement, and Angel came to him. Brian cupped Angel's face in both hands and looked into his eyes briefly. Then Brian kissed him. When Angel Unleashing Angel - 150

responded, Brian put both arms around Angel and pulled him close. As they kissed, Brian gently urged Angel back until they were both lying on their sides facing each other. They lay there, clothed, holding and kissing each other, their jeanclad legs wound together as they become more urgent. They began pressing their crotches together in an attempt to get closer. But still, they only kissed, making out like a couple of teenagers. Brian wanted Angel badly, but there was no way that he was going to move too fast and scare Angel off. Something had happened tonight that he didn't understand. Something that made Angel back off again. He wanted to win Angel's trust back, and somehow he didn't think that jumping Angel's bones while the guy was vulnerable was going to do it. So Brian contented himself with kissing, relishing the taste and the smell of Angel. He explored Angel's mouth as their tongues wetly caressed. He got to know the sensitive spots on Angel's neck. He felt Angel tremble under him when he moved Angel's hair and paid special attention to one delicate ear. When Brian felt Angel's hand on his cock through his jeans, he groaned. Angel's touch was excruciatingly light, and Brian canted his hips in an attempt to increase the pressure. Angel responded by rubbing the heel of one hand more firmly along the bulge in Brian's jeans. When Angel's rubbing became more insistent, Brian gave up on the kissing and rested his forehead against Angel's. Unleashing Angel - 151

They lay that way, foreheads together, Brian panting slightly while Angel rubbed. When Angel's fingers found the button to Brian's jeans, Brian went still. He held his breath while Angel ran the zipper down. Angel's fingertips went under the waistband of Brian's boxer briefs and brushed the swollen head of his cock. It took every ounce of control that Brian had not to just give in and pounce on Angel. Somehow, he managed to keep himself still and waited passively as Angel's hand fumbled inside of Brian's underwear. When Angel's fingers wrapped around Brian's cock and held it, Brian gave an involuntary jerk of his hips. It didn't take Angel long to realize that there wasn't much room in Brian's jeans for both Brian and Angel's hand. Angel began pushing the jeans out of the way as Brian lifted his hips. Once Brian's cock was free, Angel's hand went right back to it, alternating between stroking Brian's cock and cupping his balls. Through his haze of desire, Brian noticed that Angel seemed to really like to fondle Brian's balls. Not that he was complaining. Angel scooted down until his face was level with Brian's crotch. Then Angel held Brian's cock in one hand while rubbing his lips around the head. Brian groaned when Angel’s tongue probed his slit.. Then Angel's cheek grazed Brian's cock before he took it into his mouth and began to suck it. Angel rested an arm over Brian's hip and caressed his exposed ass while sucking Brian's cock. Brian forced himself not to give in and just start fucking Angel's mouth. Instead, he lay still, his hand gently fondling the curls on Unleashing Angel - 152

Angel's bobbing head. What Angel lacked in technique was made up in enthusiasm. Brian didn't care. Having Angel's mouth around him felt great. His beautiful Angel could do no wrong. Before Brian could process more of that thought, Angel picked up suction and speed. When a hand was added along the shaft, Brian knew that he was losing it. "Angel, I'm going to come." Brian felt himself swell and go past the point of no return as Angel came off of him with a wet pop. Angel held Brian's cock while he came. When his tremors passed, Brian set up on one hip, pulling Angel with him. He gave Angel a kiss and said, "Let me get rid of these, okay?" Brian wiggled the rest of the way out of his clothes and then sat cross-legged in front of Angel, naked. Angel reached out and ran a hand across Brian's chest. Brian started to pull up Angel's T-shirt. Then he stopped. "Is this okay?" Instead of answering, Angel removed the shirt himself, then moved around in order to lean back and take off his jeans and boxers. "Stop," Brian said, his voice tight. "Stay there." Angel lay before Brian naked. The moonlight was coming Unleashing Angel - 153

through the mesh of the tent, casting a glow on Angel's skin, illuminating his body. "God, you're beautiful," Brian said. And he was. Angel's body was even more perfect than Brian remembered. Angel's cock was rigid. The head was dark and swollen tight. The end glistened in the half light. Brian really didn't think that Angel was going to last long. He wanted to make Angel feel as good as possible in the short amount of time that they had before Angel blew. Brian decided to go straight for Angel's cock. Brian circled his thumb under Angel's balls and his fingers over the base of the cock, holding it in a firm grip. He, in essence, made a cock ring, hoping that he could get Angel to last a little longer in order to enjoy what Brian was going to do. Brian bent over, opened his mouth, and took Angel in. As Brian's mouth worked Angel's cock, Angel's head tossed from side to side on the sleeping bag, his wild hair coming all the way loose. Angel's hips rose to meet Brian's mouth. When Angel froze, Brian knew Angel was coming. Removing his mouth, Brian pumped Angel's cock while come spilled over his hand. When the orgasm was over, Brian crawled up and lay behind Angel, pulling Angel against his chest. He could feel Angel's heart beating under his hand. They stayed that way, not speaking. Brian was still confused by what had changed Angel's attitude, causing the Unleashing Angel - 154

withdrawal. He thought back over the conversation they'd had at dinner, but couldn't think of anything. Just talk about werewolves. He couldn't imagine how that would get Angel upset. Finally, he fell asleep, with no answers to the questions he kept running over in his mind. *** The next morning, Angel woke Brian up with a blow job. That was finished off by some energetic morning sex. Whatever was bothering Angel the night before seemed to be in the past and Brian decided not to question it. However, he vowed to be on the lookout for any signs of withdrawal in the future. They were lying side by side, cooling down, when Brian asked, "Do you have any plans for this weekend?" "Not really," Angel said. "The only thing that I need to do is clean the pool." Brian's worn-out cock gave a token twitch when he thought of Angel cleaning the pool. He made it a point to be sitting in a chaise lounge when that was going to happen. He wanted a front row seat for that. "A friend of mine is having a big get-together this weekend. His boyfriend is coming to visit. They have been dating long distance for a while. Now he is going to have a party so we can all inspect the guy and give our opinions. Everyone I know will be there," Brian said. "Would you like to go to LA with me for the weekend?" Angel had been rubbing his hands along the hair on Brian's Unleashing Angel - 155

forearms. He stopped and looked over his shoulder at Brian. "You want me to go with you?"

"Well, yeah,” Brian said. "I'd like for my friends to meet

you."

"Does that mean that they will be dissecting me, too?"

"I won't let them," Brian said.

"So you want me to go," Angel said. "For real?"

"Uh-huh," Brian said, pulling Angel closer. He kissed

Angel's curls, then ran his cheek over them. "Then you can

see where I live."

Angel was quiet, and Brian thought that maybe he had

fallen asleep.

Then Angel said, "Sure. I'll go."

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Chapter 10 Once they made it to the LA area, traffic got bad. Finally, Brian signaled and got off of the Santa Monica freeway. After they exited, it took what seemed like forever to go only a short distance. Then Brian finally turned onto a quiet street with a row of bungalows. "I got lucky on this house," Brian said. "I had been renting it for a few years. When the owner retired, he decided to sell all of his property. He gave me a great deal on the place. Much less than it was actually worth. "Here we are," Brian said as he pulled into a driveway. When they got to the door, Brian unlocked it and let Angel go in first. It was a nice, tidy little place with hardwood floors. There was not much in it, and on the walls were framed photographs of landscapes and wildlife. "Well, it looks like Sam has moved out." Brian said, as he reached down and picked up a key off of a table next to the front door. Brian walked through the small dining room into what must have been the kitchen, and then back around to the living room where Angel still stood. Angel couldn't help but feel a little like he was the replacement boyfriend. Unleashing Angel - 157

"Here, let's take our stuff to the bedroom," Brian said as he leaned over to pick up their bags. "I hope that you don't mind... You'll have to sleep with me. The other bedroom is my darkroom." "Oh, I think I'm okay with that," Angel said, smiling. Angel followed Brian to the bedroom. When they set their things down, Brian turned to Angel and pulled him close for a hug. "I'm glad that you came," Brian said, smiling down at him. "And I hope that you like being here. I want you to make yourself at home, okay?" Brian gave him a kiss. Angel instantly felt the surge of adrenaline that coursed through him whenever Brian touched him. He couldn't help himself. Brian's strong arms held Angel close. As he leaned against Brian's firm, muscular body. Brian's hand came up and petted Angel's curls. Angel looked up at Brian, and their gazes held. "Hey, you," Brian said, and gave Angel a little smile As Brian's face leaned closer to him, Angel closed his eyes and his lips parted slightly. When Brian's warm lips touched his, Angel sighed. Brian gave a series of soft, full kisses to Angel's lips, pulling Angel tightly to him until their bodies were flush. The kisses became deeper and their tongues languidly caressed. Brian pulled away slightly and looked down at Unleashing Angel - 158

him.

"Do you realize how difficult it is to sit next to you for so

long in the car and not be able to touch you?" Brian asked.

Before Angel could respond, Brian kissed him again,

resuming the deep kisses, then switched to nibbling at

Angel's lips.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" Brian

asked.

"Me?"

"Yes, you," Brian said as he nuzzled Angel's hair aside.

Angel shivered when Brian began paying attention to

Angel's neck below his ear.

They were interrupted when Brian's cell phone rang. Still

kissing Angel, Brian fished around in his shorts pocket

until he found the phone. He held it up and glanced at it.

"I'd better get this," Brian said.

Still holding Angel close with one arm, Brian answered the

phone.

"Hi, Phillip," Brian said. "We just made it in."

He listened and then said, "Okay. We'll be there soon. See

you."

When he disconnected the call, he said to Angel, "Well, I

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guess we'd better get ready and go. But I want to continue this conversation later." *** "I thought that we could walk to the party," Brian said. "It's only a few blocks away, and it would be easier than trying to find a place to park." Angel looked at Brian standing in front of him. Brian was dressed completely different than when he had been out in Arizona. Brian had put on jeans and an expensive looking lightweight pullover sweater, with a white T-shirt peeking out at the neck. Brian looked mature and like he had money. And he looked damned hot. Angel looked down at himself. "Am I dressed okay?" "You look fine," Brian said. "I wouldn't have you any other way. Well, except maybe with nothing on." Brian winked as he picked up the keys from the table. He opened the door and said, "Shall we?" By the time that they got there, the condo was full of people and the party was in full swing. Brian took Angel's hand and led him through the crowd until they found their host in the kitchen. "Brian! I'm glad you could make it," the guy said. Angel couldn't help but notice that the guy was very goodUnleashing Angel - 160

looking. He was Angel's size and quite striking, with his styled dark hair and pale blue eyes. He was in the process of putting some food on a tray. "Hi, Phillip," Brian said. "I'm sorry. I'd give you a hug, but my hands are messy." Phillip said. "And who have we here?" he asked, looking at Angel. "Phillip, this is Angel," Brian said. "Angel, Phillip." "Angel?" Phillip asked. He gave Angel a once over. He looked at their clasped hands and smiled broadly. "Indeed." Phillip gave Brian a wink. "I'm happy to meet you, Angel," Phillip said. "Thanks," Angel said. "Nice to meet you, too." "Well, it's good to know that Sam is out of the picture," Phillip said to Brian. "He was a slut. I'm glad that you finally came to your senses." "How come no one ever told me about him messing around?" Brian asked. "Oh, you know how it is," Phillip said. "People usually have to find out for themselves. And I think that you really knew it. You were just in denial." "I suppose you're right," Brian said. "So where is this new boyfriend of yours? What is his name again?" Unleashing Angel - 161

"His name is Jason," Phillip said. "He's around here somewhere." "Now, how did you guys meet again?" Brian asked. "I planned his cousin's wedding," Phillip said. "Phillip is a wedding planner," Brian explained to Angel. "At first, I thought that he was a real jerk," Phillip said. "But I've since changed my mind. When I'm done here, I'll introduce you. In the meantime, get something to drink and go mingle." Brian got them each a beer. Then he took Angel's hand again and led the way back through the living room. When Brian came across one of his friends in the crowded condo, they would give each other a quick kiss on the lips in greeting. Then Brian would introduce Angel. Each time, Brian would put an arm around Angel and pull him close. Angel noticed that Brian was introducing him as his boyfriend, not just a date. And that possessive arm around him indicated that no one else had better hit on Angel, because Angel was taken. Angel wondered when they had crossed over to that. Had he missed something? Not that he was complaining. About that time, a guy pushed through the crowd toward them. He walked up to Brian, and instead of the quick peck on the lips that everyone else had done, this guy laid one on Brian. The longer it went on, the more irritated Angel became. Brian finally had to push the guy away. Unleashing Angel - 162

"Rusty..." Brian said. He was blushing and kind of breathless. "Brian, my God!" the guy, who was obviously Rusty, said. "I heard that you and Sam broke up. It's about time. He was a slut." "So I'm hearing," Brian said. "Now that you're single again, we should get together," Rusty said. "Well, I'm with someone now," Brian said. "Rusty, meet Angel. Angel, Rusty." Rusty smiled as he looked Angel up and down. Then his smile turned into a pout. "Oh," Rusty said to Angel. "I can't compete with you. You're just too cute. Exactly Brian's type. He likes them petite and cute." Rusty turned to Brian. "Brian, I'm never going to catch you between boyfriends, am I?" Now that pissed Angel off more. Before he could stop himself, a small growl escaped. Fortunately, there was too much noise in the room for anyone to notice. "Sorry, Rusty," Brian said. "Oh well, can't blame a girl for trying," Rusty said, and then disappeared into the kitchen. Brian looked at Angel and said, "Sorry about that. Rusty is kind of... unique." Unleashing Angel - 163

Angel just frowned. They met a few more people. Brian's friends were okay. They were even nice to Angel and talked to him. However, there were a few in the crowd who made some comments that were starting to get to Angel. Most of the comments had to do with Brian changing out boyfriends. Angel was starting to feel like he was the twink of the moment. Was that what Brian thought of him? He hadn't gotten that impression. Until now. As they walked through the house, they were stopped by a guy who was rail thin. The guy's bleached hair contrasted with his black eyebrows. "Brian!" "Hi, Chet." Brian introduced the two. Barely acknowledging Angel, Chet said, "How have you been? You look fantastic." "Thanks," Brian said. "I saw Sam last weekend. Apparently Gordy took him in when you threw him out." "I didn't exactly throw him out," Brian said. "Well, anyway... however it happened, you being on the market again is the big news around here." Unleashing Angel - 164

"I'm not on the market, Chet." Chet finally seemed to notice that Brian and Angel were holding hands. "Oh! I see," Chet said. "Now I understand." Chet looked around and spotted someone across the room. "There's Trevor," Chet said. "I'll talk to you later." The evening continued on with Brian's friends being nice, mixed with comments from some of the guys that were pissing Angel off even more. After, like, the fifth guy made a similar comment, Angel had had enough. He shrugged off Brian's arm and headed toward the stairs. He was angry and wanted to be alone. He was to the point where he just wanted the party to be over so they could leave. Angel walked upstairs. Not knowing the layout, he ended up on a balcony overlooking the backyard and pool. Standing there, he felt a hand on his ass and looked around. Brian was behind him. Angel frowned and then brushed by Brian, going back inside. "What's going on?" Brian asked. Angel didn't answer, and kept walking through the crowd. He went down a hall where he knew a bathroom had to be. He just needed to be alone. Unleashing Angel - 165

Finding an empty bathroom, he stepped inside and closed the door. However, it was stopped before he could close it all the way. Brian was blocking the door and looking down at Angel. He backed up as Brian pushed it open and came into the room. Brian shut it behind him, locked it, and then stood in front of it. "Now, tell me what's going on," Brian said. "What has gotten you so mad?" "Am I just a twink to you? The flavor of the month?" Angel asked before he could stop himself. "What the hell are you talking about?" Brian asked. Angel could tell that Brian was starting to get irritated. "It seems like half of the guys down there have been with you at some point," Angel said. "Apparently you're always starting something new." "What?" Angel could tell that Brian was good and pissed as well. "Never mind," Angel said. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." He tried to get around Brian to reach for the doorknob. "Oh, no, you don't," Brian said. "You can't just throw that out there and then walk away. Remember what you told me about walking away?" Angel tried to make Brian move so that he could get to the door. Angel was getting too upset, and he didn't want to lose it in front of Brian. Unleashing Angel - 166

"Just let me out," Angel said. Brian grabbed Angel and spun him around until Angel's back was against the door. When Angel struggled, Brian took hold of Angel's wrists and pinned them to the door on either side of his head. "What makes you say that?" Brian asked. "Your friends are making it pretty obvious that you start something new all the time," Angel said. "That I'm your latest twink." "Is that what you think? You're believing them?" Brian asked. "Well, if you were paying attention, you would have noticed that my friends didn't say anything of the kind. It was the idiots like Rusty who said those things. My friends were all nice. Those are the people that I wanted you to meet. I can't help it if some assholes showed up to the party." Saying nothing, Angel glared back up at him. "You need to get over that," Brian continued. "Because it's just not true." Before Angel could come back with a smartass answer, Brian bent down and kissed him. Angel was mad and didn't respond. However, Brian wasn't having it and continued kissing him, running his tongue over Angel's lips. Angel didn't want to, but couldn't resist. When Brian's mouth slanted over his, demanding to be let in, Angel Unleashing Angel - 167

relented. He began kissing Brian back just as hungrily. Obviously satisfied that he had Angel's attention, and Angel wasn't going anywhere, Brian let go of Angel's wrists and put his hands against the door on either side of Angel's head. Brian wasn't restraining him, but Angel was still pinned against the door. At that point, Angel didn't care. His hands reached up and he interlaced his fingers behind Brian's neck. Brian responded by snaking an arm around Angel's waist and pulling him close. They broke the kiss and looked at each other. At first, everything was in black and white. Then, a moment later, Angel's vision cleared. Brian gave a sharp intake of breath and Angel saw the look on Brian's face. Brian had noticed something with Angel's eyes. It vaguely registered with Angel that when he was emotional, his vision flickered between wolf and human. It must be visible to Brian, too. Obviously, Brian didn't care, if the erection poking against Angel's hip was any indication. Brian gave a moan and dipped his head down to claim another kiss. Angel gave a small growl and kissed him back. Abruptly, they separated. Brian took a step back and they began undoing each other's pants. They quickly had each other's cock in their hands. Brian rested his forehead against Angel's, and they both looked down at their hands stroking each other. Brian stepped close again and gripped both of their cocks in one hand. With the other hand, he repeatedly ran his palm Unleashing Angel - 168

over the heads of their cocks. Every few strokes, he would dip his thumb into Angel's slit. "Do you think that I would do this with anyone else?" Brian asked as he stroked them. His head was beside Angel's, and he was panting. He added, his throat sounding tight, "Lose control like this? I've never been like this. You're not a short-term fuck. I can't get enough of you Angel. You're all that I think of." At Brian's words, Angel felt the anger fade away. He closed his eyes and gave himself over to the sensations of his cock against Brian's, and of Brian's hands on them. Brian relentlessly rubbed and stroked them. Angel began swaying with the rhythm of the strokes. "Come on, baby," Brian said next to his ear. "Come for me.” Angel opened his eyes to black and white. He closed his eyes again and clutched at Brian's shoulders, trying to keep himself upright as they both came. Brian held their throbbing cocks together as their combined come spilled out over his hand. When they were done, Brian supported Angel around the waist with one arm while reaching over to get some tissue to clean them both up. Angel was still weak in the knees, but Brian managed to keep him upright. Brian held him close and stroked Angel's hair. He inhaled Angel's scent and kissed his hair. "This is my world, Angel. I live in a gay community. All of Unleashing Angel - 169

my friends are gay. I'd like for you to be part of it. That's why I brought you home with me. To show you," Brian said. "Do you want to be part of it?" "I'm sorry, Brian," Angel said. "For being an insecure jerk."

"Don't be sorry," Brian said. "Just be with me. Will you?"

Someone knocked on the bathroom door and they both

jumped.

"Will you?" Brian asked again.

"Yes."

*** Angel walked into the kitchen and found Phillip working on another tray. Phillip looked at him and smiled. "I should have catered this," Phillip said. "I know better. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Do you need any help?" Angel offered.

"No, I'm okay. I'm almost done."

Angel stood and watched Phillip work.

"I've know Brian a long time. Since college." Phillip said.

"We even dated a couple of times." Angel felt another stab of jealousy. From what Angel had been hearing about the type of guys that Brian liked, Phillip Unleashing Angel - 170

was exactly right. "But it didn't work out," Phillip continued. "We discovered that we make better friends than lovers. "Brian is a great guy. I went through a rough period a couple of years ago. A one-night stand gone bad. Brian was there to help," Phillip said. "He's a sweet guy. Kind of a romantic. He has this notion of long-lasting love. Sorry, I don't mean to scare you off." "I'm not scared," Angel said. "He seems different with you." Phillip paused and looked off into space. "Actually, I've never seen him like this before. Kind of possessive and protective. And attentive. It's cute." Then Phillip looked at him and asked, "Do you like him?" "Yes. I do," Angel said without hesitating. "Very much." Phillip stopped what he was doing and looked at Angel. It was as if he was scrutinizing him. Then Phillip nodded as if in approval. "I believe that you do," Phillip said. He picked up a towel and wiped his hands. "In my business, I've seen a lot of couples. I've seen people who should not be together getting married. But then I've seen couples who belong together. They've found their soul mate." Phillip folded the towel and set it on the counter. He turned toward Angel and looked directly at him. His face was kind, and he almost had tears in his eyes. Unleashing Angel - 171

"I think that Brian has finally found what he's been looking for." Phillip gave a sniffle and shook his hands out to his sides. "Okay, enough of this. I need to put out this tray. These boys can eat a lot," Phillip picked up the tray and walked toward the dining room, where he had set up a buffet. "Have you met my Jason yet?" "Not yet," Angel said. "Let's go find him." Phillip led the way though the living room and went out to the back patio. Brian was out there talking to a very goodlooking guy, and again Angel felt the sting of jealousy. Phillip walked toward them, and Angel followed. When the guy saw them, he smiled and reached out an arm. Phillip went into the guy's embrace and they kissed. Then Phillip turned toward the others, the guy keeping his arm around Phillip. "I see you two have met," Phillip said. "Jason, this is Angel. He's with Brian." "Nice to meet you, Angel," Jason said, smiling. "Hi," Angel said. Brian reached out and pulled Angel toward him. He noticed that their arms went around each other as smoothly as if they had been together for years. It's like we fit, Angel thought. Unleashing Angel - 172

"Jason lives in Chicago," Phillip said. "For now." "Phillip planned my cousin's wedding," Jason said. "He didn't want anything to do with me at first." "That's true." "In fact, he called me an arrogant prick," Jason said. The others laughed and Phillip winced. "Well, I've since changed my mind," Phillip said. "And I'm glad," Jason said. The two men looked at each other and smiled. There. That was what Angel wanted. He didn't know what it was until he saw it right in front of him. He wanted to be in a relationship. And he wanted it to last. He wanted a guy who looked at him like Jason and Phillip looked at each other. They were at ease and relaxed, confident in how each other felt. Angel had never thought about it before. But now he sure was. This must explain all of the emotional upheaval that he had been experiencing the last few weeks. The jealousy. The insecurity. The wanting and needing. It was because he wanted someone but he was scared that he couldn't have it. Not just anyone. He wanted Brian. But did Brian want him as well? *** Unleashing Angel - 173

"I'm sorry about getting pissed off," Angel said later when they were alone. They were back at Brian's, getting ready for bed. "It's okay," Brian said. "Look, you can't let my old boyfriends bother you, Angel. They're not going away. But they don't mean anything to me. I mean, we're friends, but we don't have sex anymore. If I had wanted to be with any of those guys, I would still be with one of them. But I don't. So I'm not. "Unfortunately, it's one of the things we gay guys do. We have a lot of hook-ups. And when we date, we almost always have sex. But then we remain friends a lot of the time after we break up. That is, if the break-up isn't ugly," he said. "There's a theory that it's because the gay community is small, and we all have to rely on each other. I don't know if it's true. I mean, they also say that gay men cannot be monogamous. That it's not possible. I definitely don't think that is true. I know a lot of gay couples who have been together for years. And they remain faithful to each other." "Like wolves," Angel said. "Huh?" "Wolves. They mate for life." "I think that I've heard that," Brian said, confused. "Anyway," Angel said. "I guess that I'm not used to it." Unleashing Angel - 174

"That's why I wanted to bring you here. So you could see what my world is like. To see if you would want to live here." Brian abruptly stopped what he was saying. He had just come awfully close to saying something stupid. Something he was not sure that Angel was even remotely considering. Instead, he went over to his nightstand and pulled out some papers. He handed them to Angel. "What is this?" Angel asked, looking at them. "They are the results of my latest tests. It shows that I'm clean. I wanted you to see them. To set your mind at ease. Especially after what happened by the lake.” "I wasn't worried," Angel said. "I trust you." Brian felt a twinge. Trust. Angel had said it before at the campground. Brian wondered if he was really going to be worthy of that trust. *** "Is is okay if I take a shower before we go to bed?" "Sure. Go ahead," Brian said. "You don't have to ask my permission. Mi casa es su casa." Angel smiled at Brian's butchered Spanish accent. "There are towels in the bathroom." Angel started the shower and took off his clothes as the Unleashing Angel - 175

water heated. He kept thinking about the party, running the evening over in his mind. All of those guys that Brian had been with. Could Angel get past that? Brian had said that he didn't want to be with any of them. Angel had no choice but to believe him. Or go crazy worrying about it. Although... Angel couldn't help but feel inadequate around all of those older, more experienced guys. He felt like a kid around them. He stepped into the shower and stood under the spray, letting the water flow over him. Putting both hands against the wall, he bowed his head under the flow and looked down at his body. Angel thought that he looked scrawny compared to all of those good-looking guys. He honestly didn't know what Brian saw in him. Brian was so good-looking. His body was perfect. Angel closed his eyes and envisioned Brian. As he conjured up Brian's image, his hand strayed to his cock. He was still mostly soft. However, the thought of Brian, combined with touching himself, was all it took to get Angel fully hard. With one hand still on the wall, he used the other to stroke his rigid cock. "You don't have to do that with me here." Angel jerked his head up when he heard the voice. Even though water ran down his face, he could see that Brian was nude and standing outside of the shower, watching him. Unleashing Angel - 176

Brian opened the shower door and Angel backed up to make room. Without saying anything, Brian knelt in front of Angel. Brian took hold of Angel's cock in one hand and kissed the head. He continued kissing it, alternating with rubbing his lips over the swollen flesh. Brian encircled Angel's cock by gripping the base and putting his thumb under the balls. Then he took just the head in his mouth and sucked hard. Angel practically went up on his toes, and had to brace his hands against the shower walls to keep from toppling over. As if that wasn't enough, Brian took Angel's cock all the way in. Angel groaned as Brian deep-throated him. The things that Brian did to him, he hadn't known were possible. Before his thoughts could fully catch up with the sensations, Brian's mouth began sliding up and down along the shaft, lips tight. Angel couldn't move because of the tight grip that Brian had on his cock. He couldn't even come. All of his attention was focused on that one central spot on his body. He managed to open his eyes and looked down at Brian's head bobbing in front of him. He was overcome by the wonder of this gorgeous man practically worshipping his cock. It seemed like it went on forever. The intensity of Brian's lips along his shaft was great, but the feeling of Brian's tongue swirling around the head of his cock and dipping into his slit almost did him in. But he couldn't come. Brian's grip on the base of his cock assured that he would stay rigid and at Brian's whim. Unleashing Angel - 177

Finally, Brian did ease up on his grip around the base of Angel's cock. He added his hand, sliding it along the shaft with his mouth. It was all too much. With a sound bordering on desperation, Angel felt himself getting ready to come. Brian must have sensed it, also. "Do it," Brian said, as he briefly removed his mouth from Angel's dick before taking it in again. And Angel did do it. He came hard. The first pulse shot into Brian's mouth, and he couldn't stop. To Angel's amazement, Brian swallowed and kept sucking as Angel pulsed a second and third time. He had emptied his load into Brian's mouth, yet Brian continued to lightly suck on Angel's incredibly sensitive cock as his tremors subsided. When he finally started getting soft, Brian sucked a few more times and then gently released him. Brian stood and pulled him close. Brian's still rigid cock pressed against Angel's stomach as they stood holding each other under the stream of water. This was a whole different world for Angel. The city life and the socializing with Brian's friends. The question was, did he like it? Did he think that he could be in Brian's world, if that's what Brian wanted? The answer to that was yes. *** The next morning, Brian and Angel walked to a nearby coffee shop on a corner of Santa Monica Boulevard. The place was huge, and it was full of gay men. There were Unleashing Angel - 178

couples, groups, and some guys just reading the paper while sipping their coffee. The crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk to sit at the tables there. Several of them who sat outside had dogs with them. The dogs, obviously used to the routine, lounged on the sidewalk next to feet and chairs, oblivious to the activity. The whole atmosphere was that of a community. Many of the men knew each other, and a few called out to Brian, greeting them as they walked up to give their order. When they sat down, Angel caught bits of conversations around him. Talk ran the gamut from politics to reality TV. He had never been anywhere like it. They hadn't been there long when Phillip and Jason came in. Brian waved to them, and after they got their drinks, they joined Angel and Brian. "Great table," Phillip said as he sat down. Their table was by the window and they had a view of the entrance and of the tables on the sidewalk. "Now we can see who shows up together this fine morning." Brian and Phillip talked awhile, catching up on gossip. They included Jason and Angel in the conversation, doing their best to make the newbies feel at home. "Is that Jon?" Brian asked, looking out the window. The others turned and looked as well. A nice-looking man with a small backpack was walking along the sidewalk. "Yes, it is," Phillip said. "Oh! Bad boy. He's smoking again." Unleashing Angel - 179

"I thought that he had stopped," Brian said. "He had,” Phillip said. “But then he started dating that fellow who smoked. Remember the French painter? Claude or Pierre or something along those lines. That didn't last long." "They're not together anymore?" Brian asked. "No. Jon traveled too much." "Jon is a writer. He writes travel books," Brian explained. "They couldn't keep a relationship going because Jon would be gone sometimes for months," Phillip said. "And Jon has always been a naughty boy. His travels take him all over the world, and he can never resist sampling the local flavor, so to speak." They all watched as Jon continued up the sidewalk and disappeared from view. "Well, we need to be going," Phillip said. He and Jason stood. "So what do you guys have planned for today?" Brian asked. "Maybe some shopping," Phillip said. "How about you? " "We'll probably hang out at my place," Brian said. "We need to head back tomorrow afternoon. Monday morning at the latest." Unleashing Angel - 180

"So we probably won't be seeing before you leave," Phillip said. "It was nice meeting you, Angel. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again." *** Dull, dull, dull, thought Hector. Sitting behind the registration counter at the motel, he was bored out of his head. Why had he agreed to this? Here it was, Saturday morning, and he was up way too early. He was staring off into space when he noticed a car pull into the parking lot. Carmen got out of it and walked toward the office. Hector perked up immediately. He had always liked Carmen, but she was hands off because she and Angel were supposed to get married someday. Everyone knew it. However, since Angel's change, she didn't give Angel the time of day anymore. Hector was fine with that. "Hola, Hector," Carmen said as she came through the door. "Hi." "Is Angel's mom here? I have some things I need to give back to her." Carmen was holding a couple of photo albums. "I won't be needing them now." "They went into town. They should be back soon, though, I hope because I want to leave." "Why are you working today?" Unleashing Angel - 181

"I took Angel's shifts. He went to LA this weekend."

"Oh, really," Carmen said. She walked around the counter

and set the albums on a shelf. "Did Brian go, too?"

"I know he left for the weekend, but I don't know where he

went," Hector said. "Why?"

"Did it ever occur to you that they went together?" she

asked, as she sat on the other stool behind the counter.

"No, why should it?"

"I've found out the hard way that things aren't what they

appear to be."

"What are you talking about?"

Carmen looked back toward the office.

"There's nobody back there," Hector said. "Tell me what's

going on. "

She leaned closer to him and said, "Let me clue you in on a

few things. I should tell everyone this and make life

miserable for the little twerp, but I haven't yet."

Hector leaned closer to her, as if she was going to share a

big secret. They both jumped apart when the door opened.

It was the FedEx guy making a delivery.

"I have a delivery for Brian Stewart. Do you know him?"

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"He's staying at the motel," Hector said. "But he's out of

town this weekend."

"Can I leave this with you?"

"Sure."

"I need you to sign for it."

"I can do that," Hector said.

"I noted on here that the envelope got damaged in delivery.

Can you initial next to that?" The guy pointed at the receipt

that was on a clipboard as he handed it, and a pen, to

Hector.

When the delivery guy left, Hector stood looking at the

envelope on the counter.

"What?" Carmen asked. She got off the stool and stood

next to him.

"It's torn," Hector said.

He picked it up and they looked closely at the cardboard

outer envelope. He stuck his finger in the tear and peeked

inside of it.

"There's papers in here," he said.

"Well, that would make sense."

"No. What I mean is, the stuff inside isn't in another

envelope. It's just... there."

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He stuck another finger in the tear, making it bigger. Shortly, he had fingered it until the hole was large enough for a hand. Well, a small hand, anyway. "I wonder what it's about." "Hector, you are one nosey fucker." "I'm just curious," he said. He held the envelope toward her. "You have small hands, see if you can get it out without mangling it." She sighed and frowned at him. However, curiosity must have gotten the better of her. "Let me try." He watched as she worked her hand into the hole. While he squeezed the sides of the cardboard envelope, she was able to roll the papers inside and pull them out without damaging them. She laid them on the counter and they peered at them. "What does it say?" she asked as Hector spread out the papers. "It looks technical. Lots of stuff about minerals and percentages," Hector said. "I don't know what it means." Carmen had picked up the cover letter and started reading it. "Look at this." Unleashing Angel - 184

He started reading over her shoulder. His eyes widened as he read it. He couldn't believe was he was seeing. "What does this mean, lowball?" she asked. "It's saying that they liked the results Brian has sent so far. Then it says something like they don't want him to disclose the information in the reports to the locals because their intent is to come in with a deliberately low estimate for an offer." They looked at each other, and then Hector added, "It means that Brian and his company are trying to screw us over for the land." Hector looked at the letterhead. "I'm going to look this company up online," he said, going into the office to use the computer. It didn't take him long to pull up the company. His search also brought up news articles about it. He started scanning them. "Look at this!" he said, pointing at the monitor. "This company is always in the news. It has a bunch of lawsuits against it." He opened another article and they read it together. "They buy up land cheap, usually screwing the people who owned it. They go in and strip mine the area," Hector said. "They're accused of all sorts of environmental infractions. People living around these areas get sick. Brian works for Unleashing Angel - 185

these fuckers!"

"I knew he wasn't any good," Carmen said, shaking her

head.

"He's been playing all of us. And we've been helping him!"

"I knew he was trouble," Carmen added. "Something wasn't

quite right. I told Angel he wasn't any good."

Hector picked up his cell and called Angel.

"Shit. His phone isn't even on."

Carmen mumbled, "I bet his phone won't be on all

weekend. He's under something he likes, and he's hung out the do-not-disturb sign out." "What are you talking about?"

"I'm sayin', he's not going to answer his phone. He's with

Brian this weekend."

Hector looked at her, not comprehending.

"They are together," Carmen said slowly, as if she was

talking to a halfwit. Hector had no idea why she was

talking to him that way.

"So, how are we going to let him know?"

"Tell him when he gets back."

"Well, if he's with Brian and he's not going answer his

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phone, we need to do something," Hector said.

He thought for a moment. "I got it! I'll drive to LA. I can

drive straight through and be there by tonight."

"Are you nuts?"

They heard the outer door open and came out of the office.

Angel's family was back.

"Everything go okay?" Angel's dad asked him.

"Fine," Hector said.

"Thanks for helping out."

"Anytime," Hector said, picking up his keys.

"Do you want stay for lunch?" Angel's mother asked.

"No thanks," Hector said as he headed toward the door.

"I've got to take care of some things."

"What are you going to do?" Carmen asked, as she

followed Hector to his truck.

"I'm going to drive to his college. I've been there before. I

know where he stays."

"What if he's not there?" Carmen asked, trying to keep up

with him.

"Where else would he be?"

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"You are nuts," Carmen said again. "Well, I'm going to LA," Hector said, getting into his truck. "I'm going to stop by home and get a couple things. Then I'm going." Carmen got in on the passenger side. "Then I'm going, too," she said. "I want to see this." *** Later that evening, Brian and Angel walked hand in hand along Santa Monica Boulevard, trying to choose a place for dinner. Many of the restaurants were small and extended their seating out onto the sidewalk. They stopped often to read menus that were posted. They we standing outside of a sushi restaurant when someone called Brian's name. They spotted a couple of guys who were already seated. "Hi, Ira," Brian said, waving. "Come join us." Brian looked at Angel and asked, “Is that okay with you? They already have a table, so we wouldn't have to wait. Plus, I've known Ira for a long time." Angel had decided that he intended to become immersed in the area and experience as much as he could in the short time that he was going to be there. "Sure, that's fine with me," he said. Unleashing Angel - 188

When they sat down, introductions were made and they ordered their food. "Tommy here has written a book that I'm sending out," Ira said. "Ira is a literary agent," Brian explained to Angel. "Have you had any luck?" "We've had some interest, but things are tough right now so it's hard to get a contract," Ira said. "Even the bigger names are lucky to get an extension on their contracts right now. Tommy was in town, so here we are, getting a bite to eat. What have you been up to, Brian?" "I've been down in Arizona working on a job," Brian said. "That's where I met Angel. We just came back for the weekend to go to Phillip's party." "Oh, he gives the best parties. He always has fantastic food," Ira said. “So you met the new boyfriend. What's he like?" "He's a nice guy," Brian said. "I wish that I could have been there. But I had a meeting that was unavoidable. Pity I missed it," Ira said. "And what do you do, Angel?" "I'm a student." Ira raised an eyebrow. Unleashing Angel - 189

"He goes to Caltech," Brian explained. "Oh! You do know that you look incredibly young, don't you, darling?" Ira asked Angel. "You're lucky. When you're as old as I am, you'll probably still be carded. What are you taking?" "Physics." "What does one do with that, dear?" Ira asked. "Well, I could stay on with JPL, or I could go into their graduate program. I've been offered both. I haven't decided yet." "JPL. You've got yourself a smart one, Brian," Ira said. "As well as cute. Better hang on to this one." "I dated a guy once who went to Caltech," Tommy said. "He gave me syphilis." Angel and Brian were getting ready to take a bite of food. They both stopped with chopsticks halfway to their mouths and stared at Tommy. Angel saw Ira frown from across the table. "I'm okay now, though," Tommy said. There was an awkward silence. Then Ira chimed in with, “My friend Derek got giardia once from rimming a guy. He didn't know how he'd gotten it until I explained it to him. He was sick as a dog for several days." Unleashing Angel - 190

Out of the corner of his eye, Angel saw Brian set his chopsticks on his plate. Angel had kind of lost his appetite himself. "Derek always was an ass hound," Ira added.

"Are you done?" Brian asked.

"I'm just saying..."

*** "Here's where we get off," Hector said when he saw the sign. He signaled to exit the Foothill Freeway in Pasadena. "Finally," Carmen said, sitting up in the seat. She yawned and stretched, having just woken up from sleeping for most of the drive. "Do you know where you're going?" "Yeah. I've been here to visit him a few times over the last few years." Hector found a space on the street to park. They got out and started walking onto the Caltech campus. He had been trying to call Angel all day during their drive to LA. "Here's where he stays."

They went into the courtyard where there were a handful of

students, but no Angel. The students all stopped talking and

looked at them.

"I'm looking for Angel Diaz," Hector said.

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"I haven't seen him all summer," one of the guys said.

The girl next to him said, "You might ask Jen."

"Does she still stay in the same room?" Hector asked.

"Yes," the girl replied.

"Jen? Who the hell is that?" Carmen asked as they walked

toward the archway.

"Angel's friend."

"You know her?"

"I've met her a few times."

"Well, I'm just finding out all sorts of things this summer,"

Carmen said. She sounded put out.

Hector stopped at the third door and knocked. A small, cute blonde girl opened the door. "Hector!" she said when she recognized him. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for Angel. Is he around?"

"No! He's at home in Arizona. He doesn't come back for

another two weeks."

"But he said he was coming to LA."

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"Well, he's not here," Jen said. "Have you tried calling

him?"

"A lot. But his phone keeps rolling over to voice mail,"

Hector said. "Where could he be, you think?"

"I don't know. LA is pretty big. He could be anywhere."

"Damn."

"I'm Jen, by the way," she said to Carmen.

"Hi."

"Well, I'm getting ready to go out," Jen said to them. "If

you don't have any plans for tonight, we're having a party in the courtyard. Who knows, Angel might appear. " "Sure," Hector said. "Okay, thanks."

They left Jen and walked back down the hall toward the

courtyard.

"Where could he be?" Hector asked.

"I didn't think he'd be here," Carmen mumbled.

"You keep saying that," he said. "What do you mean?"

"I tried to tell you," Carmen said. "About Angel and Brian.

But you just didn't get it."

"Get what?" Hector still didn't have a clue what she was

talking about.

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"They are together," Carmen said slowly. She was enunciating the words like he was some sort of idiot or something. "Together?" "They are a couple." "A couple of what?" Hector asked. "Jesus, Hector. For somebody who's so good-looking, you can be dense sometimes." "Tell me what the hell you're talking about!" He was really getting frustrated. As far as he could tell, she was talking in code. "Come here," she said, grabbing him around the wrist. She led him over to a little retainer wall. "Sit. "You know that it's over between Angel and me, don't you?" She looked down at the ground. Then she added, "Well, actually, it never really got started." "I always thought you and Angel were supposed to get together. Everybody did." "I thought that, too. But now it won't be possible." "Now I'm really confused. I just assumed that you and Angel finally hooked up, and he changed. Then I figured you guys had a fight. If you didn't bring about the change in Angel, then who did?" Unleashing Angel - 194

"Brian did," she said. Then she sighed and added, "They are gay," emphasizing the last word. Hector looked at her. What was she saying? Brian did what? Finally, it dawned on him. Brian and Angel were gay. Not only that, they were having sex! "Holy shit!" he yelled. The other people in the courtyard stopped setting up for the party and looked over at them. "Now he gets it," Carmen said, mostly to herself. "When did Angel turn gay?" Hector asked, speaking more softly. He leaned closer to her and asked, "How come I never knew this?" "He didn't just turn gay. He must have always been that way," Carmen said. Hector thought back when they were growing up together. Angel had never been interested in girls. And he had said over and over that he wasn't interested in Carmen. "Well, that explains a lot of things," Hector said. "What about you? What are you going to do?" "I don't know what I'm going to do. I've spent all this time waiting for him. I guess I have to rethink things," Carmen said. "I was plenty pissed when I found out. I still am, but I feel better telling someone. I guess I'll just have to start looking for someone else." Unleashing Angel - 195

In a flash, Hector saw his chance. But first, he needed to grease the skids, so to speak. "I need a drink," He went over to the keg and got a couple of beers for them. They spent the next couple of hours partying. Carmen started to relax and enjoy herself. They even shared a few dances together. Finally, Hector said, "I'm tired. I got up way too early. Then I drove ten hours... I need to crash." "Sure. Okay. Where do we go?" "Let's drive out toward the freeway," he said. "We're bound to find some cheap-ass motel." They got back to the car and drove. Hector was right. About twenty minutes away, they found a motel and he got them a room. When they walked in, Carmen threw her bag on a chair. Then she got some things together and took a shower. After she was done, it was Hector's turn. When he came out of the bathroom after taking his shower, she was sitting cross-legged on one of the double beds, drying her hair. He stood there naked, looking at her as he dried off his torso with a towel. She flipped her long dark hair back and saw him standing there. She stopped what she was doing and really looked at him. Hector saw her eyes shift briefly. That was a good sign. Unleashing Angel - 196

"Damn, Hector. Have you been working out?" "I'm the same as I've always been," he said. He turned away from her and tossed the towel on the counter. He faced her again and stood proudly in front of her. He was trying to give the impression that it was no big deal for him to be naked in a hotel with a hot girl. He tried to play it cool. Well, cool for him, anyway. "You see me all the time." "Yeah, but I never get to see you in the light." "We do things together all the time. You were so busy chasing after my gay cousin, you just never paid any attention." Turning his back to her, he walked over to his bag to get a clean pair of shorts. He was standing there, rummaging through his clothes, when he felt her behind him. "Hector," she said softly. She was so close, he could feel her breath on his shoulder blade. A rush of adrenaline shot through his body. Then everything shifted to black and white. He blinked a couple of times, trying to compose himself. When he turned around, she was right there in front of him wearing only a white tank T-shirt and panties. He saw that her eyes had shifted and were staying that way. He had always thought she was beautiful. He never thought he'd get this opportunity. Never in a million years. He couldn't help it, his cock quickly began filling.

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They looked at each other a few moments more. She looked at his mouth. Her lips parted and the tip of her tongue peeked out to moisten them. Hector reached out and pulled her body to his. She didn't resist. At that point, he knew it was on. He growled softly and went for it. *** Later, they lay diagonally across one of the beds, spent. They were both on their backs, breathing hard and trying to cool off. Hector looked at the lampshade that was askew. Their animal instincts had taken over, and they had pretty much trashed the room during the throes of sex. Finally, Carmen said, "You dragged us all the way here for nothing." "Well, I wouldn't exactly call it nothing," he said as he rubbed his hand on her thigh. "How did you possibly expect to find him in LA?" "It seemed like a good idea at the time," he said. They lay there quietly for a few more moments. "I want to go to Disneyland tomorrow," she said.

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Chapter 11 Angel and Brian made it back to Arizona early Tuesday evening. When they pulled into the motel parking lot, they

could hear music coming from the pool area.

"What's going on?" Brian asked.

"Sounds like a fiesta."

"What's the occasion?"

"They don't need one. Let's see what's up."

They pulled into a parking space, and Angel continued to

sit instead of getting out.

"Something on your mind?" Brian asked.

"Yes." Angel was looking down at his lap, where he was

wringing his hands.

"Do you want to tell me what it is?"

"That night in the office, when we argued, my dad heard

us."

Brian realized that Angel's dad must now know that Angel

was gay.

"Angel, I'm sorry," Brian said. "I never meant to out you to

your family."

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"No, that's all right. He's okay with it." "Really?" Brian wasn't expecting that. "Then what is it?" "My dad told me a lot of things about our family. He told me about a great uncle that was a lot like me. He talked about how this uncle and his friend were together for, like, thirty years. He told me about my importance in the family and a bunch of other stuff." "Well, that sounds good." "It was. Helped me put a lot of things in perspective," Angel said. "But one of the main things he told me was that I should talk to you. He pretty much figured out what was going on between us. He thought that I owed you some sort of an explanation." "An explanation for what? I just figured that you regretted what we had done." "It wasn't that," Angel said. "After I talked to him, I went to find you. I needed to tell you some things. But you had left." Brian felt a pang of guilt. Mostly for those times that he had jumped to conclusions and hadn't let Angel tell his side. "I went running." "Yeah, I know," Angel said, kind of waving one hand in the air. "Then, when we went camping, I tried to talk to you. To tell you. But that didn't come out right, either." Unleashing Angel - 200

"What do you mean?" Brian asked. "What were you trying to tell me?" "About the families around here."

Brian was trying to think back to those nights they went

camping. He vaguely remembered Angel saying something

about three families owning the land.

He didn't get to think on it anymore because they were

interrupted when a car pulled up. It was just starting to get

dark, and headlights blinded him. Brian put his arm up to

shield his eyes.

"Angel!" Hector said, getting out of his truck. He rushed

over to them as they got out of the SUV. "We have been

looking everywhere for you, man."

"We?" Angel asked.

That's when Brian saw Carmen coming up behind Hector.

"I've been to LA. I told you where I was going."

"I know. We went looking for you." Hector said.

"You went to LA looking for me? What for?"

"Because of him," Hector said, pointing at Brian.

Brian noticed that people who were going to the party had

stopped and were standing in the parking lot. They obviously wanted to see what all the commotion was about. Unleashing Angel - 201

Assuming that Hector was about to out Angel right there in the parking lot in front of his family and friends, Brian said, "Hey, if this is about Angel and me, let's take this somewhere else to talk about it," "No!" Hector said. "Everybody needs to hear it."

"This isn't the time or place to talk about this," Brian said.

"Hector," Angel said. "What are you doing?"

"This!" Hector said, holding up the FedEx envelope. "It's

all here. It tells who he works for and the plans they had for

us."

"What is that?" Brian asked.

"It came for you. It's from your work."

"You opened my mail?" Brian asked. He couldn't believe

this.

"Your boyfriend works for Kreodyne," Hector said. "They go into areas, force people to sell, and then strip mine. They basically turn the area into a hazardous waste heap by the time they are done. I found it on the Internet, man!" "He doesn't," Angel said. "I don't believe you."

"He does so. Ask him. "

Brian could feel Angel looking at him. He noticed that a

bigger crowd was beginning to form.

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"Can I have my mail?" Brian asked as he held out his hand. Hector handed it over. As Brian read the reports, he could feel everyone looking at him. He looked over the mineral percentages and the other pages of technical data. However, the most damning piece of paper was the cover letter telling him about the plans to lowball the locals. He could see how the reports, along with the letter, could be taken wrong. "This is not what it seems," Brian said. "It looked pretty obvious to us," Hector said. Carmen, standing next to him, nodded her head in agreement. "I admit, to the layperson, this looks bad," Brian said. "What does it mean, then?" Angel asked. "Do you work for that Kreodyne company? The one that screws people out of their land?" "I do work for them, "Brian said. "But I didn't know about this." "Are you trying to steal from my family?" Angel asked. "Is that what this is all about? Were you using me?" Brian could hear the crowd starting to murmur around him. He saw Carmen smirking at him. He heard her say, "I told you he was no good." "Angel, it's not what it seems." "He's been lying all this time, " Hector said. Unleashing Angel - 203

"You son of a bitch," Angel said softly. Brian could see the hurt on his face. "It's not like that." Angel backed away from him, and then turned and went into the building. "Angel," Brian said. He tried to follow him, but his way was blocked by Hector and some of the male cousins. "You need to get your shit and get out of here," Hector said. "You go tell your boss that we're not selling." *** Driving back to his cabin, Brian realized that he had no choice but to leave. It seemed as if the town was about ready to tar and feather him. He would try to talk to Angel after things calmed down. By the time he pulled up, it had gotten dark. When his headlights shone on the front of the cabin, he saw Lester sit up. He grabbed his things and got out of the SUV. He was midway between the vehicle and the cabin when he saw the wolf standing about twenty feet away. It made him jump because it was so close. It growled, baring its teeth, the hackles on its shoulders raised. This wasn't good at all. Brian looked toward the cabin, which was still some Unleashing Angel - 204

distance away. He didn't think he could make it before the animal would catch up with him. Glancing back at the SUV, he saw the other wolves. Two more were standing next to it. Lester began barking at the wolves and came down off the porch to stand next to him. Alarm coursed through Brian as he realized he had been cut off. He frantically searched his brain for options. He had no weapon, and there were three of them. They were big. If they chose to attack, he wouldn't stand a chance. And now he had Lester's safety to worry about. Just as he was about to make a mad dash to the cabin, the sound of an engine registered in his panicked brain. The situation dramatically changed when a red Jeep pulled up. It was Angel. Instead of being afraid of the Jeep and leaving, the wolves stood their ground. As if they were waiting. Brian watched in amazement as Angel got out and walked toward him. Ignoring the wolves, he walked between them, his attention focused on Brian. Brian could tell by his expression that Angel was still very angry. However, Brian sensed something else. Angel exuded power. The small man before him, with the onceangelic smile, radiated a menace so great that Brian took a step back. Without speaking, Angel came and stood directly in front of Brian. Lester, who had always adored and shadowed Angel, now gave a whimper and cowed down in front of him, exposing his throat. Ignoring the dog, Angel looked Unleashing Angel - 205

only at Brian. When their gazes met for a brief moment, Brian could see the anger, hurt, and even hatred in Angel's eyes. Then Angel turned his back to Brian, facing the wolves. The animals growled, baring their teeth. Their ears lay back close to their heads. The threat was obvious. Incredibly, Angel took a couple of steps toward them, keeping himself between them and Brian. All three stopped, their ears now high and alert. It seemed to be some sort of standoff. Brian sensed a power coming off of Angel that he had never experienced before. Suddenly, Brian experienced what felt like an extreme energy shift in the air around him. He looked to his right, and where Lester had been standing was a very old man. He was bent over and wasn't wearing anything. He raised one thin arm, shook his fist, and said to the wolves, "You boys get on out of here." *** Brian woke up alone in his cabin with a major headache.

He was dressed and lying on the bed. He had no idea how

he had gotten there. He wracked his brain, trying to

remember what had happened. Then it came back to him:

the wolves surrounding him, Angel showing up, and Lester.

Lester! What the hell had happened? He got up and rushed

to the door of the cabin. Lester was lying there as usual.

When Brian came out onto the porch, the dog raised his

head, farted, and thumped his tail twice on the boards.

It must have been a dream. The whole ugly scene in the

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parking lot had taken its toll. Somehow, Brian must have made it back to his cabin and fallen asleep. The wolves, Angel, Lester... none of it had happened. *** Late the next day, Brian made it to Phoenix. He checked into the same motel that he had stayed in a few weeks earlier. After showering and getting something to eat, he decided to go back to the gay bar that he had gone to before. When he pulled into the parking lot of the club, he could tell it was busy. He imagined that Gary would be there. It would be nice to see a friendly face. And maybe have a hook-up. Anything to get his mind off of Angel. He went in and headed straight to the bar. When he got his beer, he turned around and leaned against it. He was scanning the room when he heard a familiar voice. "Brian? Is that you?" He turned toward the voice and saw the petite man standing next to him. "Hi, Gary." He looked just as cute as he had the last time Brian had seen him. "So, are you passing back through?" "Yes, I'm heading back to LA," Brian said. "I thought I Unleashing Angel - 207

might find you here." "You came looking for me? Oh, baby, did you make the right decision," Gary said. "Here, let me order us fresh drinks." Gary sipped his drink and prattled on about what he had done during the summer. Then he asked, "How was your trip?" "Hmm?" Brian couldn't seem to follow the conversation. "Your trip. Did you have a good one?" "It was good for the most part," Brian said. "But then, it just tanked." "Boy problems?" "You might say that." "Well, then it's a good thing you ran into me. I can make the bad feelings go away." Gary set his drink on the counter. He grabbed Brian's wrist and started leading the way toward the back room. "Step into my office." Brian let himself be led. This was what he had come for, right? A hook-up with Gary? Someone to take his mind off of how miserable he felt. But was that what Brian really wanted? To fuck somebody in the back of a bar? No, it wasn't. In spite of everything, he still wanted Angel. Unleashing Angel - 208

However, it had been made painfully obvious that Angel no longer wanted him. He stopped midway down the hall. Gary tugged on his wrist, but Brian didn't move. "Come on, cutie," Gary urged. "I can't, " he said. "I want to, but I can't." Gary looked at him like he'd gone nuts. Maybe he had. "I need to go. Sorry." When Gary reluctantly released his wrist, Brian walked back through the club and out to his SUV. He sat there for a moment looking at the steering wheel. He wondered how everything had gone so horribly wrong over a misunderstanding. It seemed like everyone overreacted. And Angel hadn't even given him a chance to explain. So he must not care about Brian. Brian realized that the last time he'd been at this same bar, he had just broken up with someone. Now here he was again. Was he going to keep making the same mistakes? Jumping into relationships and getting hurt? Never again, he decided, starting his SUV. He left the parking lot, heading toward LA and farther away from Angel.

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Chapter 12 When Brian got home from work, he noticed a large envelope in with the bills and flyers. It was from the geology testing company he had sent samples to. Some unusual conditions in the Arizona terrain had made Brian want to do additional testing. It wasn't part of the contract, so he had paid for it himself and had the results sent to his house. After all that had happened, however, he had lost interest. He tossed the mail on the kitchen table on his way to his bedroom to change. He made dinner and when he finally settled down to eat, he noticed the mail still sitting on the table. He went through it while he ate, sorting the junk mail from the real mail. Finally, he came to the envelope from the testing company. With a sigh, he opened it, took out the report, and began reading it. He was reading the technical jargon when it jumped out at him. Copper. The land was rich in copper. His hunch had been right. *** "Mr. Diaz. This is Brian Stewart." "Hello, Brian." Although formal, at least Angel's father hadn't hung up on him. "I know that I didn't leave on the best of terms. But I wanted to tell you some things that I found out while doing my survey. I think that you'll be interested in hearing them." Unleashing Angel - 210

Mr. Diaz hesitated. "Well, if you're all right with Lester, I'll hear what you've got to say. Go ahead." "First of all, I looked into it when I got back and found the company that contracted me was going to use the land to build a contaminated waste storage area. For the record, I did not know that at the time. However, in the survey that I did, and the report that I gave to the customer, the data determined that was not going to be an option. I did a variety of land surveys, approaching the area from different combinations. Because of the proximity of the wolf rescue area and the national forest, the proposed area and the approaches to it were just not going to work. As a result, they've lost interest in locating a site there. Now they are looking at Nevada. I will not be doing that survey for them, now that I know what their intent is.” "So they aren't interested?" "That's right," Brian said. "I want to make it clear to you and your family that I did not know what Kreodyne intended to do with the land. They implied that they wanted to build some sort of manufacturing facility. I guess that I should have done my homework about the company. But the only excuse that I can give is that my small company was excited about winning the contract. I won't make that mistake again." "Thank you for telling me. It's a shame that you left town with all of the turmoil." "Yeah, well... There's something else that I need to tell you," Brian said. "I found something else. The land in that Unleashing Angel - 211

area is rich in copper. Your family owns what could be probably one of the biggest copper lodes in eastern Arizona." "Dios mio."

"Mr. Diaz?" Brian asked. "Are you still there?"

"Si. Yes."

"I didn't include the copper findings in my report to

Kreodyne. It wasn't relevant to the job contract that we had

with them."

"What are you saying?"

"Only you and I know about this."

"Dios mio," Diaz said again.

"Mr. Diaz? Are you okay? "

"Si. I'm just in shock. What do I do?"

"Don't tell anyone until we figure out what to do with the

information. I personally don't have a clue, but I'll ask

around and see what I can find out."

"Okay. Angel doesn't know any of this?"

"No, sir. We haven't spoken since I left there," Brian said.

He didn't really feel like talking about Angel to his dad.

"Well, I need to go now. Those were the main things that I

needed to tell you. I'll get back with you in a few days to let

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you know what I found out." "Brian?" "Yes, sir?" "Gracias." "De nada," Brian said, before hanging up. Well, at least Angel's family wouldn't hate him anymore. Brian felt good about that. But it was overshadowed by the fact that Angel still hated him. He wondered if it would fix things between them if Angel knew the truth. Maybe. But then Angel had pretty much rejected him. Besides, if Angel had felt the same way Brian did, they could have talked about the problem when it had happened. But no, Angel had been quick to turn on Brian. Sadly, Brian came to the conclusion that Angel didn't feel as strongly about Brian if he was willing to just kick him to the curb without getting the whole story first.

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Chapter 13 As Angel left the research lab, he checked his cell phone. He noticed that he had a missed call. He looked at the number and felt a shot of adrenaline when Brian's name popped up. Even though he had been pissed at Brian, he had not deleted the number from his cell. It had been almost a month since they had last talked. Since the big fight. Angel still couldn't believe that Brian had been playing him. And Angel had fallen for it. He had fallen hard. He noticed that there wasn't a voice mail and wondered why Brian had called. It didn't matter. It was too late. His thoughts were interrupted by his friend, Jen. "Hi, Angel. Are you heading to lunch?" "Sure. I could eat." As they walked together across campus, Jen said, "You're being checked out." "What?" "Over there," Jen said, with a jerk of her head. Angel looked in the direction she indicated and saw two young girls looking at him. They giggled between themselves when they saw him looking. He looked away and picked up the pace. Unleashing Angel - 214

"Wait. Don't you at least want to go say hi?" Jen asked.

"Very funny," Angel said as he kept walking.

She laughed as she tried to keep up with him.

"Well, how about him, then?" she asked.

A very good-looking guy was heading toward them on the

sidewalk.

"Nice, but no," Angel said.

"What's with you anyway? Ever since you got back, you've

been different. Like something's bothering you."

"It's nothing," Angel said.

"It sure seems like something."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"I knew it! There is something," Jen said. "Angel, you

know that I'm just going to nag you until you tell me. So

you might as well cough up."

He didn't say anything as they kept walking.

"Let's see... It's not school because all the profs love you. I

doubt if it's something with your family or you would have

told me."

As they walked into the cafeteria, he said, "There is nothing

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wrong."

They went through the line, got their food, and sat down.

He was hoping that Jen had forgotten about it, but realized

that was futile when she started in on him again.

"You've been this way since you've gotten back."

He did his best to ignore her by busying himself with his

food.

"So it's something that happened over the summer."

He must have made a face because she said, "I'm close. I

can tell."

"Oh, really," he said. "What makes you think that?"

"Because you did that thing with your mouth. Where you

clamp your lips together like you're trying to keep from

telling me off."

"I wasn't aware that I did that."

"Oh, yes, ever since I've known you," she said.

She held one hand up while ticking off things with her

fingers.

"Irritable. Can't sleep. Won't hardly eat. Moping around

like someone who's lovesick..."

He made the mistake of looking up at her.

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"Oh, my God!" she practically screamed. Heads swiveled at every table around them. Angel could feel himself blushing. "You should see your face," she said. At least she had lowered her voice. "It's true, isn't it?" "What?" he asked, making one last effort to put her off the scent. "You're in love." "Nice try, Jen," Angel said. He wished he hadn't agreed to lunch. He didn't think that he could get any redder. "And something happened," she continued. He involuntarily cringed. She noticed. "You broke up," she said, sounding sad. "Oh, Angel, I'm sorry. Do you want to tell me about him?" Angel looked up at her. He knew that he had tears in his eyes, but he couldn't help it. The sympathetic look on her face was almost too much. He looked back down at his food, trying to get himself under control. Suddenly, he was tired. He was tired of not having anyone to talk to about what had happened. He was tired of being angry and sad. Unleashing Angel - 217

"His name is Brian." Then he proceeded to tell her everything. Well, there were a few things that he left out. But it was a relief getting it all off of his chest. To know that someone was sympathetic with how miserable he had been. Was. When he had finished telling her, he felt like he'd had a catharsis. He

looked at Jen, and she was frowning.

"He used you?!"

"It would appear so," Angel said.

"That son of a bitch," she said. "Have you talked to him?"

"No. But I had a missed call from him earlier today."

"Did he leave a message?"

"No," Angel said.

"I wonder what he wanted."

*** They parted after lunch. Angel was walking back to his room when his cell phone rang. He jumped and then scrambled around until he pulled it from his pocket. He looked at the caller ID and was disappointed when, instead

of seeing Brian's name, it was his dad's.

"Hi, Dad."

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"Hola, hijo," his dad said. "How are you doing?"

"Bueno," Angel said. "Just fine."

"Are your classes okay?"

"Yes, no problem there."

"The reason I called is to tell you that I talked to Brian

yesterday."

"What?"

Angel suddenly stopped, then slowly walked over to a

nearby bench and sat down.

"I said that Brian called yesterday," his dad repeated.

"I heard that part," Angel said. "Why did he call?"

His dad told Angel everything. As his father talked, Angel

came to the sick realization that he had been wrong. That

he had been wrong about everything.

Brian had been telling the truth and had been honest with

Angel all along. With a sinking feeling, he knew that he

had blown it.

His dad must have asked him something, because he asked,

"Did you hear what I said, Angel?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

"So what are you going to do?"

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"I don't know, Papa," Angel said. "What should I do?"

"Well, you call him, of course."

"I couldn't..."

"Why not?"

"What if it's too late? What if he tells me to get lost?"

"You won't know unless you talk to him."

"But..."

"Angel. You listen to me, son," his dad said. "If nothing

else, you owe him an apology. He deserves at least that

much."

Angel sat on the bench clutching the phone, his eyes

closed.

"Angel?" his dad asked. "Are you there, hijo?"

"Yes." Angel said. "I... I need to go."

"Okay. But you let me know what happens."

*** "Can I come in?" Angel asked. He was standing in the open doorway of Jen's room. She was sitting on her bed, using her laptop. She looked up at Unleashing Angel - 220

him and smiled. However, he must have had a look on his

face, because her smile vanished.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"I just talked to my dad."

"Are things okay at home?”

"Yes," Angel said. "He told me that Brian had called him."

"What did he want?" she asked, frowning.

"I think I may have fucked up big time," Angel said.

Then he filled her in on what his father had told him.

"You mean, he wasn't playing you after all?" she asked.

"He was telling the truth?"

"Yes."

"And you told him to get lost. Plus the whole town was

pissed at him."

Angel cringed and said, "Yes."

"Well, this changes everything," she said. "You know what

you have to do, don't you?"

"What?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "For someone who's so smart,

you can be kind of dense sometimes."

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"Gee, thanks."

"You have to get in touch with him, of course," she said.

Then she opened her eyes wide and said, "He tried to get in

touch with you. I wonder what he wanted."

"I don't know," Angel said.

"Don't you see?" she asked, getting excited. "That's a good

reason to call him back!"

"You think?"

"Yes!" she said. "Are you kidding? You have the perfect

excuse. Call him now."

"I will later."

"Uh-uh. You will do it right now,” she said. “If you get a

hold of him, I'll leave the room so you can have privacy.

But I'll want a complete rundown. Now do it." Angel got out his cell phone. He stared at it as he held it in his hand. Finally, he punched the programmed number for Brian. As the phone rang, he and Jen stared at each other. When he heard Brian's voice, his stomach did a flip. Then he realized that it was voice mail. He hung up and frowned at Jen. "Why didn't you leave a message?"

"I don't know. I'd rather talk to him. Besides, if I leave a

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message, he can avoid me."

"Well, that makes a lot of sense," she said. "He's got caller

ID, too. He's going to know you called anyway."

"Shit," Angel said. "You're right."

They both sat there thinking.

Finally, Jen said, "Okay, this is what you're going to do.

You know where he lives, right?"

"Yes."

"You go to his house. You could say that you were in the

neighborhood, so you thought you'd stop by."

He gave her his best exasperated look.

"I tell him that I was in the neighborhood?"

"Okay. Maybe not," she said. She scrunched up her face,

thinking.

"How's this?" she asked. "You just happen to show up at a

restaurant that he's at."

"I don't even know his routine," Angel said, getting more

fed up. "And you call me dense."

"Okay. You're right. No good," she said.

Angel got up and started pacing back and forth in the small

room.

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"I've got it!" she said. "Do you know any of his friends?

Someone you could call who would help?"

"I remember his friend, Phillip." Angel said. "He was a

pretty nice guy."

"Do you know how to get in touch with him?"

Angel thought for a minute.

"I remember! He's a wedding planner. I could look him

up." "Good," Jen said. "Now, this is what I think you should do..." *** "Well, I must say, Angel," Phillip said, "I was surprised to

get your call."

They were sitting on Phillip's back patio.

"Thank you for helping me out with this."

"Normally, I wouldn't be involved. But this is just so

romantic. And I know Brian has been miserable. I never did

get the whole story."

"Huge misunderstanding," Angel said. "I accused him of

something. Now I found out that I was wrong."

"Ouch," Phillip said.

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"Do you think he'll listen to me?"

"I hope so. You know, he's never been like this before over

a breakup. He's usually pretty good about moving on. But

this time he has been completely inconsolable. And he's not

getting over it."

They both heard the doorbell and looked at each other.

"That's probably him," Phillip said. "You stay here and I'll

send him out to the patio. Then I will make myself scarce."

Phillip went into the house. Angel could make out voices as

they headed through the house toward him. When Brian

came out the back door and saw Angel, his face registered

disbelief.

"Angel!"

"Hi, Brian."

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you. I wanted to talk to you."

"You could have just called me," Brian said.

Now Angel felt like a dope.

"Well, I didn't know if you'd listen to me. I wanted to talk

to you in person."

"What's this about?"

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"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry," Angel said. "I treated

you like crap."

"Okay... What made you change your mind?" Brian asked.

"My dad called. He told me the truth."

"Let me get this straight. You believe me now because your

dad told you about our conversation?" Brian asked,

frowning.

Angel wondered if this was a trick question. It seem innocent enough, but the frown on Brian's face told a different story. "Yes..." Angel said. "You didn't believe me when I told you, but now that the

circumstances have changed, you do?"

"Yes?"

"I see," Brian said, standing up. "Is there anything else you

wanted to say?"

"Well... I was wondering if you were seeing anyone."

"Why? Are you interested now?"

"Huh?"

"Easy question,” Brian said. "Are you interested in me now

that you know I'm not a liar who's out to get the family

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land?"

"That's not the way it is--"

"Oh, really? It seems that way to me."

Angel felt the whole conversation spiraling out of control.

"Brian, I'm sorry. I fucked up."

"Yes, you did," Brian said. "If there's nothing else..."

Brian walked into the house and Angel followed. They ran

into Phillip, who was heading toward the kitchen.

"Hi, you two."

"Angel was just leaving."

Phillip looked between the two of them as if he was trying

to figure out what was going on. Instead of answering,

Brian walked back toward the patio.

"What happened?"

"He doesn't want me," Angel said.

"That can't be true. He doesn't know what he's saying,"

Phillip said. "His stupid ego is getting in the way."

"Well, he seemed pretty definite."

"Look. You go ahead and go for now. I'll talk to him,"

Phillip said. "You still want him, right?"

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"Yes."

"Just checking." Phillip gave him an encouraging smile.

"It'll be okay."

"I hope so," Angel said before he left.

*** Brian was sitting in a chair on the patio. Seeing Angel again had shaken him, and he was trying to figure out what had just happened. He felt as if he'd been blindsided, but he

also suspected that he'd made a major mistake.

"Why did you let him go?" Phillip asked, coming outside.

“You helped set this up, didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

"Why?"

"Because it's obvious that you two belong together. Just

like it was obvious that you and Sam didn't. Look at you, you're miserable. So when Angel called, I said that I'd help." "It's over," Brian said. He leaned forward with his elbows

on his knees and rested his face in his hands. He felt ill.

"What happened?"

"He tried to apologize. I was still hurt and pissed. I told him

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it was too late."

"Is it?"

When Brian didn't answer, Phillip came and stood in front

of him. Brian looked up.

"Now it might be."

Phillip rolled his eyes and said, "I can't believe you. You've

been moping around here for the last couple of weeks.

Then, when you're given another chance, you blow it." Brian dropped his hands and leaned back in the chair. "What am I going to do?" "Do you still want him?" "Yes." "Then you're going to have to swallow your pride, go find

him, and tell him."

"What if he doesn't want me anymore?"

"I'm positive that he does, but you're going to have to do

some fancy talking to convince him to trust you. If you

hadn't acted like such an ass--"

"Okay, I get it."

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Chapter 14 Days later, Brian was still obsessing about the whole thing. It was one of his bad habits and, usually, working in his darkroom helped to relax him. Once he got to developing film, his thoughts were solely on the processing. He had taken seven rolls of pictures while he was in Arizona, and he had spent an afternoon developing the negatives the other day. He had kept working until negatives of landscapes, wildlife and Angel hung around the room. They turned out to be good quality, and he had been satisfied. Almost half of them were of Angel, however. At the time, he hadn't been sure if he could even look at them yet, but then he decided he would go crazy if he didn't at least get the negatives developed. Now there were several of the pictures that he wanted to enlarge. Brian went to his darkroom and set everything up. Once ready, he got the first set of negatives that he had decided to enlarge and went to work. There were several close-ups of Angel on it. He started with those, and before long, there were pictures of Angel hanging from clips, drying. He stopped for a moment and looked at them. So much for getting his mind on other things. As he came to the next set, he realized that it contained the pictures he had taken that day at the cabin. The day that the wolf had been standing outside. He already knew that the first few shots taken through the window were crap. The Unleashing Angel - 230

next series that he had taken from the porch were much better. He set to work enlarging some of those. As the prints developed, Brian could see that the telephoto lens had picked up the details of the animal's fur beautifully. The wolf looked like it had been close enough to touch. Brian watched as the wolf's face came into focus on the paper. As the image became sharper, he knew that he had gotten a great shot. When the animal's eyes came into full focus, Brian frowned and looked more closely at the photo. He gave a sharp intake of breath. It couldn't be. The animal's light gray eyes looked back. Eyes that were familiar to Brian. Eyes that he had looked into countless times during the last few weeks. Sure, he was looking at an animal, but there was no mistaking the soul that was within. Brian turned and unclipped a close-up photo of Angel from the line. He laid the two pictures side by side on the table. The eyes. In one photo they were lined by dark lashes, and in the other, outlined in black fur. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He grabbed the loupe and examined the irises in both photographs closely. Suddenly, he dropped the loupe as if it were hot and practically jumped back from the table. Brian knew that Angel had been keeping something from him. Angel had always kept an emotional distance between the two of them. Like he didn't want to get too close. He remembered the night by the lake. Brian now realized that it was his own fault. All of that talk about werewolves. Angel had been trying to Unleashing Angel - 231

tell him then, but Brian had made jokes. He realized that was when Angel had backed off for good. They had still had some good times and sex together, but Angel had withdrawn. Angel had a sadness about him after that. He had probably concluded that Brian wasn't going to be able to handle it. Then there was the comment about wolves mating for life. Angel had been hinting around the very thing that Brian had been looking for in a relationship. Long-term commitment. Angel had overheard Brian and Sam fighting. He knew that Brian was looking for a long-term partner. It made sense now. Brian had a rush of excitement. Then he stopped himself. If this whole crazy thing was true, could Brian handle it? He thought about it. Surprisingly, the wolf thing didn't gross Brian out. Of course, he hadn't actually seen the change happen. What if he went to Angel, convinced him to try again, and then Brian couldn't deal with it? Could he do that to Angel? And to himself? Brian thought about it some more. If Angel was really this way, then his family must be the same way, too. Angel had said that three families were involved. Angel was part of one of those families, so that means his parents were the same way. And Lester! Maybe Lester changing wasn't a dream, after all. Angel's dad seemed reasonable enough. At least the man didn't hate Brian anymore. Maybe, if Brian called him first… maybe, if Brian could convince Angel's dad to let Unleashing Angel - 232

him watch... Brian wondered when the next full moon would be. He hadn't a clue. He would have to look at a calendar. What about this full moon business? Everyone knew that werewolves changed during a full moon. Brian tried to remember all of the movies that he had seen with werewolves in them. They had definitely only been able to change during a full moon. It was a fact. Well, those were movies... But anyway. But then he remembered that Angel had said something about only the young ones being dependent on the full moon, and as they got older they could change any time during the lunar cycle. 'Shift' was the word that Angel had used. Now that he thought about it more, Brian realized that he had seen this Angel wolf in broad daylight. He tried to remember what Angel had said. Angel had said that a wolf that could come out in daylight was rare, and powerful. And Angel had said that there was only one. Brian stared down at the two pictures again. Werewolf. He shook his head. The word sounded absurd. The whole thing was crazy. Brian had turned away from the table and was looking at the enlarged photographs hanging from their clips. He saw one of the two landscape shots from the same roll of film. He remembered that he had taken a couple of quick shots just to finish off the roll, and he had only enlarged those because they appeared to be good landscapes. Unleashing Angel - 233

Something in one of them caught his eye. He snatched it from the line and set it on the table. Yes, he could definitely see something red off in the distance. He picked up the loupe and peered at the picture. The red thing was clearly a Jeep. Angel's Jeep. He turned and grabbed the other landscape that was taken shortly after the first. The Jeep was in that picture also. Only, in this photo, there was something else. Walking toward the vehicle was a person. The person was naked and had a mass of dark curls. Had the wolf been Angel? Was the nude man going to the Jeep Angel after he had changed back? And what about Angel and the standoff with the wolves? Did Brian really believe any of this? Brian knew in his heart that it had been Angel. And yes, Brian did believe all of it.

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Chapter 15 Brian knew that he should have probably called Angel's cell first, but he wouldn't have been able to take it if Angel had told him to get lost. So he decided to drive over to Caltech. He remembered that Angel had said that he'd lived in Ricketts house. Brian figured that it wouldn't be too hard to find him. He would just go there, tell Angel what he had to say, and then leave. "Last I saw him, he was in the courtyard," the guy said, pointing. "Thanks." When Brian went out to the courtyard, there were a handful of students, but no Angel. They all stopped talking and looked at him. He was sure that he looked out of place compared to the young kids sitting around in jeans and Tshirts. "I'm looking for Angel Diaz," Brian said. "He was just here," one of the guys said. "I don't know where he is now." The girl next to him smacked him on the arm with the back of her hand. "You never pay attention," She said. Then to Brian she said, "Angel was going over to the lab. He went to his room to get his backpack first. You might be able to catch him." Unleashing Angel - 235

"Which way?" Brian asked "He's down that hall." She pointed to an arched entry. "Third door." "Thanks," Brian said. He had already started walking toward the archway. Once inside, he found that the hallway was dim compared to the bright courtyard and paused to let his eyes adjust before walking down the hall to the third door. He stood there for a moment and rubbed his damp palms on his pants before knocking lightly on the door. A door down the hall opened and Brian practically jumped. A small blonde girl came out of a room. She locked her door, and as she turned, she saw Brian standing there. "Looking for someone?" "Angel Diaz," Brian said. "Do you know him?" "Yes." She looked at him for a moment and then asked, "You're Brian, aren't you?" "How did you know?" "Oh, I've heard about you," she said. "I'm Jen. Angel's friend." "Nice to meet you," Brian said. "Actually, I've heard about you, too." He hesitated and asked, "Do you know where he is?" Unleashing Angel - 236

She looked at her watch. "He should be in the lab."

"Do you think you could show me where that is?"

She looked him up and down. For someone so small, she

was certainly intimidating. Brian got the feeling that he was on trial. "Sure," she said, walking past him. "Come on."

He followed her down the hall and back out into the bright

daylight.

"You know he's pretty upset, don't you?" she asked, as they walked across campus. "He is?"

She came to a halt. When he realized that she had stopped,

he did as well and turned toward her.

"You're not here to hurt him further, are you?" she asked.

"I don't plan on it."

"Because, if you are, I'm not taking you to him."

Brian put his hands on his hips and looked off to the side as

he talked to her. "Look. I'm aware of how badly I screwed

things up."

"I'll say."

Brian ignored her comment and continued. "But I'm going

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to try to make things right. So I need to talk to him."

"You couldn't have just called him?"

"I was afraid he wouldn't talk to me."

She gave a little chuckle. "He said the same thing." She

started walking again. "Come on."

They walked together toward a large building. When they

got there, she led the way through a labyrinth of halls and

stairs. He realized that he never would have found it on his

own. Finally, she stopped outside of a closed door. She

stopped so abruptly, he almost ran into her.

"Here we are," she said. "He should be in there."

He stood there for a moment in order to calm the butterflies

fluttering madly in his gut.

"Don't make me wish I hadn't led you to him," she added.

The door opened and Brian froze. He held his breath. A girl

come out of the room, then turned and stood in the

doorway.

"Thanks, Angel. I really appreciate your help."

Brian could vaguely hear a response.

"My friend Terry is looking for a tutor. Can I give her your

name?"

"Sure. No problem," Brian heard Angel said.

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The girl left, and with a look at Jen, Brian stepped into the room. Angel was standing at a table with his back to the door, putting his things away. Brian watched as he zipped his backpack and then hiked it onto his shoulders. Angel turned to leave and saw Brian standing there. His expression was one of shock. "Hi, Angel," Brian said. "What are you doing here?" Oh, shit, Brian thought. He sincerely hoped that he had not made a huge mistake. "How did you find me?" Angel looked past Brian. Brian turned to see Jen peeking into the room. "Oh." "I ran into him outside your door," Jen said. "So I brought him here. I hope that's okay." "Yeah," he said, setting his backpack on the table. "I'll see you later. Okay, Jen?" Angel was speaking to her, but looking at Brian. Jen looked from Brian to Angel as they stood facing each other from across the room. Obviously satisfied, she left, closing the door behind her. "How have you been?" Brian asked him after she was gone. "Not that good. Pretty shitty, in fact." Ignoring the comment, Brian asked, "Can we talk?" Unleashing Angel - 239

"Why? You told me you weren't interested when we were at Philip's." "I know," Brian said. "I'm sorry about that. " Angel said nothing, staring at him from across the room. When Brian took a step toward him, Angel folded his arms and frowned. Not exactly the best body language, but Brian decided to forge ahead. "I've been miserable." "Yeah, well, join the club." Losing patience, Brian closed the distance between them. "You know, I got treated badly, too," Brian said. "I was accused in front of everybody. Not given the chance to explain. You just automatically assumed that I was out to screw your family. To top it off, I almost got attacked by wolves. " Brian noticed the comment about the wolves got a reaction. Angel dropped his arms and turned away, facing the table. In the silence that followed, Brian could hear people talking and walking by in the hall. He stepped closer to Angel and asked softly, "Can't we get past this? It seems like ever since we met, we've had misunderstandings and arguments." He brushed up against Angel and felt him shiver. "Yet every time, we've made up." Unleashing Angel - 240

He moved Angel's curls aside with his fingertips. When he leaned down to place a kiss on Angel's neck, Angel tried to pull away. "You really hurt me," Angel said. Brian held Angel by the arms. "You haven't exactly been honest with me." He turned Angel toward him. Brian put a finger under Angel's chin, trying to get Angel to look at him. However, Angel continued to look down, not meeting Brian's eyes. When Angel wouldn't make eye contact, Brian said softly, "Hey. Look at me." He raised Angel's chin. As Angel's head came up, his gaze met Brian's. The beautiful gray eyes were guarded. Brian ached, knowing that he was the cause of Angel's wariness and hurt. Brian's gaze traveled over Angel's face, trying to memorize every feature. With a sick feeling, he realized that he had almost lost this. Because of his stupid ego, he had practically pushed Angel away for good. And because of Brian, Angel's face now carried a new cynicism that shamed Brian. In the silence, Angel licked his lips and seemed to be waiting for Brian's next move. He was obviously holding back, no doubt unsure of himself now because of Brian. Brian chided himself even more for dampening Angel's spontaneity. Unleashing Angel - 241

Brian lowered his head and brought their mouths together. He gently brushed his lips across Angel's before he went in for more. Angel tentatively kissed him back. Brian's tongue probed Angel's mouth until Angel's lips parted, letting Brian's tongue slide in. When Angel's tongue shyly met his, Brian sighed into the kiss, and his hand went up to lightly hold Angel's jaw. Overcome with emotion, Brian let his kisses become more intense. His hand moved to cup the back of Angel's head. To Brian's relief, Angel responded, and he felt adrenaline shoot through him when Angel's kisses became more demanding as well. Brian couldn't hold back any longer and pulled Angel close. Resisting now, Angel pushed at him, breaking the kiss, and said, "I don't know what you're talking about." Refusing to break his hold, Brian bent down and kissed Angel again. Having Angel in his arms again increased his sense of urgency. Angel tried to push him away, but ended up relenting and kissed Brian back almost hungrily. When they broke the kiss, Brian said, "Angel, I know everything." He felt Angel tense in his arms. "What is it you know?" "I know about you, the wolves, everything." Angel began pushing at Brian again, trying to get him to let go. "You think you know something, but you don't." Still holding on, Brian said, "I took pictures of you when you came to the cabin that afternoon. I know it was you." Unleashing Angel - 242

"How?" "Your eyes. I recognized your eyes." Angel stopped struggling and looked at Brian from mere inches away. "You know this, but you still want to be with me?" Angel asked. "Yes." "What if you can't handle it?" "I think I can," Brian said. "You think you can," Angel said, somewhat sarcastically. Brian pulled him close until their bodies were flush. "Don't be that way with me. I came here because I know. I came here because I love you." When Angel didn't say anything, Brian continued, "Now, do you want to stay here, or can we go somewhere more private?" Angel looked at him for a few moments and then said, "Let's go." Brian let go of him and Angel picked up his backpack, putting it on as he left the lab. Brian caught up with him and they walked to Angel's room in silence. When they got there, Angel unlocked the door, pushed it open, and went inside. Brian followed. Unleashing Angel - 243

Angel stood across the room from him. "Lock it," he said,

indicating the door.

"So you think you can handle it?" Angel asked. "The reality

of me being a wolf."

"Yes, I believe that I can. I'm willing to try."

"Do you realize that I go running with a pack? "

"I get that."

"I transform."

"Yeah?" Brian wondered where Angel was going with this.

"You mean you're not going to freak when you seen me

change?"

Of course, Brian had thought about it. However, he tended

to think about it in terms of all the movies he'd seen. He figured he could handle it. Or at least get used to it. "Do you want all of me?" Angel asked as he took off his shirt. He kicked off his shoes and took off his shorts. Brian was starting to get a little nervous. He could sense the power building in Angel. Maybe he needed to take this a little slower. "Well, I hope you're ready," Angel said. "Because this is what I am." Unleashing Angel - 244

Within seconds, Angel transformed right in front of him.

Brian felt himself slipping away.

The next thing Brian knew, he was lying on the floor.

There was a pillow under his head and Angel, who was

dressed, was hovering over him with a cool washcloth.

"What happened?"

"You fainted."

"How long was I out?"

"About ten minutes."

Brian sat up, rubbing his head. Angel leaned back on his

heels next to him.

"Well, it's nice to know I handled that like a man."

Angel looked concerned. Brian got up and sat on the bed.

He pulled Angel to sit next to him.

"I'm not going to lie to you," Brian said. "That was pretty

intense. It happened so fast. Not like the movies at all."

"Did it gross you out?" Angel asked, looking apprehensive.

Brian thought about it. Had it been disgusting? Was he

repulsed by it? He recalled the buildup of the energy in the room, and then the quick transformation. He wasn't really grossed out. "No," he said, deciding. "It didn't." Unleashing Angel - 245

Angel looked somewhat relieved, but not yet convinced.

"It was like my senses were overloaded." Then he

realized... "Kind of like when Lester... He did change,

didn't he? I didn't dream it."

"Yes."

"But he's a dog, " Brian said.

"Lester's an oddity. He's a mix, and therefore not as strong

as the rest of us. He's very old, and his rusty brain forgets

how to change back."

"Except that night."

"He kind of shocked all of us," Angel admitted.

"Okay. I think we should try it again," Brian said. "I mean,

can you do it that soon after?"

"Sure. I can do it anytime and anywhere. "

"Well that's kind of disconcerting."

"It's not like I don't have control over it," Angel said. "And

I'm not like the others. I'm not dictated by the lunar cycle."

"Well, let's give it another try."

Angel stood up and started taking off his clothes again.

"So, is getting naked required?" Brian asked.

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"Not really. But I don't want to ruin my clothes." "I guess that makes sense." "Why don't you stay sitting down this time?" Angel suggested. "I've got it under control," Brian said. However, he remained seated just in case. "Here goes," Angel said. Like before, there was a ramping up of energy in the room. This time, though, Brian was ready for it. He watched the transformation. One moment, Angel was standing in front of him. The next, a large black wolf was in the room with him. The awesomeness of it almost took his breath away. "Amazing," he said softly. The beast stood looking at him. It was then that Brian noticed its eyes. They were gray, just like Angel's. "Can you understand what I'm saying?" Brian asked. When the wolf didn't respond, he said, "I guess you can't exactly talk when you're like that, can you?" Brian felt the air around him change slightly, and Angel came back to him. "Yes, I can understand you," Angel said, bending down to pick up his shorts. "And no, I can't talk. I can howl, though." Unleashing Angel - 247

He pulled on his clothes, and then sat next to Brian on the

bed.

"How was it that time?"

"Much better."

"At least you didn't faint," Angel said.

"Smartass," Brian said. He put his arm around Angel and

added, "You can be sure of one thing..."

"What's that?"

"I won't want to be pissing you off."

"I could kick your ass pretty easily," Angel said, smiling. "I

would make you submit."

"Sounds kinky. Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure."

"Please don't ever do it when we're in bed together, okay?"

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Chapter 16 Brian turned off the highway onto a dirt road. Even though it was full, the cloud cover obscured the moon. He took it slow as the SUV's headlights picked out the way along the narrow road through the mesquite. When he got to the clearing, he spotted a white pickup truck and pulled in next to it. He cut the engine, got out of his SUV, and went to sit on the open tailgate of the truck. He waited, listening intently. Then he heard the howl. Satisfied, Brian settled in to wait. He'd been through this routine many times over the last couple of years. As he sat in the dark, he thought over the things he needed say. There had been a lot on his mind lately, and now it looked like things were going to be changing. It wasn't long before he heard the unmistakable sound of running. He sat upright and peered into the darkness at the edge of the clearing. A large wolf with a dark head and lighter body came into sight. It stopped, raised its muzzle, and sniffed the air. Then, as it came forward, five more smaller ones appeared. As Brian watched, the wolves begin to transform. When they began changing into naked humans, he looked away. "Hola, Brian!" "Hi, Hector." Unleashing Angel - 249

The others greeted Brian as they went to their cars to get their clothes. Even though he'd seen this many times, he still felt somewhat embarrassed by the nudity. Although it didn't seem to bother them in the least. They were all so casual about it, he tried his best to ignore it also. As if everyone he knew walked around naked in mixed company. "He's coming," Hector said, as he started putting on his clothes. "Thanks," Brian said. "How's Carmen?" "She's doing good," Hector said, pulling on his T-shirt. "The baby's not due for another couple of weeks. It's a girl this time." "Congratulations! One of each." "Yeah, from now on, it won't matter if it's a boy or a girl," Hector said. Then he had a panicked look on his face. "Not that it mattered. Don't tell her I said that!" "Too late, Hector." Brian turned toward the voice. Angel was walking up to them. "I'm telling," Angel added, smiling. He walked over to Brian, and they exchanged a quick kiss. "She's sweet, but she can kick my ass," Hector said. "She's a pistol." Unleashing Angel - 250

"You knew that when you married her."

"Yeah. That I did," Hector said, smiling.

"Did you just get in?" Angel asked Brian as he got dressed.

"Yes. I drove straight through."

"You must be tired."

Dressed now, Angel walked up and gave Brian a hug. They

kissed and then kissed some more.

"Oh, geez," Hector said. "Here we go again."

Without letting go of Brian, Angel said, "As if you and

Carmen aren't the same way."

"I've got some big news," Brian said softly. "I couldn't wait

to tell you."

"You could have just called."

"Well, yes... But this is big."

"What is it?" Angel asked.

They were interrupted by Hector.

"Hey! We're heading over to the Swinging Door. It's

karaoke night."

Angel looked at Brian and rolled his eyes.

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"You guys coming?"

"You go on ahead," Angel said. "We'll catch up with you."

After the others had left, Brian leaned back against the

SUV. He pulled Angel's smaller body close until they were flush. As they kissed, Brian ran his hands on Angel's back. They ended up on Angel's ass and stayed there. "I've missed you," Brian said.

"Missed you, too," Angel said. "How did the trip go?"

"Great! But I'm glad to be back."

"I can tell," Angel said, wiggling his hips a little. Brian

knew Angel could feel his erection against his own.

"Hey," Brian said. "Something came up on the trip."

"What?"

"I got a call from my friend Bernie. The company he is

with is interested in me coming to work for them."

"Where are they located?"

"Well, here's the good part. They are near Springfield,

Massachusetts. The job is primarily surveying the mountainous areas. I know you've been putting off making a decision on the job offer at that lab in Framingham. So I contacted them a week ago. They are really anxious for me to come." Unleashing Angel - 252

"For real?"

"This means we can move together. And we'd both have

jobs waiting for us," Brian said. "You don't think it's too far away? I mean, will you miss your family?" "Uh, no. There are such things as email, phones, and airplanes these days."

"There are quite a few reserves and mountains that aren't

too far away. So you'd be near some wilderness when you

needed to go out and run. "

"I've heard that there's a pack up there."

"Really?"

"You didn't think we were the only werewolves, did you?"

"I guess I didn't think of it," Brian said.

"There's plenty out there."

"You know... marriage is legal there."

Angel stared at him for a moment, then asked, "What are

you saying?"

"I'm just saying, that it's legal there... if ... you know... we ever thought about... you know." "No, I don't know," Angel said. "What is it you are saying?" Unleashing Angel - 253

"I thought maybe we could, you know... if you wanted to."

Angel just stared at him. Brian realized that the little shit

knew what he was getting at, but was going to make Brian

say it.

"What I'm trying to say is..."

When he tapered off, Angel raised an eyebrow.

"You're being difficult," Brian said.

"Me? What did I do?"

Brian sighed. Angel had the nerve to laugh.

"Married! I was thinking we could get married if you

wanted to."

"Do you want to?"

Oh, now he was just being a smartass. "Oh course I do,"

Brian said. "I wouldn't have brought it up."

"Brought what up?" Angel asked, smiling.

"You're a pain in the ass, you know that?"

"And you love it."

"Yes," Brian said, holding Angel tight. "I do. And I love

you." Brian leaned down and kissed him. Then kissed some

more. "God, I've missed you." Unleashing Angel - 254

Brian pulled up Angel's shirt and put his hands down the back of Angel's shorts, cupping his butt. "I missed this ass." "It missed you," Angel said. "Did it?" "A lot." Brian kneaded Angel's ass as they kissed. "How much?" Brian asked, softly, between kisses. "So much, it wants you to fuck it right out here." Brian's erection was at full mast now. He swooped down and kissed Angel aggressively, his hands becoming more demanding. Angel gave a little growl, and the sound of it set Brian off. He broke the kiss and pushed Angel back far enough to undo his shorts. Angel did the same, and shortly they both had the other's cock in hand. They kissed while their hands stroked each other. Brian kissed Angel's neck and Angel tilted his head back to allow better access. Again, a low growl escaped from Angel. Brian felt the vibration under his lips. "I'm going to fuck you right here," Brian said as his hand started pushing down Angel's shorts. He stopped with one arm around Angel's waist. He moved them aside so he could open the back of the SUV. Once open, he helped Angel into it. With Angel sitting just inside, Brian pulled the shorts the rest of the way off of him. Angel lay back Unleashing Angel - 255

and bent his knees. Brian could see Angel's cock was as hard as his own. With his own shorts pulled down, Brian stepped close and rubbed the head of his cock over Angel's pucker. When the pre-come wasn't enough, he used spit, working it into Angel's hole with his fingers. With more spit, Brian was able to work the head of his penis in past the tight ring of muscle. Angel must have relaxed further, because Brian was able to sink in. Angel felt so wonderfully tight. Brian hadn't seen him for two weeks and craved Angel's body. He never got enough of him, even after all this time. He had meant what he'd tried to say. He wanted to be with Angel for the long haul. He wanted to make the commitment. This was what he'd been looking for his whole life, but had never really had the right person before. With Angel, he was sure. Brian looked down at where they were joined. He watched his cock sink in to Angel's body and then reappear as he pulled back. He gripped Angel's cock and began jacking it while he thrust. He knew he wouldn't last long, and he didn't. He froze and came, pumping his load deep in Angel. Angel must have felt it, and within moments came also, his come spilling over Brian's hand and on his own flat belly. Brian stood for a moment, still inside, their bodies locked together. He could see the wetness on Angel in the pale light. When he looked up at Angel's face, Angel was looking back at him with those beautiful eyes. Unleashing Angel - 256

"I love you so much," Brian said.

"I love you, too," Angel said. "I've missed you. I've missed

this."

Brian withdrew and helped Angel sit up. He handed Angel

his shorts, and they cleaned up and got dressed.

"So, does that sound like a good idea? " Brian asked. "Us

going to Massachusetts?"

"Sounds great to me."

They got into the SUV and started heading back to the

main road.

"Do you want to head over to the Swinging Door and meet

up with the others?" Brian asked.

"Sure."

"Do you think you'll be able to survive living somewhere

else without listening to Hector sing karaoke?"

"True, I'm going to miss some of these fantastic nights out,"

Angel said. "But I'll try to be tough. "

END

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