The Squad: Taste of Hope a Short Story

Copyright 2009 by Tabitha Johnson Cover design copyright 2012 Charles Ellis All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. Tabitha Johnson Visit my website at www.literallynfiguratively.com Printed in the United States of America First Printing: May 2012

Part One
David crashed onto the roof top as the rogue beast dashed to the next. With a deep grunt of frustration he sprinted after the creature. As he crossed the surface of the roof tops he left no traces that he had even stepped onto the surface. His dark rust coloured hair was swept back with the wind from his speed. David leapt to the last roof on the street and chuckled as he trapped the beast. David spotted the fur of the beast on the other side of the ventilation system as it tried to make a decision. He pulled the gun from his holster and used his True Sight to aim. David fired and heard the solid thud as the animal hit the ground. Hunting Weres is so clich but I got him, David said as he pressed the button on his ear piece. Where bout mate? Xavians voice resonated in his ear. 16th and North Carrio. The very last roof at the end of the street. Alright. Be there in five. Bring the boy; this one is like the last few. Why do we use headsets when we could easily communicate otherwise? Because it takes too much focus to separate out the rest of the voices. Do you want all of Illinois in your head? David asked. Point taken mate. David walked to the fallen animal and bent over him as he checked for the mark of possession. It was branded in the fur on the back of the creatures head. David shot him with another tranquilizer. The possessed tended to burn through them quickly with the elevated metabolism. David heard his partners footsteps behind him as the cowboy boots hit the tarmac. Xavian bent down and looked at the creature. Well its definitely down, mate. Great job, Xavian said as he pulled out the holy water and a rosary. Where is he? David asked a bit irritated since he wasnt sure if the tranquilizers would hold. Hes coming. Just as if on cue there was a shuffle behind them. Xavian stood and stepped aside. David still knelt as the young man approached. Renes long strides with his hands behind his back as he came into view of the beast were as graceful as a dancer. His dreadlocks were tied back from his face and left his

angelic features visible. His cerulean eyes sparkled in the light of the full moon. Rene took the water from Xavian but waved away the rosary. With a flick of Renes wrist the creature lifted to its feet. It was a lioness who had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Do your thing, David said as he and Xavian stepped back. Rene anointed the lioness with the water and her eyes flew open. There were no whites or iris just a swirling black emptiness. Rene spoke sweetly to her in Latin to remove the guest that had taken up in her body. The lioness shook and a squeal escaped her lips as a golden orb left her body and she turned to her human form. Rene put her into a deep slumber during the brief extraction the spirit that had fought back had burned the tranquillizer away. Rene verbally sent the spirit away to which it came so that it would not possess anyone else. Xavian dropped a blanket around the womans form as she lay on the ground. Xavian placed the water and rosary back into his bag and lifted the woman to take her to safety. David aided him down to the ground and then called the Chariot Service which would take her to a safe house. Theres something going on in the streets. My people have been hearing whispers and this is the third possessed Were in as many weeks, David said as he pulled on his leather jacket, Ive got some leads to catch up to. Well lets have a captain cook then, Xavian pulled on the spare helmet and climbed on the bike behind David. David flipped down the front of his helmet and they headed to the District where all the vampire happenings took place. He parked next to club Warehouse. Now as you know our kind are allies but there are a few who arent polite. Please dont jump without a reason while were in here, David reminded Xavian. No prob mate. David flashed his fangs at the door as his ID and held Xavians wrist to signal he was his property. David smiled at those who dared make eye contact. He nodded at the new vampires who still showed their fangs when they smiled because they hadnt learn to smile without flashing. David reached the bar without interruption. Moore, Dawn acknowledged him, O-poz and for your winged friend? Vodka tonic, Xavian answered. Bryan in? David took his mug of blood substitute and downed it in one gulp. Yup. Hes expecting you.

David let Xavian finish his drink before he grabbed his wrist, thumb to middle finger, and led him to the big cherry wood door that held the public away from the privileged. You dare bring a dragon into my lair? his chair faced away from the door. Yes I do sir. Hes my partner and we are here on business. You and I have discussed this before. And where is your other partner? Bryan turned in his chair and faced them with his misty green eyes dancing with amusement. Hes taking care of other business. I do so miss his beauty. Maybe I should rethink our bargain. Crestwood, Davids voice rumbled a warning that made the walls vibrate, give me what you know. Okay Bryan told him the information he had gathered through his connections and guests in his club. David and Xavian arrived back at the compound where they found Rene on the counter in the weapons room with his guitar. They both shook their heads and unloaded their weapons. Rene hummed the remaining bars of a song and strummed the last cord. Rene sat his guitar aside and jumped up from the counter. Renes low rise blue jeans settled around his hips and his v-neck cotton shirt rested firmly against his skin almost giving the appearance that it was painted on. Renes golden honey and bronze dreadlocks fell over his shoulder as he moved to the next table. His hips swayed as he walked and inspected the weapons they had returned with. Hey Jag did you find anything out? Dont call me that. You know the nick names that are allowed thats not one of them, a grimace graced Renes still pleasantly young looking face. Not even a pout and look of distaste could mar his beauty. Rene hated that name because in school all those years ago it had been graduated to Jag the fag which ended with many fights. Sorry I wasnt thinking, David put a comforting hand on his waist. Nothing legit has been heard. There have only been rumors and terror but nothing solid yet. Did you guys use all the blessed ammo? Yea, there were some rebelling angels in the Guards Loft. Big fight we had to send a few of them home the hard way, Xavian said as he stripped out of his work clothes and pulled on his favorite well worn jeans. What did Bryan have to say? Rene asked as he left Davids side.

You always know. You smell like him. Bunch of Lindoray spirits has gone wild. Theyre taking up in Weres because of your life force. They tried us but it wasnt working effectively. They took stock in Hernandezs pride and when they got rid of them they headed north to us. Hernandez will get you the info and possibly where theyre at. His territory is far enough away they may have stopped in Archibalds. Archie would have given a call, Rene as he turned to face both men. He was forced into the head of his pack by his fathers death. He wasnt prepared to take on that responsibility he may not even know that somethings going down. Yea he couldnt blow froth off a glass of beer, Xavian chimed in as he took up a wet stone and the machete. Hes not useless. Well at least not that useless. Ill give him a call in the morning hes probably out hunting. Well its late lets get to bed, David advised. Ive got more ammo and blades to get ready. Plus Ive got a prayer to write. Alright then Ill see you in the morning. Rene laid out the silver lined bullets and silver daggers. He hummed as he anointed each with blessed oil and chanted his own personal blessing. Rene had been the equivalent of ordained by his tribe leader before he arrived in America, his blessings were as powerful if not more powerful as the Pope himself. He listened to the soft scraping as Xavian sharpened the blade. Rene would not kill but made sure that his men could protect themselves. He only condoned self defense but not murder or torture. Rene knew he was different than most of his species but he had to follow his heart. He moved through the Hanger quietly as Xavian worked. The Hanger had been where early century pilots would land to avoid detection from the government if they were inclined to leave armed forces without detection. When David took over the property he transformed it into the weapons room on one side and on the other it was a large open area that was matted for sparing or just to shift without interference. It had easy access to the main area of the compound as well as the garages and private quarters. Got anymore lavender oil? Xavian asked as he sat aside the blade and stone. Horns or wings? Wings, he rubbed at his shoulders as he uncloaked his luxurious wings. Let me get this all packed and Ill rub them down for you.

Thanks mate. Youre the best. If youd use them more or even just stretch them they wouldnt become irritated so easily. Yes mum, Xavian chuckled. Im being truthful. They have free fly zones in town just for that reason. You should stop hiding yourself, Rene said as he retrieved the oil. I know, Xavian went to the matted area and fluttered his wings. Youll need to fully shift soon. I can smell it on you. I know, Xavian said as he tried not to sound irritated. Ive got to go down in a few days to the Salutem if you want to come. Its the one by the Guards Loft. Two full days of being you. All right, all right! Enough with the ear bashing. Ill come with you, Xavian said, youre way worse than mum. Im not nagging, Im just being caring. Ear bashing, caring same difference. Turn around, Rene pouted as he rubbed the oil on the inner wings that connected to his body. Thank you so much. I know you're just showin your love, Xavian stood still while Rene lovingly applied the oil to the irritated areas. Lift please, Rene knelt to get to the lower parts. Mmm thats so much better, he flapped them lightly as Rene finished, Cmere. Xavian embraced Rene and wrapped wings around them both. He kissed Rene firmly on the lips. He trailed the kisses down to his neck. Rene moaned to let Xavian know that he enjoyed it. Xavian nibbled Renes neck a little then returned to his lips. That was a sign of trust and security to allow a Were that close that he could kill. They nuzzled then broke apart. You know I love you right? Rene stated. I love you too. Ill leave you alone to get your work done, he said knowing what Rene wanted. Thanks. Dave is looking for some loving you two can keep the bed warm until I get there. Rene returned to his work. Once done with all the weapons he locked the room tight and went into his half of the kitchen. It was space set up where he could keep his magic supplies away from the

normal cooking supplies. Rene took the flowers from the freezer and prepared each with a protection spell and replaced them in the freezer. Rene sat down and began his prayer that David had requested. He leaned across the table and stared at his failed attempts to make a prayer that he approved. Renes shirt raised a little and the tattoos were briefly visible. He had been adorned with the last of the tattoos after he completed his training. These were not useless popular American trendy tribal tattoos that were non-sense; they were his heritage and more inked onto his skin. Rene rolled the prayer off his tongue but still wasnt happy. He scrunched up that piece of paper and started from scratch again. Once he was pleased he headed out of the kitchen. Rene secured the downstairs and was headed up the stairs when the phone rang. Rene almost ignored it until he heard Hernandezs voice on the voice machine. Si, Rene.

Part Two
Hernandez spoke rapidly in Spanish, then Portuguese and back to Spanish. Nothing was dire he just gave the information that he promised. Rene jotted down notes in case he needed them for paper work later. Rene hung up the phone and went to the bedroom. He sighed and opened the door. Rene did not want to open the door. Rene hated to be the bearer of bad news but more so he hated to wake a vampire that had worked 72 hours without real sleep. Rene eyed the California king size pillow topped bed and wanted nothing more than to crawl in and go to sleep wrapped in the loving arms of his men. Rene sighed again and went to Davids side. His dreadlocks fell across Davids face as he kissed his neck. I dont wanna, David bared fangs. We know where the nest is. Hernandez just called, Rene nibbled lightly on his shoulder. Okay. Hmm. Nest, David opened one eye and took in Renes face. Good. Now wake up Xavian I dont want to risk my life messing with him. He hasnt been sleeping long enough, Rene chuckled at his expression. Dammit. Its only been like two hours, David turned over and rubbed Xavians side, Xavi, baby. Rene got off the bed and waited for them to get up. Xavian grumbled and flipped his wings open. A lamp crashed to the floor along with the alarm clock and the little guardian statue. Rene made a mental note to pick things up out of storage to replace the broken objects. David lay on his stomach so that his wings lay over top of him. David kissed his nose. Cmon baby. Its time to go to work. We just got in, Xavian pulled his wings in. We know where the nest is for the Lindoray spirits. Whats for brekkie? Ill get it taken care of. Be down quick, Rene answered. To protect from road rash and hand held weapons they dressed in stiff black leather and steel toed boots rather than flimsy cotton jeans and the like. Rene put breakfast together as quick as possible to make sure they had their energy and focus. Eat up. Ive got the jeep loaded and ready. Each of your bags has the usual supplies. They will have the weird eyes and the holy water will force them to reveal themselves. Theyre all in the nest none stopped in Archibalds territory. So itll be ten of them left, Rene explained as they finished breakfast, sunrise is around the corner, make sure you have your shades.

They huddled and Rene recited the prayer that he had just written. They broke apart and got in the jeep. Rene took the backseat as always. They headed west toward the Den, Were territory. David and Xavian pulled a few weapons from the back and headed into the nest. Rene waited until he was needed so he would not take part in much of the violence that made up their jobs. Rene checked his watch several times and too much time had passed. Rene hadnt been called he tapped his foot. Inside the small bed and breakfast David and Xavian handled the Lindoray. David was slammed against the wall by one of the spirits. David grunted and jabbed it in the face. David ducked under a left hook and kicked the spirits feet from under it. He got jumped from behind and was put in a full nelson. David immediately raised his hands to his forehead and brought his elbows forward and escaped the hold. He turned on heel and slugged the spirit in the stomach. David flipped another one onto his back and sprinkled it with holy water and shot a tranquilizer to keep it at bay. Xavian doused everyone with holy water. He grabbed an innocent and handed her a daisy and a rose and escorted her out of the building. Xavian was knocked to the floor by a spirit and he growled low in his chest. Xavian kicked the advancing figure with both legs which sent her flying into a wall. Xavian pulled another gun and shot off another round of tranquilizers. Xavian sighed for this time they were all down and stayed down. Xavian winced as he did one last round and accidently shot David. Oops, he chuckled. Oh I am going to get you for that, David pulled the dart out. I know. How many did you count? All ten. Rene is on his way. He mad because we took so long? Xavian asked as he picked up the dropped weapons. A little. Damn you this tranq is tough to pass, David closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Here, Xavian offered his wrist. Thanks, he suctioned to his wrist and broke the skin. David took a few drags then closed the wound. Rene entered into the chaotic room and surveyed the scene. Rene began his chant as he drew in the spent energy to cycle out the vacating spirits. Rene closed his eyes and a slight white glow surrounded him as he lifted a few inches off the floor. He continued to move forward and he made sure that everyone remained at peace. Renes dreadlocks floated and he glowed a little brighter. David and Xavian placed the flowers on each body. Whew. The spirits were as mad as a cut snake when we entered, Xavian declared as he phoned the Chariot Service, Need a full service tonight boys. Yup at the location Im calling from. Thanks.

Its all settled. It was all of them so its safe. Good, Rene said as he returned to reality. We need a vacation. Its been two months straight with work. Yea autumn is around the corner. We could take a break then. Where would we go that we wouldnt think about work? Right. I hadnt thought about that, Rene smiled that heart stopping smile with a glint of mischief in his eye, we could call Daphne or Kristy. They would fill in for us. Then owe them favors? Yea having to owe the sheilas favors isnt something I find kind, Xavian said as he let the Chariot workers in. So much for a vacation. *** Rene got out of the shower and toweled off. Rene walked into his private bedroom and pulled a few changes of clothes from the closet. Rene packed two extra sets for clothes just in case and his toiletries into his gym bag. Rene dropped his towel and slipped into his favorite pair of dark blue jeans that fit like a glove. Rene didnt bother to apply deodorant or body spray since it wouldnt matter in an hour. He pulled on his white linen shirt and slid his feet into his favorite pair of sandals. Rene lifted his bag and headed to the shared bedroom. Hey beautiful, David greeted him. Xavian in here? Rene asked. Nope not yet. Rene sat his bag on the floor and pulled David in. Rene wrapped his arms around him and gazed up at him through his delicate lashes. Thats the look that captured my heart. Rene kissed him softly on the lips then it got more aggressive. David kissed Rene firmly and his hands began to roam. He cupped Renes butt in his hands as he deepened the kiss. Rene moaned against his lips and pressed into him. David traced the line of his jaw with little kisses. David knew there wasnt time for more. Right in time, Xavian dropped his bag by Renes.

Xavian moved behind Rene and began to kiss his neck and caress him. David broke the kiss with Rene and kissed Xavian. They both groped the young man in between them while they shared an intense kiss. The magic spread between them as it always did. Xavian pulled away first he knew that theyd be late if they continued. You make it hard to part, Rene said as he squeezed his hand. Its only for a couple of days, David followed them down stairs. I know it just seems long. Get going before traffic gets bad. They kissed briefly and David waved them off. Xavian drove the hybrid car to the Salutem. Rene showed his pass to gain access and showed Xavian where to park. They got out and walked to the front office. Finally Mr. Lee has made it out, Myesha said as they signed in. Hold on youre not a Were. Nope just a supporter, Myesha smiled as she gathered what she needed. Ok. Ok look here so we can get a picture, she took the picture of Xavian and printed out his membership card, youll be coming back. Thanks. Your apartment is still set as always. The cleaning people were there so its nice and fresh. Thank you. Rene led the way to his apartment, which was actually just a small rancher style house. He used his key to unlock the door and he showed Xavian a quick tour. So this is your home away from home. I expected a shanty away in a woop woop. Nothing civilized. Im an animal not a savage, Rene chuckled, your room will be the one on the left. Expecting me? I like to have extra space in case I have to host.

They settled in and Rene lay down the ground rules and set expectations with him. Xavian took it all in and committed it to memory. When it was time Rene led them down to the Range. No one else had shown to run with them or they were already out. I always strip first to save clothes. Its up to you, Rene pulled off his shirt revealing all the tattoos to the world. Xavian had seen them hundreds of times but always marveled at the intertwining characters, glyphs and images. All separate tattoos that merged to create one. It was an elegant and exquisite testament to him being more than human. Xavian forced himself to look away and shed his clothes. Xavian was glad that Rene shared such a private moment with him. Some Weres would not shift with another because of the vulnerability. Before we go, thank you. Welcome, Rene knelt down in the nude. No really. I mean it. I was standing like a bandicoot on a burnt bridge for awhile. Thanks to you Im ok. Rene stood and walked to him and kissed him on the lips then took his place back on all fours. The air began to shimmer and pulse with the static that almost jumped off. A low growl escaped as muscles reformed and bones reshaped to complete the shift. Moments later a large jaguar stood and nodded for Xavian to catch up. Xavian shook his head and closed his eyes. He felt exactly the way Rene had looked. The sizes made no difference to them. Rene took off across the field and Xavian followed on foot. Rene got further away so Xavian took to the air. He knew Renes intensions were to play hide and seek but he hadnt planned on being the seeker. But really did he have a choice? Xavian saw the marks that meant he could use his power. Xavian spit two quick fire balls to detour the jaguars path. More smoke than flame left his mouth. Xavian found him again. He dived and scooped him up in his arms. Xavian flapped his wings to gain height as he cuddled in for the flight cursing at being caught. They flew together for awhile then Xavian placed him back on the ground. Xavian needed to fly to an altitude that wouldnt be good for the big cats lungs and Rene needed to get a real run. Rene watched Xavian take to the sky. He waited a heartbeat then raced into the thicket of trees. Rene needed to reach top speed before he felt relaxed. Rene dodged fallen trees and jumped over rock formations. He felt his most free when he ran as the jaguar. No mundane worries. Just nature and life. Rene continued to run and gained a partner half way. He knew the scent. Rene continued to run and zigzag back and forth with the tigress. They reached the water hole and stopped to refresh themselves. It was ritual for the large cats to pal around and play cat games. Rene followed her back to the front and waited for Xavian. Thirty minutes had been enough for day one. They rubbed muzzles and she went off to her residence and he watched the sky for his dragon. Rene felt the breeze

before he saw Xavian. As soon as Xavian touched down both men shifted back to human and grabbed their clothes. They walked back hand and hand with clothes under their arms comfortable in a community of their peers. Ill stop nagging if you join me every week, Rene said over dinner. Ok. Ill be here. Rene smiled content to have his partner be more than just someone that warmed his bed. It cant get better than this, Rene thought as they headed back.