Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel

©2010 robcub32@yahoo.com

http://robcub32.tumblr.com

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

I stepped off the bus and stood in front of the hospital. I bundled up my coat, tugging the zipper up all the way. I looked at my watch. I still had nearly an hour before my shift started.

I looked across the street at St. Ann's church and decided to stop in and say a little prayer for my grandmother. I wrapped my arms around myself as I ran across the street. I pushed through the doors. As entered, I dipped my finger in the stoup and made the sign of the cross. I moved to the middle of the church, genuflected and sat down at the end of a pew. I knelt down and clasped my hands and closed my eyes.

I said a little prayer for my grandmother, my mother's mother. She raised me from the time I was a baby. My mom had me when she was a teenager. She then ran off with some man and left me. We never heard from her again. Grandma and Grandpa were the only parents I ever knew. Grandpa had a heart attack when I was 10. Grandma took care of me up until she died six months ago. I know people think it's weird that a 28 year old man lived with his grandmother, but I didn't really care. She was there for me while I was growing up. I stayed with her and when she got sick, I was glad that I did. I got to spend a lot of time with her that I would have otherwise missed out on.

After she died, I moved into my own apartment, a small one bedroom apartment in a brownstone downtown. It's kind of old and run down, but it's mine. We never had money growing up, but we always made do.

I took a deep breath and wiped the tears from my eyes. I crossed my arms on the pew in front of me and laid my head down.

"Paul?"

I looked up at Father Ron and smiled warmly. "Hello, Father."

Father Ron was a kind old man. He had graying hair and little bit of a pot belly. He nodded his head towards the pew. I scooted over and let Father sit next to me.

"I missed you last Sunday," he said.

"I know. I worked a double shift last Saturday and I was really tired. I'm trying to get moved to the day shift, though. There's no need for me to be home during the day anymore..."

I looked down at my hands and my thoughts drifted to my grandmother's last days. Father Ron patted my knee.

"Have faith, my son."

"Thank you, Father. I'd better get to work."

I got up and left the church, making my way back across the street to the hospital. I made my way up to the hospice ward. I put my coat into my locker in the employee lounge. I looked at myself in the mirror and straightened up my scrub top. I was wearing my blue scrubs today, with a white long-sleeved t-shirt underneath my top.

I admired myself for a moment. I had short brown hair, which naturally stuck up all over the place. I had a trimmed goatee on my chin. My eyes were a hazel color. I had a nice build for my height. I was 5'10" and had strong muscle definition without looking overly muscular. I worked out regularly in the hospital's physical therapy center. It was one of the perks of working here. It also was one of the ways I occupied my time.

"Hi, Paul."

I looked up to see Doctor Brooks enter the lounge. He put his winter coat in his locker and hung his stethoscope around the back of his neck and slipped on his white doctor's coat.

"Ready for a long night?" he asked.

"As ready as I can be," I said with a sheepish smile.

Dr. Brooks was a one of doctors who worked this floor. He was a little older than me. His graying temples gave him a very distinguished appearance. He was very handsome and he was always friendly and smiling. When I look at him, I feel those tingly feelings in the pit of my stomach that I try so hard to suppress.

Dr. Brooks poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Would you like a coffee, Paul? My treat."

I chuckled. "As generous as that is, I'll pass."

"Your loss. This is good stuff."

He tried to keep a straight face, but he started laughing and I laughed with him.

One of my fellow nurses, Patrick walked in and headed straight for the coffee and poured himself a cup.

"Hi, Dr. Brooks," Patrick said with a big grin.

"Patrick. How are you today?"

"Tired. Have you been working out? You look really good."

Patrick ran his hand over Dr. Brooks's bicep. I couldn't believe how openly he was flirting with Dr. Brooks. I felt a tinge of jealousy and I quickly tamped it down. I headed towards the door and Patrick was a bit startled as I walked past.

"Oh, hey, Paul. I didn't see you there."

"Hi, Patrick," I said with a forced smile.

I made my way to the nursing station and checked in with my supervisor, Nurse Evelyn.

"Hi, Paul. Can you get started on your med rounds? Thanks."

"Of course, Evelyn."

I grabbed a cart and got everything ready. It took me about thirty minutes to prepare everyone's medications. I then proceeded to my rounds. After I finished, I put my cart away and headed towards the nursing station.

"Paul," Evelyn called out. "Benny's pulled his foley again. Can you help out please?"

"Sure..."

I sighed and went and grabbed another foley catheter kit and made my way down the hall to Benny's room. Benny was one of our older patients. He was a sweet old man, but he did not want to be here. I sighed as I entered the room. One of the orderlies was cleaning up what looked like a large pool of urine.

As I approached him, a cold shiver ran down my spine. The orderly slowly stood upright and turned and faced me. I had never seen him before. I would have remembered. He was tall and muscular. I would guess him to be 6'5" and maybe 220 solid pounds. He had short spiky hair, dark brown with a tinge of red. His bristly beard stubble was the same color as his hair. He was handsome in a classic way, but there was something about him that was unsettling. It was his eyes. They were very light colored, an icy blue.

My eyes drifted to the name tag attached to his white uniform. Ezekiel.

I averted my eyes from him and mumbled, "Hi" as I walked past him.

I went around to the other side of the bed where Benny was fidgeting.

"Benny. You know better than this," I scolded.

"Don't like it," he grumbled.

"I know you don't."

I pulled on a pair of latex gloves and got a sponge and tub. I hiked up his gown and cleaned his groin area. I inserted the catheter into his penis and waited for the urine to start draining.

"Okay, Benny. Don't pull this out. Please."

"Bah," Benny muttered as he dismissed me with his hand.

I smiled at him, but my smile faded as I realized that Ezekiel was looking at me. I pulled off the latex gloves and disposed of them and walked past the giant orderly. He grabbed my arm and I felt a cold shock. I snatched my arm away and drew in a sharp breath.

"I'm Zeke," he said.

"I'm Paul. Nice to meet you," I said without looking him in the eye.

He took my right hand and shook it, while covering my hand with his left hand. His hand felt hot and clammy. I tugged back my hand until he finally let go. He chuckled at my obvious discomfort. His laugh sounded mocking to my ears. I hurried from the room and got back to work.

Later that night I was standing at the nursing station when Patrick came up next to me. He flipped through some charts and then let out a small gasp. He nudged me with his elbow. "Who's that?" he whispered.

I turned in the direction of his gaze and a shudder went through me. "That's the new orderly. Zeke."

As I added "He's creepy," Patrick said "He's hot."

Patrick looked at me like I was crazy and said, "If you don't want him, I'll take him."

I watched Patrick walk up to Zeke and start flirting. I shook my head and turned around and got back to work.

As my shift wound down, Evelyn asked me to help Dr. Brooks in room 504. I went down the hall and found Dr. Brooks at Mrs. Fletcher's bedside. Mrs. Fletcher is one our oldest patients. She's very quiet and never fusses.

"How's that, Mrs. Fletcher?" Dr. Brooks asked her.

She smiled as she always does. Dr. Brooks and I both smiled back. I felt a cold shiver run down my spine and I looked up to see Zeke walk in. His eyes made contact with me and I quickly looked away. He started changing the sheets in the other bed.

Mrs. Fletcher shifted uncomfortably, then quickly became agitated.

"What's wrong, Mrs. Fletcher?" I asked as I took her hand.

She pulled her hand away from me. Her eyes widened in terror and she screamed "No!"

Dr. Brooks and I tried to calm her down, but she got more and more out of control. She began crying uncontrollably. Dr. Brooks tried to hold her down, but she swung her hands at him, knocking him in the eye.

I noticed that while all of this was going on Zeke was still making the bed, not paying us any attention, as if there was nothing going on at all behind him.

"Paul, get me two milligrams of midazolam. Now!"

I snapped back to what I was doing and ran and got the sedative for Dr. Brooks.

When I came back in with the sedative, Dr. Brooks called out to Zeke. "You! Don't just stand there. Help me."

As Zeke turned and approached, Mrs. Fletcher shrieked. She looked absolutely terrified and she tried to sit up and crawl back away from him. I injected the sedative into the IV line. After about a moment, she finally calmed down and closed her eyes. Zeke turned around and calmly walked out of the room. Dr. Brooks checked Mrs. Fletcher's vitals and examined her. She had calmed down, but she was moaning and shaking her head as if she was having a bad dream.

Dr. Brooks squeezed my shoulder and thanked me for my help. I nodded and moved away from his hand. As I left the room, I gave him a little smile.

My shift ended and I grabbed my coat and headed down to the bus stop.

When I got home, I unlocked the outside door to my brownstone and I pushed open the door. I hiked up the flight of stairs to my apartment. I unlocked the door and turned on the light. I bolted the door behind me and kicked off my sneakers. I took a quick shower and then pulled on a pair of pajama pants. I made my way to the kitchen and then made a turkey and cheese sandwich. I sat down on the couch in the living room and sighed.

I took a bite of my sandwich and looked around the apartment. The one bedroom apartment was tiny, but it was home. Sure, it gets lonely sometimes, but I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

* * *

Over the next few days, I managed to avoid direct contact with Zeke. Whenever he was nearby, I felt really uncomfortable.

One quiet night I was checking on one of the coma patients, Mr. Leonard. There was no change. Same as the past six months.

I suddenly felt a chill and I snapped my head up. Zeke was standing in the doorway. His massive frame blocked out the light from the hallway. My heart was pounding in my ears and I took a step back. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Later that night, I was walking through an empty hallway, heading back to the nursing station. As I turned the corner, I saw a man walking down the hall. His hospital gown was untied and his bare backside was exposed for the world to see. I hurried down the hall after him. He pushed open the doorway to the stairwell, and he turned and looked back at me with an empty expression on his face. I instantly recognized him as the coma patient, Mr. Leonard. I was shocked that not only was he was awake, but he was out of bed and walking.

"Mr. Leonard!" I called out.

He slowly turned away from me and continued into the stairwell.

"Help!" I shouted. "I need help!"

I ran to the stairwell and pushed open the door. Mr. Leonard had climbed onto the hand rail.

"No!" I screamed.

I grabbed for him, but he pushed forward and fell five flights, landing on the first floor with a loud crunch.

"No!!"

I leaned over the railing and saw Mr. Leonard's limp body lying face down on the floor. A pool of red expanded out from his body. I gasped in horror and covered my mouth.

I was pulled away from the rail and dragged out of the stairwell. I looked up to see Dr. Brooks. His mouth was moving, but I couldn't hear him. He shook my shoulders hard and I focused on his eyes.

"Paul!"

"Dr. Brooks. I--"

I grabbed onto him and he held me in his arms. He put his arm around my shoulders and escorted me down the hall away from the stairwell. The hall exploded with activity as security guards, doctors and orderlies ran past us.

We turned the corner and I jumped as we nearly ran into Zeke. He was standing in the hallway stuffing sheets into a laundry cart, seemingly oblivious to what was going on. I grabbed tighter onto Dr. Brooks as we walked past him.

Dr. Brooks sat me down in the lounge and got me a glass of water.

"What happened, Paul?"

"I don't know. I saw Mr. Leonard walking down the hallway. I ran after him. He climbed over the rail and jumped. I don't understand. I checked on him earlier and there was no change in his condition."

The head of security and one of the hospital admins came in and grilled me. I told them the same thing I told Dr. Brooks. It seemed like they believed me, but for a moment, it seemed like they were saying that it was my fault.

It was an hour later that they finally finished and wanted to send me home. I insisted that I was fine and they let me get back to work.

A while later, Patrick found me. He put his hand on my arm and looked at me with concern.

"Hey, Paul. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"I can't believe what happened," he said as he shook his head. "It's crazy."

"I know. I'm in shock."

"I'll bet. Oh!" he exclaimed as his mouth turned up into a wide grin. "You'll never guess what happened to me last night."

"What?"

"Zeke and I hooked up in one of the exam rooms."

My mouth fell open in shock and horror.

Patrick closed his eyes and sighed. "And, my god, he's like an animal. And hung like a--"

"Patrick! I don't need to know any of that."

Patrick shrugged and walked away with a self-satisfied grin on his face. I shuddered at the thought of sex with Zeke.

After my shift was over, I went across the street to the church. I thought I would say a prayer for Mr. Leonard.

After my prayer, I made the sign of the cross, opened my eyes and sat back down on the pew. I noticed then another man in the church. He was sitting on the other side near the front. He was kneeling with his hands clasped and head bowed in prayer.

Even though he was clearly having a private moment, I couldn't help but stare at him. I couldn't see his face, but I could see the back of him. He was large with broad, wide shoulders. He had black, shoulder length hair. He was wearing a brown canvas hooded coat.

I watched him cross himself, then stand. He moved into the aisle and looked up at the cross hanging over the altar. He knelt down on one knee and bowed his head. He stood up and turned around. Our eyes met and I drew in a sharp breath. He was the most handsome and masculine man I had ever seen. His blue eyes were gorgeous. He had a black goatee on his chin, but no moustache. He was very tall, about 6'6", and very muscular. His coat was unbuttoned and I could see his bulky pecs pushing out his shirt. His blue jeans were nice and snug over his thick thighs. My eyes moved to his crotch, which clearly hid something quite large. My face felt warm and flushed and I looked back up into his eyes.

He walked down the aisle, his eyes watching me the entire time. My heart was racing as he approached me.

"Hello," he said.

His voice was deep, but quiet and soothing.

"Hi," I breathed.

"I'm Mike."

He held out his hand to me and I stood up and shook it. His grip was firm and warm. I felt the warmth travel up my hand, through my arm, where it radiated into my chest and groin. I looked into his eyes, unable to speak. He raised his eyebrow at me and smiled.

"Paul," I squeaked out. "I'm Paul."

"It is very good to meet you, Paul."

"You, too, Mike."

He nodded at me, then continued down the aisle. I watched him push through the doors and leave. I wanted to say something to him, to talk to him, but a bit of Catholic guilt stopped me. The things I was feeling for him weren't appropriate, especially in church.

That night when I went to bed, I couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Leonard.

* * *

I ran after Mr. Leonard into the stairwell. He climbed onto the railing and turned and looked back at me. He lifted his hand and pointed his index finger at me. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. I reached for him, but he fell. I gasped and stepped backwards. I bumped into Dr. Brooks and I turned and buried my face in his chest. Dr. Brooks spun me around and pushed me into the corner. I flipped around to see Zeke standing in front of me. He stepped closer and closer to me. His eyes glowed red and his mouth opened to reveal drooling fangs. I opened my mouth to scream.

"NO!"

I bolted upright in the bed. I was shaking uncontrollably and covered in sweat. I pushed myself out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I splashed cool water on my face and took a deep breath and stared at myself in the mirror.

I had a hard time getting back to sleep and when I did, it was very restless. Luckily I had the next day off work. I spent the day cleaning the house and doing laundry, trying to forget about work.

The following evening at work, I ran into Patrick as I started my shift. He looked like hell. He was pale and clammy looking. He coughed into the crook of his elbow and sniffled.

"Are you okay, Patrick?" I asked him.

"Yeah. I got a cold or something. No big deal."

"Okay. If you don't feel any better, you should think about going home."

"I'm fine."

My shift passed without incident until I went on my lunch break. I sat down in the lounge and sat down at the table. I opened my brown bag and pulled out my turkey sandwich and an apple. The lounge door opened and Zeke stepped inside.

"Hello, Paul," he said.

His voice was deep and growling. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. He moved around behind me. I tensed up and got up to leave, but he put his hands on my shoulders and pressed me down.

"Stop that," I said firmly.

Zeke held me in place and I tried to pull myself away.

"I want you," he growled. "And I will have you."

The lounge door opened and I let out a deep breath. Zeke let go as Patrick walked in. Patrick looked at the two of us, then narrowed his eyes into a glare.

"What are you doing?" Patrick asked me, his voice dripping with ice.

"What?"

"You don't think I see what's going on?"

"Patrick--"

"Zeke is mine!" he said, raising his voice. "You keep your hands off him!"

"Patrick! I don't want Zeke."

"Don't you try to play innocent with me."

The lounge door shut as Zeke walked out of the room.

Patrick scoffed and continued his tirade. "You walk around here all high and mighty acting like the innocent virgin. Well, I'm onto your act."

"Patrick, I don't even like Zeke. Believe me."

I got up and threw my lunch into the trash. I tried to walk past Patrick, but he grabbed my arm.

"You keep your hands off him."

I slapped his hand away.

"Look. I don't know how else to say this. I don't want Zeke. And if you think he's interested in you beyond what you already gave him, you're a fool."

Patrick stepped back and looked at me like I just slapped his face. I stormed out of the lounge, leaving him standing there coughing.

I avoided Patrick and Zeke the rest of the night. I was still annoyed when I got off the bus and walked to my apartment.

As I walked down the sidewalk, I felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over me, like I was being watched. I looked back behind me, but there was no one there. I picked up my pace. I couldn't shake the feeling and I ran as fast as I could to my building. I bounded up the stairs and unlocked the door and bolted it behind me.

***
_
As I laid in bed, it felt like the temperature dropped. I pulled the comforter up and curled up on my side and snuggled into the blankets. I felt the mattress move and I drew in a sharp breath and turned over. The room was dark, but there was no one there. I laid back down on my back and closed my eyes.

I suddenly felt like I was being smothered. I opened my eyes. The room was completely black. I felt a tug on my pajama pants. I grabbed at the waistband, but they were pulled hard and torn off me. I tried to cry out and push back at whatever it was that was on top of me. My legs were kicked apart and I felt something large and hot between my legs. Even though I was still a virgin, I knew what it was. It was so dark that I couldn't see a thing, but I flailed my fists in the air hoping to make contact with whatever was on top of me. A heavy weight covered me and pushed me down into the mattress, effectively pinning me down.

I saw two bright red eyes open above me as the enormous column of flesh prodded between my legs and into my ass crack. I felt the head penetrate me and I screamed in pain.

The voice echoed in my ears, "I will have you."

"Oh, God, please help me!"_

I fell onto the floor with a thud. I screamed as I kicked the body off me. I suddenly realized that I was on the floor, tangled up in the covers. I fell back onto the carpet and choked back a sob. It was only nightmare. I pulled myself to my feet and walked on shaky legs to the bathroom. I took a shower and then got dressed.

It was a Sunday, so I took the bus and went to church.

I looked at the clock as I raced inside. I made it just in time for mass. I dipped my finger and crossed myself as I entered and sat near the back. After mass, I shook Father Ron's hand on the way out.

"I'm glad you could make it, Paul. Are you feeling alright?" he asked me with concern.

"Yes, Father. I didn't sleep well last night is all. Thank you."

He shook my hand again and patted it and I headed home. I did my chores and took a nap on the couch before I had to go in to work. I went in a little early and worked out in the PT gym, trying to keep my mind from wandering.

After I finished working out, I quickly showered and got dressed in my scrubs and then headed up to the hospice ward.

As I put my stuff in my locker, Patrick walked in. He opened his locker and started to pull off his coat. He looked even worse than before.

"Patrick. Are you okay?"

He looked up at me and started coughing into the crook of his elbow. He pulled his arm away and he had blood dripping down his chin. He looked down at his bloody elbow and then looked back at me in shock. I ran over to him and grabbed his arm as his knees buckled. His eyes rolled back into his head and he slumped onto the floor and passed out.

* * *

Patrick was examined and admitted. He obviously had more than a cold. Without him working with me, I was really busy non-stop.

After my shift finally ended, I went down to check on Patrick. He looked cold and pale, but he was sweating profusely. His hair was matted to his head. He seemed to be asleep, but he was not resting easy. He was whimpering and shivering, his head shaking back and forth.

Even though we weren't really friends, I still felt bad for him. I moved up to his side and put my hand on his arm to comfort him. I felt a cold chill run through my hand and up my arm and I jerked my hand away from him.

He suddenly bolted upright and his hand grabbed my neck and squeezed. I couldn't breathe and I grabbed at his hands with mine. He was unbelievably strong and I couldn't pull his hands away. His eyes were bloodshot red and he stared back at me with hatred. His dry, chapped lips parted and his tongue snaked out.

His voice was dry and hoarse as he wheezed, "Stay away from him."

Just as I was about to black out, his expression changed back to a blank slate and he let go of me and slumped back down into the bed. I clutched at my throat and gasped for air. I backed away, bumping against the wall. My heart was racing a mile a minute. Patrick appeared to be asleep, but I didn't dare turn my back on him. I slid along the wall to the door. When I got the door, I turned and ran.

I ran smack into Zeke. He picked me up as if I was a rag doll. He pinned me against the wall with his huge body. He pressed his hips into me and I could feel his large, stiff penis pushing into my stomach. The memories of my nightmare flooded me. I began to hyperventilate as I tried to push back against him.

When two doctors turned the corner, he released me from his grip.

"Watch where you are going, little one," he said.

He stepped back and the corner of his mouth turned up in a sinister smile. He turned and walked into Patrick's room and I ran as fast as I could to the elevator.

I was shaking as I got off the elevator and headed for the lounge to get my things.

Dr. Brooks walked out of the lounge with a cup of coffee and I nearly ran him down.

"Paul? Are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost."

"I don't... I mean... I..."

He put his hand on my forehead.

"You're burning up. Come on. Let me take a look at you."

"I'm fine."

"It'll just take a second."

I sighed and followed Dr. Brooks into one of the exam rooms. He had me sit up on one of the beds. He took my temperature, then examined my glands and looked at my throat.

"Is this some bruising here? Your temperature is slightly elevated. Take a couple of aspirin. If you don't feel better, let me know right away."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Paul."

Dr. Brooks patted my leg. I hopped off the bed and went to the lounge and got my coat and bag. I walked through the parking lot to the bus stop. I looked across the street and stared at the church.

I wasn't ready to go home. I thought maybe if I sat in the church for a bit, it would calm my nerves. I crossed the street and went inside the church. It was empty and quiet. I dipped my fingers and crossed myself. I moved to the middle of the aisle, genuflected and sat down.

I was drawn to one of the stained glass windows. An angel was standing with one foot on a winged dragon and his sword was cutting into its heart. Saint Michael the Archangel slaying the devil.

I closed my eyes and knelt down and prayed.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

I crossed myself, then sat back down on the pew.

"Hello, Paul."

I softly gasped in surprise and looked up. Mike, the brawny man I saw here the other day, was standing next the pew, smiling down at me. My heart started to beat faster, but I felt at ease. I cut my eyes at the stained glass and then returned to Mike. They were both muscular with long dark hair. I smiled back at him.

I slid over and tapped my hand on the pew. Mike sat down next to me. I couldn't take my eyes off his handsome face. I knew that I was smiling like an idiot, but I couldn't help myself.

"Are you okay?" he asked me quietly.

"Hi, Mike," I replied. "I'm okay. I had a strange day at work, but I'm okay."

"Ah. You work at the hospital, I take it?"

His eyes drifted down my body, looking at my hospital scrubs.

"Yes. I'm a nurse at Mercy Hospital."

The doors opened and several people entered the church. They appeared to be a wedding party coming in for a wedding rehearsal. Father Ron came out and greeted them. He smiled and nodded an acknowledgment at Mike and me and then turned his attention back to the bride.

Mike stood up and motioned with his head for me to follow him. I got up and followed him out of the church. We both zipped up our coats and stepped down the stairs.

I shoved my hands in my pockets and stood there uncomfortably. I wanted to keep talking to him. Mike turned towards the cemetery.

"It's very peaceful," he said quietly as he looked over the plots.

"Yes. My grandmother is buried there. Would you like to see it?"

We walked down the sidewalk and through the gate. As we strolled, I glanced up at him. He was so tall, about 8 inches taller than me. He was so handsome. He looked down at me and smiled warmly. My heart raced and I felt butterflies in my stomach. I blushed slightly and smiled back at him.

We made our way to my grandmother's grave site. We stood together looking at the tombstone.

"She raised me from the time I was a baby," I said. "It's days like today that I really miss her."

My eyes welled with tears. My jaw quivered and I drew in a ragged breath and let it out slowly. Mike moved closer and put his arm around my shoulders. His arm was huge and muscular. I instantly felt safe and comforted. I just couldn't help myself and I snuggled into his warm body. He apparently didn't mind since he tightened his arm around me.

"So, what's going on at work?" he asked after a moment.

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Nothing, huh... You seemed upset in the church. You can talk to me, Paul. I'm a good listener."

"Well... It's hard to explain," I said. "And I don't want you to think I'm crazy."

I chuckled nervously.

"I won't think you're crazy."

I looked up at him into his blue eyes. I found myself wanting to trust him.

"There's this new guy, Zeke. Ezekiel. He's so weird and creepy... Since he's started, some weird things have been happening..."

I told him about Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Leonard and my co-worker Patrick. I didn't tell him about my weird dreams, though. After I finished, we stood there in silence for a few moments. I started to feel nervous that I had told him too much, that I sounded like a total nut-job.

Mike turned to face me. He put his hands on my shoulders and held me at arm's length. His grip was strong, yet gentle.

"Paul, I want you to stay away from this man."

"I try my best to."

I covered my mouth and stifled a yawn.

The corner of Mike's mouth turned up in a smile. "You should get home and get to bed."

I nodded. "It's been a long night."

Mike walked me to the bus stop.

"Thanks, Mike."

"You're welcome, Paul."

Mike ran his hand down my back and rested it on the small of my back. I saw my bus approaching and I nodded towards it.

"There's my bus," I said.

Mike moved in front of me and pulled me close and hugged me. He leaned his head down and whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, Paul. I won't let him hurt you."

A warm shiver ran down my spine and I shuddered. I let out a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Mike."

Mike squeezed me tight for a second, then pulled away as the bus pulled up. I got on the bus and waved at him as it drove away. I settled in my seat and then kicked myself. I left without getting a way to get in touch with Mike.

After I took a shower that night, all I could think about was Mike. My dick was rock hard the entire shower. I resisted the urge to touch myself. Once I washed off, I shut off the shower and stepped out. I dried off and I pulled on my pajama pants over my naked body. I was still half hard, and I had a tent in my PJs.

By the time I crawled into bed, I was hard again. I rolled over onto my stomach and tied to fall asleep. I laid there quietly for a long time tossing and turning until I eventually fell asleep.

* * *

_As I laid in bed, it felt like the temperature dropped. I pulled the comforter up and curled up on my side and snuggled into the blankets. I felt the mattress move and I drew in a sharp breath and turned over. The room was dark, but there was no one there. I laid back down on my back and closed my eyes.

I suddenly felt like I was being smothered. I opened my eyes. The room was completely black. I felt a tug on my pajama pants. I grabbed at the waistband, but they were pulled hard and torn off me. I tried to cry out and push back at whatever it was that was on top of me. My legs were kicked apart and I felt something large and hot between my legs. Even though I was still a virgin, I knew what it was. It was so dark that I couldn't see a thing, but I flailed my fists in the air hoping to make contact with whatever was on top of me. A heavy weight covered me and pushed me down into the mattress, effectively pinning me down.

I saw two bright red eyes open above me as the enormous column of flesh prodded between my legs and into my ass crack. I hit back at him. The weight of the body was suddenly gone. I heard grunting and struggling and I sat up on my elbows and tried to focus on the sounds. A bright burst of flames had me covering my eyes with my arm and then there was darkness.
_
_The mattress shifted again and I gasped and backed away. I felt a warm body move over me. I instantly calmed. I knew him. I laid on my back and he moved towards me. I spread my legs apart and he moved between my legs and laid his body on top of me. I was surrounded by warmth. I felt safe and protected. My arms moved around him and pulled him closer. His back was broad, hardened with muscles. I felt his warm lips press against mine. His body moved on top of mine, rubbing and grinding his hard sex against my own. I ground back against him. He moved faster. He kissed me harder and deeper.

"Mike!" I cried out.
_
I bucked and writhed on the mattress, moaning and groaning. My eyes flew open and I gripped the sheets as my body jerked and shuddered. I felt my dick pulsing in my pajama pants and they were filled with warm bursts of liquid.

I laid there for a minute, recovering from my wet dream. I got up and went to the bathroom and tugged my pants off. I was overwhelmed with guilt for a few seconds until I pushed it away. I knew from my medical training that there was nothing wrong with wet dreams or even masturbation. It was normal and healthy. But in the back of my mind, there was that Catholic guilt telling me that I had sinned.

I took a shower, cleaning myself really good. I shaved and trimmed up my goatee.

When I got off the bus, I was surprised to see Mike standing at the bus stop. Tall, dark and handsome. He was wearing his heavy hooded coat with jeans and boots, but today he had his hair pulled back and tied behind his head. I got off the bus and he smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat. He had been waiting for me.

"Hi," I said with a grin.

"Hi."

We made small talk as we walked to the hospital entrance.

"Paul, I was thinking that maybe we could go to breakfast when you get off work to talk some more."

"Sure, Mike. I'd love to."

"Great."

He flashed me a bright smile and put his hand on the small of my back. I instinctively moved in closer to him. I wasn't ready for him to leave.

"Do you want to come upstairs and see where I work?"

"Sure."

Mike followed me up in the elevator and we walked down the hall to the lounge. I hung up my jacket in my locker. When I turned around, I caught Mike staring at my ass. His eyes moved up to mine and I saw the desire on his face. I watched his cheeks redden and he turned away. I felt elated that I had caused that reaction from him.

I asked him if he wanted a cup of coffee, but he furrowed his brow at the pot and wisely declined. We walked out of the lounge and I pointed out the nurses station and my supervisor, Nurse Evelyn. I didn't feel comfortable walking up to her, though.

"Hi, Paul. Who's this?"

Dr. Brooks walked up to us and he gave Michael a once over.

"This is my friend, Mike. Mike, this is Dr. Brooks."

Mike and Dr. Brooks shook hands. Dr. Brooks then dismissed himself, but not before giving me and Mike one last look.

"I think he likes you," Mike whispered.

"He's nice," I said. "But I'm not really interested in him like that."

"Oh, yeah?" he asked with a little smile.

"Yeah. I kind of like someone else," I said quietly.

I looked up at him nervously and he chuckled. He moved closer to me and we stared into each others eyes. I could feel my heart beating in my ears as my emotions ran wild. He moved even closer and his hand moved to my shoulder and then slid down. As his fingers intertwined around mine, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. The warmth from his face drained and his eyes narrowed. He abruptly swung around and I looked around him to see Zeke standing down the hallway looking at us.

Zeke's face was red with unconcealed rage. His chest was heaving as he looked between the two of us. I moved closer to Mike and I grabbed at his hand. I thought Zeke was going to explode.

Mike stepped in front of me. The two of them continued to stare at each other. Finally Zeke was called away by Nurse Evelyn. He reluctantly turned and left. Nurse Evelyn then gave Mike and me a dirty look.

"You'd better go," I said quietly to Mike.

I walked Mike to the elevators. Mike pulled out a business card and gave it to me.

"Here's my phone number. You can call me if you need anything or if you run into trouble."

Mike leaned in close to my ear. "Stay away from Zeke. He knows I'm protecting you. He won't dare touch you. But keep away from him."

I looked up at him. "What do you mean, protecting me?"

"I will see you in a few hours."

He hugged me, then held my face in his hands and kissed my forehead. His lips were soft and warm. My whole face tingled.

"Bye, Paul."

"Bye, Mike."

He stepped into the elevators and I watched the doors close. I let out a deep breath and then returned to the nurse's station. I was a little surprised to see Sandra walk up to the desk. Sandra was one of the day shift nurses.

"Hi, Paul," she said.

"Hi, Sandra. What are you still doing here?"

"They moved me to night shift temporarily while Patrick is out."

"Oh. How long do they think that Patrick will be out?"

"I don't know," she said with a shrug.

We got to work, running around like crazy. For some reason, the patients were out of control tonight. For a second, I wondered if there was a full moon.

When I got a free second, I asked Dr. Brooks about Patrick. Patrick was apparently getting sicker and sicker, but they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.

"Dr. Brooks!" Sandra shouted.

Sandra was standing outside of one of the rooms and Dr. Brooks and I ran down to help her. One of the patients was trying to open the window. Dr. Brooks grabbed her and pulled her to the bed. She screamed and slapped him across the face, then scratched his cheek. Dr. Brooks yelled for a sedative and Sandra went and got it while we held the patient down on the bed. She smacked me in the face and blood started dripping out of my nose.

Sandra injected the patient and she finally slumped down into the bed. After we were sure she wasn't going to try to hurt herself, Dr. Brooks examined my nose.

"You're okay. It's already stopped bleeding."

"Thanks."

There was shouting and screaming down the hall and Dr. Brooks and I ran to see what was going on. One of the patients was having a seizure. He was flopping all over the bed. We tried to hold him down, and Dr. Brooks ordered me to get an anti-convulsant.

I hurried down the hall and got the medication for Dr. Brooks. When he had the patient under control, I left to check on the other patients. I heard banging coming from one of the rooms and I walked into the room, I froze in my tracks. The patient was kneeling on the bed looking at me. She looked crazed. Everything in the room seemed to be shaking and then suddenly everything that wasn't bolted down fell down onto the floor.

I didn't really have time to process what was happening. I hesitantly stepped into the room towards the patient. She picked up her bed pan and with a loud roar, threw it at me. I turned and ducked, but it smacked me in the back of the head. I wasn't prepared for the force of the hit. I fell forward onto my hands and knees. I felt waste dripping down the back of my head and neck.

I pushed myself up to my feet and ran down the hall to the locker room. I grabbed a spare pair of scrubs. I was practically in tears by the time I pulled off my clothes. I threw my clothes into a biohazard bag, then grabbed a towel and small bottle of shower gel. I went to the last shower stall and turned it on as hot as I could stand it. I stepped into the shower and scrubbed myself clean.

I got out of the shower and dried myself off. I went back to the locker and picked up the scrub pants and went to step into them, when I felt an uncomfortable feeling wash over me, like someone was watching me. I gasped and stood up straight and held the pants in front of my naked body.

"Hello?" I called out.

I didn't get an answer, not that I expected one. I quickly got dressed and grabbed the plastic bag containing my dirty clothes.

I turned the corner towards the door and I screamed when I ran smack into Zeke. I pushed him back and backed away from him.

"Get away from me," I demanded. "Let me pass."

"He can't protect you," Zeke growled. "You already belong to me."

He stepped forward and I moved back another step.

"I'll never belong to you!"

Zeke moved closer and I backed up until I was against the wall. I pushed him as hard as I could against his chest, then lifted my knee up as hard as I could, slamming it between his legs. He flinched slightly and staggered backwards. I gave him another shove and ran past him. I pulled open the door and ran as fast as I could.

I ran to Dr. Brooks and Nurse Evelyn. I turned around and watched Zeke calmly walk out of the locker room, then turn and stroll down the hallway in the opposite direction. They both turned and looked at me expectantly. I wasn't sure what to tell them, so I didn't say anything.

"Are you okay?" Nurse Evelyn asked.

"Yes. Just a little frazzled is all. This is going to be a long night."

I managed to make it through the night without being hit by more piss. As the night wore on, the patients seemed to calm down. I also managed to avoid Zeke for the rest of the night.

A few minutes before my shift ended, I saw Mike walk up to the nurse's station. He looked around until he saw me. His mouth turned up into a smile and I melted.

I walked up to him and he looked at me with a concerned look on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. It's been really crazy tonight."

I checked out with Nurse Evelyn and got my coat from my locker and left with Mike.

* * *

We walked a few blocks down the street to a café in town. As we strolled down the sidewalk, I told him all of the crazy things that happened during my shift, including the encounter with Zeke in the locker room. He listened quietly, nodding his head. Just having him near had a calming effect on me. I looked up at him and he looked down and smiled at me.

We were seated at a small table in the corner. We took off our coats and hung them on our chairs. I couldn't help but look at Mike's physique as he pulled off his coat. He was wearing a blue flannel shirt over a white wife beater. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, exposing his forearms, which were lightly dusted with black hair. His large biceps stretched the fabric of the shirt as he moved his arms. His chest muscles pushed out far enough that he had to leave the top buttons of his shirt undone. The white tank top was stretched tight across his frame. Curly black hair spilled out over the top of the collar.

I ordered the French toast breakfast with bacon and Mike had eggs, bacon, hash browns and pancakes. We made comfortable small talk while we waited for our food to arrive. The waitress returned several minutes later with our plates and set the bill face down on the table.

"That's a lot of food," I said as Mike dug in and began eating.

"Mm-hmm," he said as he took a bite of his pancakes. "Hungry."

I laughed and his blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at me. The butterflies in my stomach starting doing flips. I looked down and started to eat.

After we finished our breakfast, we sipped our coffee and talked quietly. He asked me to tell him about my grandmother. He listened as I told him about growing up with her, then how she got sick, how lonely I was after she died. It was really nice to talk to someone and to have them actually listen to me.

As we talked, I looked back at Mike. I couldn't help but stare at his chiseled features and olive complexion and deep blue eyes. His dark beard stubble looked rough. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days. His lips had a tint of red and were full and looked so kissable. I realized that I had strong feelings for Mike. I barely knew him, but at the same time, I felt like I knew everything about him that I needed to know. The odd thing was, that for once I didn't feel guilty about it. Not one bit.

I was about to ask him about his home life when the bell over the door rang and Mike looked up over my shoulders, fixing his eyes on whomever had entered the restaurant. I looked up as a muscular man with golden blond hair walked up and stood at our table. He was dressed similarly to Mike, in a brown hooded coat. He was a little shorter than Mike, but still built very muscular.

"Michael," he spoke softly.

Mike nodded his head. "This is my friend, Paul. Paul, this is my dear old friend Gabe."

"Hi, Gabe," I said. "It's nice to meet you."

Gabe nodded at me, then turned back to Mike. "What are you doing?"

"I'm having breakfast with a friend."

"You know what I mean, Michael."

Mike smiled at me. "Excuse us for a moment."

He stood up and put his hand on Gabe's arm and led him down the hall towards the restrooms.

"I am doing my job, Gabriel," I heard him say quietly before they moved out of range.

I looked back down at my coffee, trying not to look at the two men and infringe on their privacy. They returned to the table a few moments later.

"It was nice to meet you, Paul," he said, then turned and left the restaurant.

"Is everything okay?" I asked Mike.

"Nothing for you to worry about. We should be going."

Mike left enough money for the bill plus a generous tip.

After we left the café, we walked back towards the bus stop.

"Thank you for breakfast," I said.

"You're welcome. It was nice to have the company."

"Yes. It was."

"I should probably make sure you get home okay."

"You don't have to do that," I said, even though I really wanted him to.

"I'm a little concerned that Ezekiel cornered you in the locker room like that. He is bolder than I thought."

Mike got onto the bus with me and we sat together for the ride to my apartment building. He sat by the window and I sat on his left side. He had his left arm over the back of the seat. I liked sitting close to his warm body. It made me feel tingly all over. When we went over a large pothole, I was jostled into him. He moved his arm from the seat to my shoulder to steady me and let out a deep chuckle.

We got off the bus at my stop and walked the block to my apartment building. I unlocked the door and we climbed the stairs to my apartment. I unlocked the door and opened.

"Would you like to come in?" I asked. My voice quivered, showing my nervousness.

"I should be going," he said.

"Okay. Thank you for seeing me home. And thank you again for breakfast."

"Anytime, Paul."

He bent down and gave me a warm hug. I put my arms around his broad back and squeezed into him. His big, strong arms felt so good around me. I closed my eyes and held him for a moment until he pulled away. He looked down at me and for a split second I thought he was going to kiss me. Instead he smiled at me and patted my arm.

"Tomorrow is Sunday," he said. "Will you go to church with me?"

"Sure. I'd like that."

"Then I will meet you tomorrow after your shift."

"Bye, Mike."

I went inside and took a shower, then got ready for bed. I slipped under the covers and closed my eyes. My thoughts drifted to Mike. I wondered if he liked me as much as I liked him. My body responded to the images and memories and my penis filled out and pushed against the confines of my pajama pants. I pushed the covers back, slid my pajama pants off and then tossed them onto the floor.

I looked down at my smooth body. I had nice defined pecs, but they were nothing like Mike's. I looked down at the slight ridges of my ab muscles. I wondered what Mike's abs looked like. My hard dick jutted out from a small brown nest of curly hair, laying at a slight angle above my stomach. The six-inch shaft had a nice, heavy thickness. The head was already red and wet and sticky.

I thought of Mike's body... the way his shirt stretched over his chest and arms... the curly black chest hair that peeked out over the top of the white tank... the large bulge in the crotch of his jeans that slightly hung down his left leg. My cock jumped and a pearly drop oozed out of the small slit.

I reached down and held myself in my right hand. I leaned back in the bed and closed my eyes. I smeared the slippery fluid around the head and began stroking myself. Images of Mike danced in my head. Our hug at the door became more. He leaned down and kissed me, pressing his full red lips into mine. Our hands rubbed all over each other.

As I slid my right hand up and down my shaft, my left hand rubbed all over my body. I squeezed my pecs and tweaked my nipples. I raked my fingers over my abs. I fondled my balls. My breathing quickened and I stroked faster and faster. I writhed around on the bed, moaning and whimpered. My body tensed and my legs stretched. My toes curled and I exploded in relief.

"Michael," I cried out as my first spurt hit the top of my head and my pillow. It was followed by several more strong bursts, covering me from my adam's apple to my stomach.

I laid there trying to catch my breath and I let out a little giggle. For the first time in my life, I felt no guilt. I felt free.

* * *

The next day at work was surprisingly calm. It was about halfway through my shift that I realized that Zeke had not shown up for work. That was fine by me. I had a quick lunch and then went down to see Patrick. I gasped when I saw him. He looked absolutely horrible. His lips were drying and cracked. His hands and face had open sores on them. I looked at his chart and saw that he was in an induced coma and was being pumped with antibiotics. They had no idea what was wrong with him.

I was sure that it had something to do with Zeke. Patrick had sex with Zeke. I wondered if maybe Zeke had given him something.

When my shift was over, Mike was waiting at the nurse's station. I waved at him, and went and got my coat and we went down the elevator. I told him about Zeke not coming in and also gave him an update on Patrick.

We walked across the street to the church, and I followed Mike. He genuflected and I did the same. We entered the pew and sat near the aisle.

During mass, Father Ron saw us sitting close together and he smiled warmly at me. I blushed a little bit and smiled back.

As were leaving the church, I shook Father Ron's hand.

"It was nice seeing you, Paul," he said.

"Thank you, Father."

"It was lovely as always, Father," Mike added.

We walked down the stairs and I followed Mike towards the parking lot.

"Would you like to get a bite to eat, Paul?" he asked me.

"Sure. I'm pretty hungry."

"It's a little early, but we can beat the lunch crowd. Do you like Italian? I know a great little place. Giovanni's, on the other side of town."

"Oh, I love it there. It was Grandma's favorite. I haven't been in while, not since...."

Mike put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a sideways hug. He led me to a large black Toyota truck parked in the church parking lot. He unlocked the doors and opened the passenger door for me. I felt a little foolish as I climbed into the truck and he shut the door. He got into the truck and started it and pulled out of the parking lot.

We got to Giovanni's before the lunch rush. As soon as we entered, I felt like I was with a celebrity. Everyone greeted Mike by name. He introduced me as his friend Paul. The hostess sat us at the best table in the house. It was amazing. I commented on the service we were getting.

"I've done some contracting work for them," he said humbly.

Lunch was spectacular. I always enjoyed the food here, but today was something else. Maybe it was the company.

The waiter boxed up our leftovers and cleared away our dishes, and then looked at Mike. "Michele, would you and your date care for a cappuccino?"

I blushed slightly at being called his 'date', but Mike did not flinch, nor make any move to correct him. A warm feeling spread though me.

"Sì, grazie," Mike simply said in Italian.

By the time lunch was finished, I was feeling quite tired after working all night, then mass, then lunch. Even though I wanted to spend more time with Mike, I couldn't stop yawning.

Mike drove me home and parked his truck in front of my building. He walked me up the stairs to my apartment, carrying my little leftover bag for me.

"Thank you for a lovely lunch, Mike."

"It was my pleasure, Paul."

Mike gave me the bag and I set it inside the apartment door. He then leaned in and hugged me tightly. As he pulled away, he looked down at me. His arms tightened around me and he leaned down. Our eyes closed as he pressed his lips against mine. We kissed tenderly at first, then passionately. He pulled away to breathe. I could feel his heart pounding. I could feel his penis throbbing against my stomach. He rested his forehead on mine and looked into my eyes.

"Wow," he whispered.

"Yeah," I sighed.

"I will see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"Yes."

Mike gave me one more quick kiss. I watched him descend the stairs. He waved to me before he walked out. I went inside my apartment and shut and bolted the door behind me. I put the leftovers in the fridge. I let out a sigh and stretched my arms over my head and yawned. I pulled my clothes off and plopped into bed and fell right asleep from exhaustion.

* * *

_I was floating upwards towards the sky. I drifted up into a cloud. I felt the water vapor surround me. It was cool on my naked skin. I kept floating higher and higher until I broke through the top of the cloud. My ascent slowed and I settled back down onto the top of cloud. It felt solid and it held my weight like a bed of cotton. The cool vapor tickled my backside and I let out a soft giggle.

I looked up and I saw a shape emerge from a cloud above me. Mike jumped down and landed on the cloud at my feet. He moved to my side and knelt down. I reached up and touched his face. He kissed my palm, then laid next to me. We turned onto our sides to face each other. His big arms surrounded me and pulled me close.

He kissed me and looked me deep in the eyes. "We are one for eternity, my own."_

I opened my eyes and sat up. I looked over at the clock. I was surprised that I had slept so soundly through the night. I got up out of bed and took a shower, then got dressed. I made myself a quick dinner, reheating the leftovers from lunch.

Work again was calm and quiet. I was glad to see that Zeke did not show up again. I wondered if maybe he was gone for good.

At my lunch hour, I felt like I needed air, so I went downstairs. I sat on the bench outside and quickly ate my turkey sandwich. I looked across the street at St. Ann's church. A large man that looked like Mike walked up from the cemetery and then walked into the church. I looked at my watch. I still had forty-five minutes for my lunch break. I got up and walked across the street. I pushed open the church door. I looked around, but didn't see Mike. I heard voices above and I walked up the stairs to the choir loft.

I smiled when I saw Mike talking to his friend Gabe, but the tone of their voices had me freeze in my tracks.

"It is forbidden, Mike," Gabe said firmly.

"Gabe, please, just listen," Mike pleaded. "I have feelings--"

"You took an oath. If you cannot perform your duties, then I will get Rafe to look after the boy."

"No. That will not be necessary, Gabriel."

They continued to talk, but I started to feel guilty for eavesdropping. I crept back down the stairs and left the church and returned to the hospital. As I walked back, I couldn't process what I had heard. I was sure that they were talking about me. Mike said he had feelings. Did he mean feelings for me? What exactly was forbidden and why? Clearly Mike was more than a simple contractor and handyman.

* * *

After my shift ended, I was a little bit disappointed that Mike wasn't there. I guess I had gotten used to seeing him. I got on the bus and rode home, feeling dejected.

I climbed up the stairs to my apartment and went inside. I took a shower and pulled on a clean pair of pajama pants.

I boiled a couple of eggs. I made some toast and had a bowl of cereal to go with it. I sat down on the sofa and ate my breakfast, feeling a little bit sad and lonely.

I climbed into bed and tossed and turned for a bit, then fell asleep.

As I laid in bed, it felt like the temperature dropped. I pulled the comforter up and curled up on my side and snuggled into the blankets. I felt the mattress move and I drew in a sharp breath and turned over. The room was dark, but there was no one there. I laid back down on my back and closed my eyes. The blankets were suddenly pulled away from me.

I opened my eyes and sat up in bed. The blankets were clear across the room. I shuddered from the cold air. I wrapped my arms around myself and rubbed my arms, trying to get the blood flowing to warm them up. I got up from the bed and grabbed the blankets and remade my bed.

The nightstand jiggled and wobbled. My grandmother's picture flew off the nightstand and smashed against the opposite wall. I gasped and backed out of the bedroom. I heard a growling noise behind me and I quickly turned around. Zeke was standing in the doorway. I grabbed the door to try to shut it on him, but it flung open. He picked me up by the neck and tossed me onto the bed. I moved against the back wall as he stalked closer and closer. I frantically looked around the room for something I could use to fight him off.

He grabbed my ankle and tugged, pulling me to the edge of the bed.

"You are mine!" he bellowed.

I kicked at him as hard as I could. "Get off me!"

He leaned over me and pinned me down onto the bed. His face hovered over mine. His eyes appeared to glow a bright red and memories of my nightmares flooded my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut and struggled below him.

Suddenly a loud voice echoed through the room. "Ezekiel! This boy is under my protection. I command you to leave immediately!"

I opened my eyes to see Mike standing in the doorway. Zeke pulled off me and backed away. Mike entered the room, moving between Zeke and myself. Zeke's face turned red. His chest heaved up and down.

"This isn't over," he growled. "The boy will be mine!"

"I'll see you in hell first!"

Zeke ran out of the bedroom and I heard the outer door slam open. Mike ran after him and I got up and followed him. Mike returned a few seconds later, and shut the apartment door and locked it behind him.

"He is gone for now," he said.

"What is he, Mike? Why does he want to hurt me?"

"I will never let him hurt you. I swear it."

Mike pulled me into his arms and I wrapped my arms around him. I rested my head on his chest and held him tight. His hands rubbed up and down my naked back as he soothed and comforted me. I looked up at him and I knew that he was telling me the truth. I would be safe and protected. Mike would let no harm come to me.

I moved my hand to his neck. I tugged him down as I stood up on my tip-toes. I brushed my lips against his.

"I cannot," he whispered as he turned his head.

"Mike, I love you."

I kissed him again and he let out a quiet moan and pressed his lips into mine. He tightened his grip around me and kissed me passionately.

"I love you, Paul."

Mike moved us towards my bedroom and we laid down in my bed together. We laid side by side together, kissing and touching each other all over. Mike rolled me over onto my back and moved on top of me. He looked down at me and lovingly caressed the side of my face.

"Paul, do you truly love me?"

"Yes, Mike. From the first moment I saw you. It's hard to explain and it doesn't make sense, but it's how I feel."

"If we proceed, there will be consequences. It cannot be undone."

"I don't want it undone, Mike. I want to be with you forever."

Mike kissed me slowly and sensually. He kissed down my neck and along my collarbone. His hands touched all over my chest.

"You are so beautiful, my love," he whispered as he looked into my eyes.

"And you are so handsome, Mike."

I pulled at the leather tie holding Mike's hair. It came loose and I tossed it on the table. His dark hair fell down and framed his face. I ran my hands along his head, through his hair. Mike closed his eyes and leaned into my hands. I reached down and untucked his shirt. He pulled back and threw it onto the ground. He was wearing a white wife beater tank top, stretched across his large frame. He was so big and muscular. I worked out regularly and I would never be as big as him. I squeezed his huge biceps and stroked my hands down his chest to his stomach. I slid my hands under his tank and around his back and glided them up his broad v-shaped back. As I slid my hands up, my fingers ran across two large scarred ridges that seemed to jut out of his shoulder bones. They ran parallel to each other and were about eight inches in length.

"What is that?" I asked. "What happened?"

"It is nothing for you to worry about right now."

I looked up at him with concern. "Mike?"

He simply said, "Soon."

Mike moved his head down to my chest, and he kissed and licked at my nipple. I shuddered and moaned and pushed my chest up to him. He moved to the other nipple and did the same. His hands moved down and he slid my pajama pants off and tossed them to the floor. I now laid completely naked. Mike's eyes moved up and down my body. He licked his lips.

"So beautiful..."

"Let me see you, Mike."

I reached down to his belt and unbuckled it. I unzipped his jeans and moved and sat up and pulled his work boots off and let them fall to the floor. He stood up and pulled his tank top off and dropped it. He then slid his jeans down and stepped out of them.

I drew in a sharp breath as I saw him naked for the first time. He was stunning. I let out a little moan as I stared at his body. His broad chest had huge pec muscles. His abs were cut with pronounced six pack ridges. His chest and abs were both covered with dark curly hair. He was fully erect, standing tall and proud eight and a half inches, thick and uncircumcised. There was a slight upwards curve. He was the most beautiful specimen of manhood I had ever seen.

Mike pulled his socks off and then moved onto the bed. I scooted over to make room. We laid together and we kissed sensually. His tongue flicked against my lips and I parted them, allowing him into my mouth. Our tongues danced together, stroking and sliding against each other. As we kissed, I rubbed my hands all over his body. I slid my hands down to his dick. I took it in my hand. It felt hot to the touch. It was hard as iron, but the skin felt so velvety soft in my hand. I slid my hand up and down, marveling at the way my hand moved with ease due to his foreskin.

I kissed Mike's neck and down his chest and his stomach. Mike laid quietly, silent except for his rough breathing.

As I neared him, I looked back up at him.

"Mike... I've never done this before. If I do something wrong, tell me."

"I have never done this before either, Paul. Do not worry. You will do fine."

I felt a sense of wonder and pride that I was going to be Mike's first. Not only his first, but his only and his last if I had my way. I leaned my head down closer to him. I could smell the sticky pre-come dripping from the head. I reached my tongue out and tasted it. I licked up and down the shaft. I felt Mike's body trembling beneath me.

I pulled his foreskin back and took the head into my mouth. I swirled my tongue around him and slid my mouth down his shaft until I felt like I was going to gag. Mike's hand moved up to my head and gently stroked my hair.

"Oh... My Paul... It feels so wonderful...."

I just knew what I needed to do. I slid my mouth up and down while gently sucking him. I stroked his shaft with my hand. Mike's body jerked and his breathing quickened. I ran my spare hand along his chest and abs, feeling the soft fur covered muscles.

"Paul... I'm going to..."

I picked up the pace and sucked and stroked him a little faster. Mike was groaning and moaning.

"Oh! Paul!"

Mike swelled in my mouth and I felt him throb against my tongue. My mouth was suddenly filled with a burst of hot, thick liquid. I let out a soft whimper. Mike grunted and thrust up into my mouth. I swallowed as my mouth filled with his semen. He shot and I swallowed so many times that I lost count. I instantly fell in love with the taste. Mike finally let out a loud groan, then hissed as he grabbed my head and stopped me from moving. I let him fall from my mouth. He was clean and wet from my saliva. His dick softened slightly against his abs.

I moved up next to him and we kissed a bit before he pushed me onto my back. He licked all around my chest, then sucked each of my nipples. He kissed down the middle of my chest, down to my belly button. His tongue traced the grooves of my abs, then along my oblique muscle to my groin. He kissed the curly nest at the base of my dick, before moving up my length. He took me into his mouth, nearly swallowing all of my length.

I gasped at the feeling of being inside his mouth. It was hot and wet and absolutely exquisite. I had never felt anything like it before. His mouth moved up and down and he sucked me. I gripped the sheets and writhed around the bed.

"Mike... It feels so good... Please don't stop... Don't stop..."

Mike's hand moved between my legs. His finger rubbed between my cheeks, rubbing against my hole. He pressed the tip of his finger against my virgin ass and I finally couldn't hold back anymore.

"Mike, I'm going to come!"

I let out a long groan and I exploded into his mouth. I spurt over and over into his sucking mouth. Michael swallowed every drop. He licked my shaft all over and then moved up and laid next to me.

He took me into his arms and pulled me to him.

"Mike, I love you so much. Stay with me tonight."

"I love you, Paul. Of course I will stay with you."

I couldn't hold my eyes open anymore. I settled on Mike's chest and wrapped my arm around him. He kissed the top of my head and I fell asleep safe in his arms.

* * *

I woke up late that afternoon still attached to Mike's chest, knowing that this was home, my haven. I lifted my head and looked down at him. He sniffed and slowly opened his eyes. He brought his hand up to my face and smiled at me. I leaned down and kissed him nice and slow.

"I could use a shower," I said. "Do you want to shower with me?"

A sly grin spread over Mike's face and he grabbed me and pulled me out of bed. We went to the bathroom and I turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature while he went pee. When he was finished, he stepped into the tub and I went pee, then hurried into the shower and closed the curtain behind me.

We giggled like little kids as we stood under the water. We poured the shower gel into our hands and ran them all over each other, getting both of us nice and soapy. I loved running my hands all over his huge muscles and the hair on his chest. I was fascinated by the way the soap bubbles caught in his fur. His hands moved slowly and deliberately over my smooth body, tracing every curve of every muscle.

Mike lifted his big arms and I scrubbed his bushy armpits and along his arms. That was when I noticed he had a tattoo on the inside of his right arm.

I ran my fingers over the intricate script. It appeared to be words in a foreign language, but I couldn't make them out.

"What does this say?" I asked.

"It is a vow I took."

I looked up at him and I knew that was all he was going to say on the subject. "Soon, right?"

He chuckled. "Yes."

He bent down and gave me a quick kiss.

"Turn around," I said.

I squeezed out more shower gel as he reluctantly turned his back to me. His back was broad and muscular, perfect except for the two jagged scars that ran in parallel down his back at the edges of his shoulder blades. They were red and angry looking.

"They look painful," I whispered as I ran my finger over one of them.

"They are a reminder," he said sorrowfully.

I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head on his back. I sniffled and swiped at the tear that fell from my eye. I kissed each of his scars. Mike turned around and took me into his arms.

"Do not be sad," he said to me.

He leaned his head down and kissed me. He pushed me up against the shower wall and pressed his body against mine. His mouth moved down to my neck. He kissed and nipped the sensitive skin. I grabbed at his shoulders and arms and held tight. I let out whimpers of pleasure as he tenderly sucked on my neck. His tongue traced a line to the other side and he repeated the same.

Our dicks throbbed against each other and pushed mine into Mike's. He groaned as he continued to suck on my neck. Mike began sliding his cock against me, thrusting and rubbing mine with his. I gripped his huge arms and let out a soft moan. Mike returned to my mouth and he pushed his tongue into my mouth. He kissed me hard and deep as he thrust against me.

"Yes, Mike ... don't stop..."

Mike grunted and groaned as he frantically pumped his hips against me. I whimpered and quivered as he rutted against me. His breathing hitched and I knew he was getting close.

"I'm coming," he moaned.

His body jerked and shuddered and I felt a hot splash spurt onto my chest. I cried out his name and buried my face in the crook of his neck as I unloaded between our sliding bodies.

Mike held me in his arms as I panted and tried to catch my breath. He lightly kissed along my head and face.

As the water started to cool, we quickly rinsed off and then got out of the shower. Mike took a towel and dried me off all over, then I did the same for him.

"I'm hungry," he said. "Can we go get something to eat?"

"I don't have to work tonight, so we have lots of time."

We got dressed and Mike asked if we could stop by his apartment first so that he could get a change of clothes. We got into his pickup truck and drove to the outskirts of town. He turned into an older neighborhood, then pulled into the driveway of an old two-story home. He pulled his truck around back and I jumped out and looked around.

The old house was painted white, with a nice fresh coat of paint. Most of the houses on the block were in disrepair, but this one was clearly well maintained. Wooden stairs led up to a small wooden landing and a door on the second floor.

"Gabe lives on the first floor. I live upstairs."

Mike took my hand and led me up the stairs. The apartment was small, not much larger than my own. The decor was very spartan, but the apartment looked clean. In his living room, he had only a couch, a coffee table and a small 26" flat panel TV on a plain stand. There was a nice sized kitchen, which had a small table with two chairs.

Mike took off his coat and laid it on the back of one of the chairs. He took my coat from me and put it on the other chair.

I followed Mike into the single bedroom. It was bare, except for a king sized mattress and box spring set on the floor. The bed was made nice and neat. A small upturned wooden crate next to the bed held a clock and a small lamp.

Apparently Mike liked to live simply and it suited him.

"I'll just be a second," he said. "Have a seat."

Mike gave me a quick kiss and I sat down on his bed. He walked over to his closet and pulled off his clothes and tossed them into a laundry basket on the floor of the closet. I knew that it wasn't polite to stare, but I couldn't help it. He was so sexy. I loved how masculine he was. He was so tall and muscular. I watched Mike pull a white tank top over his head and pull it down, covering his magnificent hairy chest and abs. He grabbed a pair of boxer briefs and I took one last look at the long, hooded cock hanging between his legs.

Mike looked at me and winked as he pulled up his underwear. He adjusted his dick and then pulled on a pair of jeans. He grabbed a plaid shirt and pulled it on, then rolled up the sleeves, leaving it unbuttoned and untucked. He sat down next to me and tugged on his boots and tied them up.

He put his arm around my shoulders and pressed his lips against my temple.

"I love you, Paul," he whispered in my ear.

I turned to look up at him and we kissed slowly. He pulled away and stood. He held out his hand and I took it so that he could pull me up to my feet.

We got dressed in our coats and stepped out onto the landing. Mike locked the door and checked it. He then took my hand and we walked down the stairs. As we stepped off the bottom step, Gabe turned the corner.

He looked between the two of us in surprise. I pulled my hand out of Mike's and pushed them into my pockets.

"Hello, Gabe," Mike said calmly.

Gabe's eyes looked me up and down. He walked around us in a circle. He reached up to my jacket collar and pulled it away from my neck. Mike had left light marks on my neck and Gabe was looking at us disapprovingly.

"We are in love, Gabriel," Mike said. I could tell that he was slightly nervous.

"You cannot use that as some kind of loophole, Michael."

I moved closer to Mike and I took his hand in mine. "I am in love with Mike, Gabriel."

Gabe looked down at me and cocked his head to the side like he didn't understand.

"Please don't take him from me," I whispered.

Tears fell from my eyes and Mike pulled me close and put his arms around me.

Gabe looked between the two of us in shock. He took a step back, and then turned and unlocked the back door and went inside the house.

* * *

Mike and I went to dinner and then afterward, we strolled hand in hand in the park. The air was cool and crisp and bathed in moonlight.

"Mike? Why does Gabe want to keep us apart? Why is he so bitter?"

Mike stopped and put his hands on my shoulders.

"Do not judge Gabe harshly, Paul," Mike said. "He is only doing his duty. It is understandable he would become bitter and jaded after all that he has seen. I felt the same myself."

"Really? You don't seem that way at all."

"That is because of you."

I stopped walking and looked up at him. "Me?"

"Yes. The first time I saw you praying. I saw the goodness in you. You restored my faith in humanity."

I wrapped my arms around Mike's back and I held him tight as I silently wept against his chest. He gently stroked my hair as I looked up at him.

"I love you, Mike."

He wiped my tears away and cradled my face and claimed my lips in a kiss. He took my hand and we continued on our walk.

"You have known Gabe a long time, haven't you?" I asked.

"Yes. A very long time."

I wanted to ask him more questions, but I decided that I would wait. He would tell me when he was ready.

Mike and I walked back to the truck. We got in and Mike pulled out of the parking lot.

"Paul? Would you spend the night with me tonight in my home?"

"I would love to."

I leaned over and gave him a kiss on his shoulder. We drove by my place first. I got my toothbrush and toiletries and a change of clothes, plus a fresh pair of scrubs for work in case I didn't come home before hand.

Mike pulled his truck in back of the house and we climbed up the stairs to his apartment.

We put our coats on the back of the kitchen chairs.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked.

"Some water would be nice."

He poured both of us a glass of water.

"Do you want a snack? I could use a snack."

"Sure."

He opened the freezer.

"Ooh. I have some rocky road," he said with a big grin on his face. "My favorite."

"That sounds good."

Mike grabbed a bowl from the dish rack and opened the cupboard and got a second bowl. He pulled the scoop out of the disk rack and placed two big scoops of ice cream into each bowl. He grabbed a couple of spoons and I followed him into the living room with the glasses.

He set the bowls down on the coffee table and pushed it forward a bit, then sat down on the floor with his back to the couch in front of the coffee table. I grinned and sat down next to him and crossed my legs Indian style.

"Cozy," I said with a little giggle.

He smiled at me and took a big bite of his ice cream. He let out a contented sigh and looked at me and grinned. I couldn't help but laugh at him. We ate our dessert in silence, just enjoying each other's company.

Mike scraped his bowl several times with the spoon, trying to get the last of the chocolately goodness.

"I think you got it all," I said with a chuckle.

I scooped up the last bite from my bowl and held the spoon out to him. He leaned forward and ate it off my spoon. His eyes sparkled as he looked at me and swallowed the last bite. He looked so happy. I vowed then that I would do anything I could to make him happy like that every day.

"All gone," I said.

Mike looked into my bowl. "What? There's still some more in there."

"No, there's not. Not unless you're gonna lick the bowl clean."

We both laughed and Mike ran his finger along the inside of my bowl and then sucked his finger clean. He put his finger in again and then wiped it on my bottom lip.

"Hey!" I protested.

Before I could wipe it away, Mike leaned in and kissed me, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth. He took the bowl out of my hand and put it on the coffee table. His mouth pushed into mine, his tongue sliding into my mouth. He pulled me to him and I straddled his lap. His hands slid up the back of my shirt. He grabbed my shirt and pulled it off me. His arms moved around me and he dipped his mouth down to suck my left nipple into his mouth. I grabbed his head and raked my fingers through his long, soft hair. I threw my head back and let out a quiet moan as his mouth pleasured my body. I started to grind my hips on his lap, feeling his growing need pressing back into me.

"I love you so much, Mike," I whispered.

I pushed his shirt over his shoulders, then grabbed his wife beater and pulled it over his head. Mike reached between our bodies and unbuckled and unzipped my pants. He gave them a tug downwards and I stood up so that he could slide them down. He pushed up to his feet and I unbuckled his belt and unzipped his jeans and pushed them down to his ankles. He sat down on the couch and pulled me to him so that I was straddling his lap.

He held my head in his hands. "You are so beautiful, Paul. You are my baby. I love you."

I raked my fingers through the hair on Mike's chest and kissed him. His hands slid up and down my back, then down to my ass. He cupped each of my cheeks in his hands and I whimpered and rubbed my dick on his hard, furry abs.

I felt Mike groan deep in his chest. His dick slid up the crack of my ass. I felt the hot head press against my entrance and it sent a shudder throughout me. I opened my eyes and looked into Mike's blue eyes. I pushed down slightly and the very tip of his cock pushed into me.

"Paul, I meant what I said before. If we do this, it cannot be undone. We will be bound together."

I kissed along Michael's neck. "Yes, Michael. We will be one for eternity."

Mike lifted up and led me to his bedroom. He pulled back the blankets and sheet. I crawled into his bed.

"Don't go anywhere."

He ran out of the room to the bathroom. I heard him digging around in some drawers and he came back a few seconds later with a tube in his hand. He slipped into the bed with me and pulled me onto my side facing him.

"Do not be afraid, my Paulie. Making love is a gift from God and I want to share this gift with you. I promise I will never hurt you."

"I know, Mike. I trust you."

I looked at him and I was surprised that I didn't feel nervous at all. I was about to give my virginity to the man I loved.

I watched Mike open the tube and ooze the gel onto his fingers. He pushed me onto my back, then he kissed down my chest and licked and sucked at my nipple. His hand slipped between my legs, finding my hidden entrance. He slid his slippery fingers around the puckered hole, teasing and stroking. My body quivered and I shuddered and Mike's finger slipped into me.

He pulled out his finger and pushed it back in. He twisted it around and found the hidden sweet spot inside me that had me moaning and writhing underneath him. He kissed down my body and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Mike," I panted.

He pulled his finger out and squeezed out more lube, then pushed two fingers into me as he took me into his mouth.

I moaned and bucked up into his mouth, then fell back onto his fingers. His fingers stroked my prostate as his hot mouth slid up and down. His fingers twisted and stretched. He pulled out his fingers and inserted three into me. I felt a momentary stab of pain, which quickly faded as Mike continued. He let my dick fall out of his mouth and it fell against my belly with a slap.

"Please," I begged in a hoarse whisper.

Mike moved up and pushed my knees back and spread my legs wide apart. He squeezed more lube into his hand and coated his swollen cock with the gel. He leaned forward and placed the head against my quivering opening. He leaned into me and pushed the head into me.

"Oh! Mike!"

My body shuddered as a wave of pleasure shot through me. I locked my knees around Michael's waist and moved my hands to his sides, urging him in deeper. I felt the crown slip past my tight muscle, then another inch slid into me.

"Oh, Paul, baby," he groaned.

Mike held still and he looked down at me. "Are you hurt?"

"No, Mike. Please... more..."

Mike slid deeper into me. The head of his cock pushed into my hidden nerve bundle and I gasped and arched my back up. I gripped his back and Mike lowered himself on top of me. He pulled back and then pushed back into me, hitting my prostate again, then sliding all the way into me until he was buried to the hilt.

"I love you, baby," he husked. "I love you."

We kissed deeply and passionately as Mike pumped his hips in and out of me, slowly and steadily. My arms moved up under his arms to his broad, muscular shoulders.

"Please, Mike," I whispered. "It feels so good."

"So good, Paul... So hot inside you... So tight..."

Mike pumped into me faster and harder, and his thrusts were long and deep. I let out a soft whimper every time he bottomed out. He grunted and groaned. His arms moved around me, holding me tight to his body. His mouth moved down to my neck and he sucked hard.

Our lovemaking was intense and loud. Above my whimpers and Mike's grunts, our bodies slapped together with every thrust. A fine sheen of sweat covered Mike's massive body. The intense odor from under his arms hit my nose and made my dick jerk and ooze.

Mike rapidly drew me closer and closer and I felt my orgasm building. My body tensed up and my back arched upwards. I threw my head back and my eyes rolled back.

Time seemed to stand still. I felt like I was floating above the bed and for a split second all was calm and quiet, and then I exploded.

"Mike!"

"Paul!"

My body bucked and writhed beneath Mike's. Spurt after spurt of warm semen shot between our thrusting bodies. Mike shoved hard into me one last time. His body jerked and I felt him throbbing inside me. A hot sensation spread throughout my body as he filled me with his seed.

Mike propped himself up on his forearm and looked down at me. He lovingly stroked my damp hair back.

"We are one for eternity, my own," he whispered.

He leaned down and kissed me tenderly.

We laid together for a while as we recovered from our intense climaxes. Mike finally slipped from inside me and laid down next to me. He took my hand in his and brought it up to his mouth. He kissed my fingers then held them to his chest.

"It's time, Paul," he said quietly. "It's time for me to tell you everything."

* * *

After we took a shower together, we returned back to the bed. We sat together on the bed with our legs cross, facing each other. My eyes drifted over his muscular body, down to the thick cock hanging between his legs. I forced myself to look back up into his eyes. He took my hand in his.

"Now that we have bonded, there are things that I can tell you, Paul. First, Zeke... I know you've noticed the strange things that happen when he's around."

"Yes," I said with a nod of my head.

"He's one of Satan's minions. An ancient demon, who has taken human form."

I swallowed nervously and moved closer to Mike and he squeezed my hand to comfort me. When he saw that I wasn't running away like he was crazy, he continued.

"Zeke is very powerful. He can control or possess other living creatures. His body fluids are toxic. Patrick received Zeke's poison inside him when Zeke took him. Zeke now has control of Patrick."

"Can he be stopped?" I asked.

"There are those who have been sent to hunt and destroy the demons, to send them back, and to protect mankind. They have taken human form and live amongst man."

"An army of angels?" I asked.

"Yes."

"And you... You're one of them? An angel?"

"Yes."

"But you're not just an angel, are you? You're Michael... Saint Michael the Archangel."

"Yes. But you already suspected this."

"Yes. What happened to your wings?"

I ran my hand over the scars on his back.

"They are removed when we live amongst men on earth."

"Why me, Michael? You could have anyone you wanted. I'm a nobody."

"The moment I saw you in the church, I knew. You were so beautiful. You were under my protection even then. But when I saw you... I loved you. I knew that you were my soul mate. Your love, your pure heart and soul... it restored my faith in humanity, Paul."

"Gabe... Gabriel... He said that it was forbidden."

"It is forbidden for me to reveal myself to a human. It is also forbidden for me to have intimate relations."

"But we are in love, so it is okay?"

"Our souls have bonded. You belong to me, as I belong to you. It cannot be undone. You will soon begin to notice changes. You will heal faster and be more tolerant of pain. You will soon begin to feel a connection to me. You will be able to sense when I am near, as I you. We may even sense each other's emotions."

"Wow... This is so much to take in."

"Do you have regrets?"

"No, Michael. Never."

I pushed up and gave him a tender kiss on the lips.

"Never," I repeated. "Do you?"

"No, Paul. I love you."

"I love you, too."

We laid down together, Michael on his back with me cuddled up on his side with my head on his chest. I draped my arm over him and he held me in his arms. I fell asleep cuddled up on Michael and we slept together for a couple hours.

I woke when Michael got up out of bed. He pulled on his underwear and quietly walked out of the room. I heard him open the outer door and heard muffled voices. I knew that it had to be Gabe. I got up out of bed and pulled on my underwear and a t-shirt and walked out into the living room. Gabe and Michael were talking quietly, and they stopped when I entered the room.

"It's okay, Paul," Michael said. "Come on out."

I walked and stood next to Michael. I couldn't look Gabe -- Gabriel the Archangel -- in the eye and instead looked down at his work boots.

"Hello, Gabriel," I said quietly.

"Hello, Paul. Michael has told you everything, I take it?"

"Yes."

Gabe put his finger under my chin and lifted my head so that I was looking him in the eye.

"You are bound by Michael's oath. You must not reveal Michael or any like him to anyone. If you do, you will be punished. Do you understand me?"

I managed to say "Yes," with a gulp and then moved closer to Michael and returned my gaze to Gabe's boots.

"I believe that Zeke will act soon," Gabe said. "He has spies watching the house. He knows of your mating and he has become enraged. I think we can use this to our advantage."

Michael's body tensed. "I will not use Paul as bait, Gabriel."

"I don't think it will come to that, Michael. But it might--"

"It is not up for debate."

I interrupted. "If it will help, I will do it."

"Absolutely not!" Michael insisted.

"I could go to work and lure him to the church," I said. "You could be waiting there for him."

"He has a point, Michael," Gabe noted.

Michael pulled me into his arms and dropped his forehead onto mine. "It is too dangerous," he said quietly.

"I'll be okay. You'll be close. You won't let him hurt me."

"Then it is decided," Gabe said.

* * *

Michael dropped me off at the hospital. We sat in his truck for a moment kissing tenderly.

"Please be careful," he whispered as he slowly stroked the hair on the back of my head.

"I will. You, too."

"Don't let him corner you alone. Don't listen to his words or look him in the eye."

"I won't."

"I will not be far. I will be watching over you."

"I know you will."

One last kiss and I got out of the truck and headed inside. I waved to Michael as he parked his truck and walked across the street to the church. Once I was upstairs, I hung my jacket in my locker. I had about thirty minutes before my shift started, so I thought I would go down and check on Patrick.

I was shocked to see him awake. He looked like he was in a groggy daze, but his eyes were open and he was conscious of his surroundings. He still had sores on his hands and his face. He was so pale and sickly looking.

"Hi, Patrick," I said sympathetically.

"Paul," he said with a cough. He attempted to smile at me.

"You're awake."

"Yeah. Thank you for coming to see me. I haven't had many visitors."

"Of course, Patrick."

"They took me out of the coma. I'm on a ton of antibiotics. I have a viral infection, but they can't figure out what I have."

I paused, unsure what I should tell him. But I couldn't let Zeke keep hurting him. "It's Zeke. Zeke made you sick."

"What? Zeke loves me. He visits me every night. He tells me how much he loves me and he makes love to me."

I covered my mouth with my hand and gasped and shook my head. "Patrick. No."

Patrick's expression changed. I felt a chill in the air as his eyes narrowed at me. He snarled and a growl came from deep inside his chest.

"Stay away from him!" he growled. "He will kill you!"

I backed out of the room and hurried to the elevator. I tried to take deep breaths and control my shaking as I rode up to my floor. As I walked to the nurse's station, I spotted Zeke with a laundry cart. He glared at me with anger I have never seen before. I tried to act calm like nothing was wrong, but my heart was pounding in my ears.

Work was surprisingly calm and I avoided Zeke for the first half of my shift. On my break, I decided to go see Patrick again. I had to convince him that Zeke was harming him. I heard some noises inside the room and when I opened the door, I almost fainted.

Zeke was on top of Patrick, who was nearly bent in half as Zeke held his ankles and slammed into his ass over and over. Patrick's head was thrown back and his eyes were rolled back in his head. Zeke was snarling and his teeth dripped drool down onto Patrick's neck. I gasped in horror and turned around and ran as fast as I could. I heard Zeke roar and scramble off the bed. I could hear him running behind me. I ran to the stairwell and bounded down the five flights of steps. I could hear him chasing me, getting closer and closer.

"You are mine!" he growled. "You will be sucking cocks in hell before this night is over!"

I ran across the street. Zeke was right behind me. He was big, but he was fast, and he was gaining on me. I pushed open the doors to the church and dipped my hand into the holy water font as Zeke tackled me to the floor. I rolled over and slapped his face with my wet hand as hard as I could. He pushed back onto his knees and roared in agony as I left a burning and sizzling hand print on his face. He backhanded me and I slammed against the font and fell down to my hands and knees.

I pushed myself up onto my knees and I closed my eyes and clasped my hands together and began to pray, "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle--"

Michael's voice suddenly boomed throughout the church. "Ezekiel!"

I gasped and lifted my head up.

Michael was standing in front of the altar. He was wearing a white tank top stretched over his huge, muscular chest. He wore black leather biker pants and black harness boots. He was holding an unsheathed sword in his right hand. He grabbed at the front collar of his tank top with his left hand and pulled. It ripped cleanly down the front and he tossed it aside.
He drew in a deep breath and his hair-covered chest heaved once, then twice. He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a great cry, as if he was in pain. He held his arms out and clenched his fists tightly. His body shook and suddenly two large wings burst out of his back. The dark wings fluttered and stretched to a full wing span of nearly eight feet.

Michael took a deep breath and a calm fell over him.

My mouth fell open in shock and wonder at the beauty. He was magnificent. As I looked at him, I felt a warmth spread throughout my body. It was as if something suddenly switched on inside me. I felt a wave of pride and strength coming from Michael. His eyes cut to me and I felt an overwhelming rush of love.

Michael then turned his attention to Zeke. Michael's mouth lifted in a smirk and he elegantly twirled the sword in his right hand and then pointed it at Zeke. "This ends tonight, demon!"

Zeke let out a deep growl in his throat and pushed himself upright. As his skin turned red, two small horns pushed out from each side of his forehead. His brow furrowed and he bared his teeth and snarled. He kicked me aside with his foot as he rushed Michael.

Michael leapt and kicked Zeke in the chest with his boot. Zeke went flying backwards onto his back.

I grabbed onto the baptismal font and pulled myself up to my feet and moved back out of the way.

Zeke crouched onto all fours and with a loud roar, leapt at Michael. Michael swung his sword. Zeke dodged and blocked Michael's arm. He swung at Michael and punched him in the gut.

Michael countered with a left and a kick. He swung around and knocked Zeke hard with his wings. The two of them seemed to be evenly matched, hitting and blocking each other at every turn.

Michael sliced Zeke across the belly with his sword. Zeke howled in pain as dark, thick blood oozed from the wound. Zeke grabbed Michael and flipped him and slammed him onto his back. His sword skittered across the floor under one of the pews.

Zeke lifted Michael up and threw him across the church. He slammed into the wall behind me. I ran to him and knealt down.

"Michael! Are you okay?"

"Stay back, Paul," Michael said as he pushed me aside and stood up.

Michael and Zeke circled each other. Both of them were breathing hard from exhaustion. Michael flew up into the air and slammed his boots into Zeke's chest. He straddled his chest and pounded his face over and over with his fists.

Zeke let out a roar and bucked up, knocking Michael hard onto his back. Zeke grabbed the sword.

"See you in hell, cocksucker," Zeke growled.

Zeke stood over Michael. He held the sword at the hilt, pointing it down towards Michael. He dropped to his knees, straddling Michael's chest. Michael grabbed Zeke and held him back, with the tip of the sword an inch from his neck. He was straining with all of his might to keep Zeke from cutting him.

I had to do something. I moved behind the stone baptismal font and pushed as hard as I could. The top slid and I pushed harder. It toppled over, splashing the holy water all over Zeke and Michael.

Zeke shrieked and writhed in pain as the blessed water burned his skin. Smoke poured off his body as it sizzled and burned. Michael kicked up and knocked Zeke onto his back into a pool of the water. Zeke screamed and his body convulsed. Michael jumped up to his feet and stood over Zeke. The holy water dripped down Michael's body, matting his chest hair down. His hair was wet and dripping.

Michael reached his hand out and the sword flew into it.

With a mighty roar, Michael took the sword and stabbed it straight down into Zeke's heart. Zeke bellowed and kicked and bucked as he was impaled with the sword. Michael lifted the sword and swung it through Zeke's throat, cutting his head clean off.

Zeke's eyes dimmed and turned black. His body burst into flames and I covered my eyes with my arm to protect them from the light and heat. There was a sudden bright burst of light and then everything was quiet and the light dimmed back to normal. I slowly moved my arm away and looked down. The only evidence of Zeke's existence was the scorch mark on the stone floor.

I looked up at Michael as he turned to me. He grabbed me and pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately. His arms tightened around me and I threw my arms around his neck. He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he flew us through the front door, then upwards into the sky. I clung to his strong, muscular body as we sped through the air towards the mountains. He slowed and then we gently floated downwards until we touched down next to a hot spring.

The moon was nearly full and the sky was clear. In the pale moonlight, we could see each other perfectly. I stepped back and looked over Michael's body and saw that all of his injuries and bruises were healed.

"Are you okay, Paul?" he asked me.

"Yes. Are you?"

"I am fine."

I moved to Michael and hugged him and laid my head on his chest. His arms surrounded me. I felt him planting kisses on top of my head and my temple and I looked up at him. His lips caressed mine and his tongue slid along the seam. I opened my mouth and let the tip of my tongue touch his. Michael's arms tightened around me and his tongue slid into my mouth. I surrendered to him, allowing him to ravage my mouth.

"I love you, Paul," he said huskily. "I want to make love with you."

He stepped back for a second to pull my scrub top and t-shirt off. He untied my pants and let them fall to the ground. He squatted down and pulled my briefs down, then pulled my sneakers and socks off. I stood there completely naked and shivering as he stood up. Even though it was cold, I wanted to be with Michael.

I glided my hands down the furry pec muscles of his chest, then raked my fingers across the ridges of his six pack, until I reached his belt. I unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned and unzipped his heavy leather pants. I pushed them down. He wasn't wearing any underwear and his large dick slapped up against his abs and then bobbed a bit. My mouth watered and my knees weakened at the sight of the large cock. It looked even larger than previous. A long string of pre-come drooled from the head and stretched towards the ground. I squatted down to pull his pants down completely. He lifted each leg so that I could pull his heavy boots and socks off. I licked up the pearly string of drool, running my tongue along the underside of his magnificent organ. He pulled me to my feet and ran his big rough hands all over my body, pulling me close to his warm body. His wings fluttered and we lifted about a couple of feet off the ground.

He moved us over the hot spring and gently descended. The hot and steamy water felt so good on my chilly body. He moved so that he was sitting on a large rock and only his shoulders and head were above the water. He pulled me so that I straddled his lap. I threw my arms around his neck and ground my dick into his. I kissed him hard and he held me tight, returning my kiss with unbridled passion.

I threw my head back and moaned as his mouth moved down my neck. He sucked hard on the skin along the right side of my neck. He nipped it with his teeth and then kissed tenderly. He ran his nose along the front of my neck, licking up the left side. He kissed and sucked, leaving a dark mark. His hands moved up my sides to my nipples. He tweaked and fondled each one.

I ran my hands up and down his chest, then over his shoulders. My fingers touched where his wings grew from his shoulder blades. As I traced my fingers up the bony frame of each wing, Michael groaned loudly and shuddered.

He kissed me hard and lifted me up slightly. His cock slid under me and along the crack of my ass. When the swollen and slimy head found its target, he gave a firm push. It popped inside me and I shuddered and let out a soft moan of his name. I leaned my head on his shoulder and held still. I could feel the head of his cock throbbing inside me. I moved my head back and looked Michael in his blue eyes.

"I love you," I whispered.

I let myself sink all the way down to the root of his thick cock. Michael's eyes rolled back into his head and he let out a long groan. Michael gripped my waist and he pulled me up until the head was about to slip out. His fingers tightened and he pulled me down hard. I felt his cock jab and glide across my prostate and I let out a whimper as my body shuddered. With Michael's help, I moved up and down, slowly at first, then faster and faster. Waves of pleasure wracked my body as every downward thrust hit that hidden spot inside me.

"Love you, Paulie," Michael grunted. "Love you so much."

He was thrusting up into me harder and harder. He grunted and groaned. His arms moved around me and he moved so that I was on my back against the other side of the spring. His dick stayed embedded inside me as he moved on top of me. I lifted my knees and locked them around his waist. He kissed me hard and deep and began thrusting into me.

I gripped my hands on his muscular chest, feeling the powerful chest muscles flexing under my fingers. I slid my hands over his shoulders to his biceps. I gripped them hard and moaned in ecstasy. "Michael..."

Michael's hands moved down my back under my hard, tight ass. He cupped my ass as he pounded relentlessly into me. The steamy water sloshed around us as we grunted and groaned.

My head thrashed back and forth and I trembled as Michael brought me closer and closer. Michael's rhythm faltered and his body jerked.

"Oh, Paul, I can't hold back! I'm gonna come."

Michael thrust hard and deep once, then twice. The third time, he let out a loud cry and his body tensed. His wings spread wide and trembled. Michael grunted loudly and his cock expanded and throbbed inside me. I felt the first burst travel through his shaft and I threw my head back and screamed. As Michael pumped load after load into my quivering channel, I spurt between our bodies. My semen clouded the pool and drifted along the bubbling current.

Michael leaned his head down and slowly and tenderly kissed me. I felt his body slowly relax and his wings pulled in and laid flat against his back. His dick softened and slipped out of me and he pulled back.

"I love you, Michael."

"I love you, Paul."

As much as I wanted to stay in the spring with Michael, we had to go. We got up and got dressed. Michael took me into his arms and launched into the air. He held me tight and twirled and spun around. We laughed and giggled with joy. We finally landed next to the church. Michael took my hand and led me inside.

I was surprised to see that the church was spotless. There was not even a slight indication that anything had happened. The scorch marks that marked Zeke's departure back to Hell were gone. The holy water font was back in its original place.

"Michael."

I looked up to see Gabriel. He seemed to glow with a golden aura that matched his golden hair. His wings fluttered behind him.

"Michael," Gabriel repeated. "It is time. We must go."

Michael turned and took my hands in his. He momentarily cut his eyes to Gabriel and then looked back at me. "I will return, Paul."

I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Goodbye, Michael," I whispered in his ear.

Michael kissed me once more and he and Gabriel flew out of the church. I hurried out of the church and watched them soar into the air and disappear. As I walked down the sidewalk, I realized that I had something in my pocket. I reached in and pulled out Michael's keys. I went to his truck and got in and drove home.

Once inside, I called work and told them that I had gotten sick suddenly and that was why I left in the middle of my shift. I took a shower and then practically passed out in my bed.

* * *

Over the next few weeks, there was no sign of Michael. I still had his truck and I drove over to his house a few times. There didn't appear to be anyone home upstairs or downstairs. I picked up the pile of newspapers and tossed them into the garbage bin. I didn't want it to look like they were gone.

I didn't worry, though. I just knew in my heart that he would be back.

Patrick made a quick recovery. He claimed that he didn't remember much of anything. His personality changed quite a bit, though. Before he was loud and cocky. Now he was quiet and withdrawn.

I was finally transferred to the day shift. It was very nice to have so-called normal hours.

The connection that I had with Michael had faded after about a week. I could no longer feel him.

It had now been nearly a month since I last saw Michael. I was starting to wonder if he was coming back.

After my last shift of the week, I braved the pouring rain and went across the street to the church. I shook off and made my way to my customary seat. I said my standard prayer and then paused and added, 'Please, Father, watch over Michael. Tell him that I love him. Amen.'

I laid my head down on my arms on the pew in front of me. I sniffed back the tears and then got up and went home. I took a nice long shower to warm myself up, then made dinner. I grilled some chicken on my Foreman grill and boiled some rice to go with it.

By the time I went to bed, it was storming really hard. The rain was coming down in sheets and it pelted loudly against the windows. I curled up in the blankets and, despite all of the thunder and lightning, I quickly fell asleep.

* * *

_I walked into the church and genuflected and sat down in the pew. I looked up at the large cross hanging over the altar.

"Thank you," I whispered out loud to the cross.

Father Ron walked up to me and I moved over so that he could sit down.

"Hello, my son," he said with a warm smile.

"Hello, Father."

"Do not fear, child. He will return soon. He has made me very proud. As have you."

Father Ron leaned forward and lightly pressed his lips to my forehead. He wiped the tears from my face with his thumbs and I smiled at him.

"Thank you, Father."

Father Ron slowly stood and then walked out of the church without looking back at me._

THUMP

A loud noise startled me awake. I sat up in my bed and then I heard it again.

THUMP

Something striking wood. I then realized that there was someone at the door. I got up and hurried to the door. I looked out the peep hole, but didn't see anyone. A sudden warmth spread through my body and I just knew that Michael was near. He was on the other side of the door. I made sure the chain was secure and I cautiously opened the door.

I gasped when I saw Michael slumped on his knees in front of the door. I closed the door and pulled off the chain and opened the door. Michael was soaked to the bone and shivering. He was on his knees with his head hung down. His black hair was soaked through and through, hanging down to his shoulders. He was wearing the same thing I saw him in last, black leather pants and boots, but with a white wife beater covering his chest. The thin material clung to his pecs and abs, allowing me to see everything underneath. I squatted down and put my arms around him.

"Michael!"

I kissed his head and helped him get up to his feet. I put my arm around him and led him inside, kicking the door shut behind us. He groaned in pain as I touched his back. I looked behind him and saw that the back of his tank top was soaked in blood.

"Oh my god," I gasped.

"Paulie," he groaned.

I helped him to the bathroom and I got the shower turned on. I pulled off his clothes and then stripped naked and helped him into the shower. He stood quietly with his head hung down while I washed and cleansed him.

Once we got out of the shower, I set Michael down and I tended to his wounds. I cleaned the two long cuts on his back with hydrogen peroxide and sprayed them with antibacterial spray. I dressed them with some gauze and tape.

"Thank you," Michael rasped.

He looked up at me and his blue eyes sparkled.

"You're welcome."

I gave him a light kiss, then pulled Michael up to his feet and took him into the kitchen. I made both of us a mug of cocoa and we sat and quietly sipped our hot beverage.

"Sleepy," Michael whispered.

"Let me get you to bed."

I helped Michael to his feet and got him into bed. He moved so that he was laying on his stomach and I laid down next to him.

"I love you, Paul."

"I love you, too. I missed you."

I leaned in and we kissed tenderly for a moment. When I pulled away, he was already asleep. I watched him sleep for awhile. He had a slight smile on his face and looked so peaceful. I gently stroked his silky hair. I cupped his cheek and planted a very light kiss on his lips.

* * *

When I woke the next morning, it was light out. The sun streamed into the window and I turned over. I frowned when I saw that the other side of the bed was empty. I felt the sheets and they were still warm. I heard the toilet flush down the hall and I smiled to myself and got up out of bed. I pulled on a pair of underwear and padded out into the kitchen, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

Michael was standing naked in the kitchen, pouring himself a mug of coffee. I almost tripped over my feet at the sight of his magnificent musculature.

"Good morning, baby," he said.

"Hi. Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm fine," he said.

He grabbed a second mug and poured me a cup and held it out for me. I took a sip and looked him up and down. I set the mug down and walked around to his back. Two thin, pink scars ran parallel down his back from his shoulder blades. I reached up and ran my hand down them.

"Thank you for taking care of me last night," he said quietly.

"They've healed," I whispered. "They're hardly noticeable."

He leaned his back against the counter and took another drink.

"I had some help," he said as he looked at me over the rim of his cup.

Michael set his mug down and I moved closer and he surrounded me with his arms. I laid my head on his chest and hugged him.

"I would have healed on my own anyway, but your loving touch helped."

"You're home for good, then?" I asked.

"Yes. We have been granted a gift."

I looked up at him and he bent down and kissed me.

"We are bonded for eternity, Paul. We will be together forever. I am to remain here with you and we will grow old together. When it is your time to leave this world, then we will both move on. Together."

"I love you, Michael."

Michael kissed me slowly and passionately. I rubbed my hands up his furry chest and then raked my fingers down the ridges of his six pack. My man, my love was home to stay.

I felt his dick start to harden against my stomach. I squatted down onto my knees in front of him. I flicked the head with my tongue and swallowed the thick, spongy shaft into my mouth. I gently applied suction as I began moving my mouth, swirling my tongue all around the shaft and head. I rubbed his balls with one hand and his thighs and abs with the other.

Michael groaned and put his hands on my head. "Paul..."

As I sucked him, I felt him expanding in my mouth. It was amazing feeling him growing inside me. I slurped and bobbed until Michael finally pulled me off. With a growl he pulled me close and kissed me hard. His hands slid down my back. He cupped my ass in his hands and lifted me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His mouth never left mine as he carried me back into the bedroom.

He laid me gently on the bed and crawled up between my legs, which were already spread wide for him.

"Make love to me, Michael. I've missed you so much."

I pulled Michael down to me and wrapped my arms behind his broad back. He attacked my mouth with his, pushing his tongue in to explore every inch of me. He moved down to my neck, where he licked and sucked each side. His hands slid up and down my body and I moaned and writhed underneath him. I wanted and needed him so bad.

Michael slipped my underwear off and tossed them aside. He kissed his way down to my nipples, bathing each one in spit until they were hard and pleasurably at attention. He planted kisses down my chest and stomach and took me deep into his mouth.

I threw my head back and moaned as the hot wetness engulfed my shaft. Michael's skilled mouth slid up and down, sending waves of pleasure through my body. His slick finger rubbed up and down my crack. I pulled him off me.

"I'm gonna come if you don't stop," I panted.

I pushed him onto his back and squatted down and took him into my mouth. I sucked up and down his shaft, getting it nice and wet. He grabbed me and tossed me onto my back. He grabbed the lube and slicked up his cock. His arm moved behind my shoulders. The other lifted my leg up and he slid closer to me. The head of his dick pressed against my tight opening and he slowly slid inside me.

I put my arm around his neck and pulled him closer. His mouth clamped onto my nipple and he pushed his hips forward. When I felt the furry bush of his pubes nestled up against my smooth ass, he held still for a moment. He then started thrusting steadily using short jabs. He moved faster and harder, his strokes growing longer until he was pumping into me at a furious rate. His arms held me close to him and we kissed each other passionately.

He pulled out of me and moved between my legs. He pushed my legs back to my chest and slid into me. I cried out in pleasure as he jabbed at the hidden jewel inside me. I locked my knees onto Michael's side and I arched my back up. I grabbed onto his biceps and held on tight as Michael's body slapped against mine over and over. His big, heavy nuts thumped against my ass over and over. Our bodies made loud smacking sounds as we connected. The headboard rattled and thumped against the wall.

"Michael, don't stop! Please, don't stop!"

"Paul, baby, I love you!"

Michael moved even faster and harder. The bed felt like it was going to shake apart. I grabbed Michael tightly and my entire body tensed up. I arched my back upwards and threw my head back. I gripped his muscular back tight. My eyes rolled back into my head and bright colors danced in my vision.

It felt like we were floating on a cloud. Michael's hips never stopped moving. I cried out his name in ecstasy as my body was wracked with the most intense orgasm I had ever experienced. When Michael felt my hot juices spurting between us, he groaned and his rhythm faltered. I squeezed his pumping shaft hard with my muscles.

Michael shoved hard into me and with a mighty roar of my name, I felt his dick jerk and expand. It throbbed over and over and I was filled to the brim with his hot, creamy load.

"Love you," he grunted. "Love you so much."

"I love you, Michael."

Michael's arms moved around me and he held me tight as I slumped back into the bed, my body limp and unable to move. I fell asleep tangled in his strong arms and legs.

* * *

EPILOGUE

That next day, I moved out of my little apartment into the house with Michael. In Michael's home, we began our life together.

Over the years Michael would occasionally have to leave to do his 'real job', but he always came back to me and I took care of him. The rest of the time, he was just a simple contractor. We went to church together every Sunday morning and lived quiet and peaceful lives.

It wasn't until the end that I finally realized what a gift we truly had been given.

My body had weakened with age. I was having trouble breathing and I knew it was time.

Michael crawled onto the bed and laid down next to me. He smiled at me so lovingly. His face was worn and wrinkled and his thick hair was now salt and peppered, but he was still the most handsome man I had ever seen. I didn't want to leave him.

"I'm scared, Michael," I whispered as tears fell unchecked from my eyes.

Michael smiled and kissed me tenderly. "Don't be afraid, my Paulie."

"I love you, Michael," I cried.

He stroked the thinned gray hair on top of my head.

"We are one for eternity," he said. "And this is not the end. It is only the beginning. That is our gift."

I tried to draw in a breath, but it hurt my chest.

As I looked at Michael, a beautiful glow surrounded him. I blinked my eyes trying to adjust to the new brightness that emanated from behind him. I closed my eyes and tried to take another breath.

When I opened my eyes, I drew in a gasp. Michael looked every bit as young and handsome and sexy as he did when I first met him fifty years ago. I raised my hand to his cheek.

"You are so beautiful, my Michael."

"As are you, my love."

I couldn't help but smile at him. He looked so young and so happy. I rubbed his cheek and then ran my thumb over his black chin beard. I looked closer at my hand. The wrinkles, age spots and veins were gone. I took a deep breath and sat up. I looked down at my body. I pulled at the collar of my pajama shirt and looked inside to see my youthful, muscular build.

Michael took my hand and helped me out of the bed. As he did, the glow around him got brighter and it enveloped the both of us.

"I love you, Paul."

"I love you, Michael."

I turned and looked back at the bed. Two old men were cuddled in each others arms. The bigger one cradled the smaller one to his chest. They looked so peaceful.

I looked back at Michael. He closed his eyes and his wings appeared. They stretched and spread out from his back. When they reached full wingspan, they shuddered and then relaxed.

Michael drew in a deep breath and sighed. He looked down at me and grinned. His blue eyes sparkled and he pulled me close to him. I wrapped my arms around him and held tight. As we soared up into the sky, the light around us got brighter until it overtook us.

We were finally home.