.Life from the Ashes Book 3 - SBS

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Chapter 10
Missing Friends

by Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net

***

Cardoso's Fortress
Saturday, March 19
10:00 a.m.

Jason Duffy stood passively as three guards prepared his nude body for the upcoming fight. They applied oil to his massive limbs, chest, and back. The guards were in awe of the giant. His loose fitting clothing had hidden the fact that he was extremely muscular and well endowed.

"Fuck, it looks like it has a third leg! How big do you think it would be if it were erect?" Rodolfo asked rudely, lifting the heavy organ up and out from between Duffy legs.

"I'd guess twenty inches," Sergio muttered. He thought it was odd their hands massaging oil onto the n'thral's bulging muscles and massive limbs hadn't caused the giant to become erect. Any other n'thral would have been unable to control his sexual arousal from the hands stroking them -- this was one strange n'thral.

"So, slave, did you get such muscles from tilling the fields?" Pedro asked, smoothing oil over Duffy's bulging biceps. It was widely rumored that this enormous n'thral had been a farmer.

Duffy remained quiet and passive, ignoring the man's question. He had come too far to sabotage his own chances of fighting Cardoso to chance that a clairvoyant might pick up that he lied about being a simple farmer. He wanted to kill Cardoso for what he had done to Hans and this might be the only chance he had to do it. Duffy knew that he'd probably be killed afterwards, but at least that bastard would not be around to torment Hans any longer. Duffy had met General Juan Perez and felt comfortable with that man taking care of the young immortal until someone from home could rescue him.

"You're a *quiet* one aren't you? Or are you a *dumb* fuck?" the man sneered. He got angrier when Duffy remained silent, and with a baton, he struck him hard across the back. "You fucking answer me, slave!"

"Leave him alone, Pedro. The General will have our heads if he's injured before the match," Sergio snarled, yanking the baton away from the man.

"Sergio, this dumb piece of shit will be dead in under five minutes! Cardoso will rip his heart out of his chest with his bare hands," Pedro replied, spitting on Duffy in contempt.

Duffy didn't move as the glob of spit ran slowly down his chest. His face remained blank and emotionless.

Sergio studied Duffy closely. "Pedro, I'll wager you a month's wages that Jason here wins."

"Are you wacko? You're on, Sergio," the guard said happily, thinking of all the Tequila and prostitutes he'd be able to afford with an extra months salary.

Sergio shook his head at how blind his colleague was. He knew that this n'thral's muscles hadn't come from farming. The giant was a fighter Sergio was sure of that.

***

Hans couldn't believe his present good fortune. A peaceful nights rest without being groped or molested. He felt clean for the first time in over a week, and he even had a decent meal. *Clothes!* Hans smiled happily fingering the oversized white cotton shirt he was wearing. The long shirt and the soft, stonewashed jeans made him feel human again.

"Hans, how are you feeling this morning?" General Perez asked, coming into the bedroom. A servant followed behind him pushing a cart of covered dishes.

"Fine. Thank you," Schatz said softly. He didn't know what kind of price tag was on these luxuries, but he was sure that the General would expect something from him in return for them.

"Good, I have brought your lunch. After you're finished eating, we shall go to the arena. I am sure you'll enjoy the fight I have lined up," General Perez smiled, guiding the young man over to the table on the veranda that overlooked the ocean.

Schatz frowned. He hated the arena. Although it was an opened air stadium, it still stank of death.

"You don't have to be afraid, Hans. No one will ever hurt you again. You and your daughter will be under my personal protection from now on," Perez said, nodding to the servant to serve the meal.

"What do you get out of this?" Hans asked boldly.

"Don't worry, Hans, I will not touch you without your permission. However, I would like the privilege of courting you. I'm sure that once you get to know me better you will agree to marry me," the General said.

"Why? Why are you helping me now?" The last time he had been here, the General had paid him little attention. Although the General was hardly around back then, he was usually off fighting one of Hector's many wars.

Perez blushed. "I . . . Hans, Hector was the oldest male in our family and as such was always the leader. I used to look up to him before the virus changed us. Even afterwards I still thought of Hector as the leader, and helped him defeat his enemies. What he did to you and Argentina was my fault. I turned a blind eye to the atrocities that he was committing. I should have stopped him long ago. I'm sorry, Hans."

Schatz looked him in the eye. "Why now?"

"Your baby. I was told what Hector did on the ship. It opened my eyes to what a monster he has become. I love children, Hans. My wife and I had ten kids -- eight girls and two boys. They were my life. Hector had been really good with them. I was shocked that he would try to kill your baby girl," Perez's voice trembled with grief; he still hadn't gotten over the deaths of his wife and daughters.

Schatz felt sorry for the older man. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose eight daughters. "My baby's father will want to see her. Please, General Perez, allow me to return home to him."

Perez looked at him sadly. He wanted to keep Hans here with him. However, it was his fault that this young man had suffered unspeakable brutalities at the hands of his cousin. "Do you love this man, Hans?"

"Yes, sir, with all my heart."

"Okay. After the fight I will personally see that you get back to him," Perez replied. It was the least he could do.

Hans gasped, he couldn't believe that he would be going home to Melvin soon. "Thank you!" A smile lit up his face, making him look even more surreally beautiful.

The General almost had second thoughts at that point.

***

London
Saturday, March 19
noon

Mulder sat cross-legged on the floor. He couldn't believe that both of his babies were walking and talking now. He took the doll Faith handed him and watched as she toddled away to find something else to bring him. Mulder glanced over to Alex; his lover had not let him out of his sight once since they'd arrived. As usual, Alex was sitting quietly watching him as he played with the babies.

"Alex, how many times do you want me to tell you that I'm sorry?" Mulder murmured sadly.

"I've already accepted your apology, Fox. If you want to make me happy, just follow the rules that we've laid down for you," Krycek replied, licking his lips hungrily, he wanted to show Fox that he was in charge. He wanted to drag Fox to his feet, rip the clothes from that long, lean body, and take him over the back of the sofa. The only way he could protect Fox was to make him accept that he and Walter were the heads of their family, and knew what was best for Fox and their daughters.

Mulder swallowed nervously at the look of lust in Krycek's eyes. He was beginning to feel like a piece of property and it scared him, but he knew he deserved everything they were doing to him. Every time he looked at his daughters, he knew he deserved even worse for deserting them. What had he been thinking? Why had he believed Slava enough to abandon them? Why? Why? Why?

"The limousine is ready to take us to the airport," Skinner said, stepping into the tense room. He glanced from Fox to Alex then back again. Skinner walked over to Fox and held out his hand to him.

Mulder stared at it for a second before taking it and allowing Skinner to pull him to his feet. Skinner's grip was firm and the larger man exuded such power and strength that it made Mulder feel even more subservient to him. Mulder was holding Faith's rag doll in one hand when an unreasonable fear claimed him and he clenched it to his chest and fearfully backed away from Skinner. They were taking all that remained of his former self away from him. Could he live with what they left? What purpose would there be left for him? He felt a tug on his pants leg, looking down he scooped up Faith into his arms. Hugging her small squirming body tightly he burst into tears and turned his back on his lovers. //Oh god, oh god, stop crying, you can't allow them to see you so helpless,// Mulder scolded himself silently, trying to get a grip on his frayed emotions. It felt like everything was crashing down around him.

Skinner felt totally disgusted with himself, he never should have agreed to treat Fox this way. His lover had given up his freedom to find a cure for their illness and allowed Slava to use his body -- all to find them a cure. So what if Slava had tricked Fox? It wasn't Fox's fault. They should be trying to comfort him instead of blaming him and trying to control him.

"Fox, we'll work this out when we get home. Please, don't cry, babe, everything is going to be all right," Skinner soothed, wrapping his arms around his lover's quaking body from behind, he tightened his hold when Mulder tried to pull away.

"Walter, there is nothing to work out with him!" Krycek snapped. He couldn't believe Skinner was caving in over a few tears.

"Alex, I meant what I just said, we will work this out when we get home. So stop being a bad ass and carry the bags to the limo. The others are ready and waiting for us," Skinner growled.

Krycek snorted in disgust. Then concentrated on the bags -- they rose off the floor and started to float to the door. Suddenly they crashed to the floor. Krycek frowned. He didn't know what had just happened. He tried again and the luggage cooperated this time, floating out and into the trunk of the waiting limo.

After Krycek was gone Skinner hugged Mulder affectionately and whispered lovingly into his ear. "Fox, nothing is going to change. Just forget about those stupid restrictions, they were a shit-poor idea in the first place. I'll make Alex understand. God, it's just so good to have you back, babe. I missed you so much."

"W … Walter, please, don't fight with Alex over this. I … I'll follow the restrictions. I just want there to be peace in our family, no more fighting or blaming," Mulder replied, his voice shaky.

"Fox, what about you? You deserve more from us than the way we've treated you. I don't want you hurting or afraid of us," Skinner murmured.

"Just give me time … I'll be all right. I just need … time," Mulder said, loosening his hold on his daughter who wiggled around in his arms and looked at him closely.

"Daddee, kry."

"Sorry, cutie, daddy won't cry. I can't believe how many words you know, sweetheart," Mulder said, kissing her cheek.

Hope had waddled over to Skinner and was pulling on his pants leg.

"Wup, da."

Skinner smiled down at her. He kissed Fox, then bent to pick up their daughter. It would be okay. They were together again.

***

Cardoso's Fortress
Saturday, March 19
Noon

Hans felt the eyes of everyone in the standing room only arena focused on him as he entered with General Perez. He couldn't wait to be back home in the isolation of Foxfire Glenn where he wasn't stared at or ogled over. He missed his adopted family and wondered how the war was going. Hans prayed that they were all right.

The General led him to their ringside seats that were twenty feet above the arena floor, there were steel spikes protruding out of the concrete around the box they sat in. The General nodded toward eight large n'thral guards standing in front of closed steel doors at both ends of the arena. It took two guards to open each heavy door.

Hans felt his mouth go dry with fear as Hector stalked out into the middle of the arena and glared menacingly up at them. "Doll, I see my cousin has been spoiling you! I'm sure he isn't able to satisfy you sexually, though. Don't worry, after I kill him we can fuck for the pleasure of everyone here," he bellowed, his cock stood fully erect, jutting out from his naked body.

"You won't be touching him again, Cardoso!"

Cardoso spun at the sound of the deep voice behind him. Duffy stood threateningly a few feet away his face was livid with hatred.

"Who's going to stop me? You, farmer?" Cardoso laughed contemptuously.

Hans felt scared to death; he didn't want Duffy to be killed by Hector. It didn't register that Duffy stood a foot taller than Hector and was much more powerfully built. "Please, General Perez, don't allow Hector to kill that man he is a friend of mine from America."

General Perez stared down at the powerfully built n'thral. The giant had the most amazing body he had ever seen. "I don't think you have anything to worry about, Hans, there is no way Hector can kill your friend."

"Sir, please, cancel this match. You don't know Duffy, he is so sweet and gentle, he wouldn't hurt a fly," Schatz pleaded, watching the two naked giants below as they circled each other menacingly.

"It's too late for that now, Hans," Perez murmured, patting the younger man's hand reassuringly.

The midday sun blazed down on Duffy, making his oiled body feel hot and sweaty. He ignored the burning sand against the soles of his bare feet as he searched for a weakness in his opponent. With their skin oil up, it was going to be hard to find purchase on the other man's body.

Cardoso suddenly charged him, ramming his shoulder into Duffy's chest. Duffy shifted just enough to cause Cardoso to lose his footing and his body slid off the larger n'thral. He ended up on the sandy ground. Rolling quickly Cardoso regained his feet with sand covering half of his body. The crowd roared with laughter. Cardoso snarled angrily up at them, he'd teach them respect after he killed this slave.

Hans' fingers were white as he tightly gripped the arms of the chair. He watched as Duffy and Hector exchanged blows. At no point in the thirty-five minutes they were fighting had Hector had the upper hand. It was obvious to all that Duffy was going to win this match. The crowd started to chant for Duffy to kill Cardoso, when all of a sudden a disquieting silence fell over the stadium. Foreign sorcerers appeared within the arena, freezing everyone inside with their powers. Hans' mind was screaming; he couldn't move a muscle, and he didn't know what was going on.

King Gullbrand appeared beside Hans' chair. He reached out and touched the beauty on the cheek. "So lovely," he murmured. His touch unfroze Schatz who turned his head to look at the large handsome man standing next to his chair.

"Who are you? What do you want?" he whispered fearfully, flinching at the voice that suddenly spoke from behind his seat.

"We want to watch the fight," Warlord Beiran Havock said. "Then we are going to take you with us, pretty."

"What a magnificent specimen!" Pharaoh Menes II stated, speaking about Duffy's massive body.

"We draw straws for that one, Menes," King Raschan replied, leaning against the railing overlooking the arena.

Sultan Kahlid Casmiri looked down licking his lips. "Definitely, I want it , too. Look at what it's done to Cardoso. That n'thral would look splendid as my palace slave."

"Just unfreeze them so we can finish watching the fucking fight! We can discuss who gets that monstrosity later," Havock growled. He pushed the frozen body of General Perez onto the floor and took his seat propping his feet up on the guardrail.

Hans stood and attempted to go to the General's aid, but Gullbrand stopped him. The King sat in the seat Hans vacated and pulled the young immortal back onto his lap, holding him firmly against his chest. "Awe that's better, you fit perfectly, beloved," the King purred contentedly, breathing in the immortal's intoxicating scent. He could hold him like this all day.

"Please, let me help him. He's bleeding," Schatz begged, trying to wiggle out of Gullbrand's arms.

Schatz's sweet ass rubbed pleasurably against Gullbrand's groin causing the Nordic King to become aroused. "What does that man mean to you, sweet Hans, he hasn't touched you has he?" he asked jealously.

"No. No, he saved me from Hector. General Perez has been nothing but kind to me, he's never touched me," Hans said quickly picking up the jealousy in this stranger's voice. He became afraid for the General's life. "Please, don't hurt him. My people need him to lead them."

Gullbrand's heart softened toward the General. After all, the man had protected his future mate from that damned n'thral. "All right, Hans, he will be spared. Now sit back, so I can enjoy the fight," he murmured, pulling Hans back against his chest.

Hans' eyes kept wandering down to where Perez lay on the floor. The steady rise and fall of his chest gave Hans peace of mind that he was all right. He reluctantly leaned back against Gullbrand's broad chest allowing the large man hold him. His eyes focused again on the two giants in the ring as they were unfrozen.

Cardoso spun and glared up angrily at his former associates, his right eye was swollen shut and he was missing several teeth, making him appear even more grotesque. "Take your hands off my property, asshole!" he slurred angrily.

Duffy also glared up at the new threats to his young friend. He met Hans' frightened eyes. "If you hurt him I will rip off your arms and beat you to death with them!" he threatened.

Gullbrand tossed back his head and laughed. "Oh, you have balls, n'thral. What is your name and why do you care what happens to this beauty?"

"The name is Jason Duffy and that young man is under my protection," he growled, ignoring the look that flashed across Cardoso's face as he finally realized that Duffy was no farmer.

"You lied to me, bastard! I will kill you for that," Cardoso screamed and launched himself angrily at Duffy.

Duffy sidestepped and kicked out, catching Cardoso in the groin and as he doubled over with pain, Duffy grabbed him around his throat. He held him bent backwards with his massive arm cutting off the other giant's air. "You're going to kill me are you, scumbag? I don't think so! I'm going to make you pay painfully for what you did to my young friend," Duffy growled as he reached between Cardoso's legs and grabbed his cock and balls and twisted them.

Cardoso's scream of pain could be heard for miles as Duffy, with his muscles straining with effort, proceeded to tear the organ off his enemy's body.

Hans couldn't watch; he turned his face into Gullbrand's shoulder shivering with revulsion. He hated Cardoso, but he couldn't bear to see anyone die so horribly.

The other sorcerers were screaming their approval, enjoying the brutality of the massive giant. "I must have that n'thral for my army," Emperor Kong Woo Long said, watching as Cardoso's body thrashed painfully around on the ground as the large creature bled to death.

"Stand in line, Kong," Menes II replied.

"I'm willing to give up my claims on that pretty immortal," the Emperor stated. He already had a pretty, Chinese immortal back on his ship waiting for him.

"Done," Gullbrand said quickly. One less competitor for Hans was more than fine with him.

All the others soon agreed to let Kong have Duffy.

"Very well, Kong, since you have no claim to our pretty immortal, you can referee our competition for him when we get back to Egypt," Menes II replied.

"What should we do about this country and these men?" King Raschan asked, looking around at the frozen men sitting in the stadium.

"Leave them, our ships are full with American slaves. We don't have room, and they're not worth killing," Gullbrand said, anxious to get back to Egypt so he could win Hans.

Hans sighed with relief, he didn't want to see anyone else killed or injured. At least Duffy wasn't going to be killed; it sounded like he was too highly prized.

"Come, Hans, you will be sailing with me on my ship," Gullbrand said, helping the young man off his lap.

"I don't think so, Gullbrand. Hans will sail on Kong's ship," Menes II replied.

"Are you out of your *fucking* mind? I'm not going to allow him anywhere near Hans," Gullbrand growled, pulling Hans protectively against his chest.

Kong chuckled. "Don't worry, Blondie, he will be treated with reverence aboard my ship. My mate will enjoy his companionship."

Gullbrand met the challenging eyes of all the other leaders and knew he would not win this argument. "See that he is, Kong! If you or your men touch one precious hair on his pretty head, I will kill you," he threatened, turning Hans over to the care of the large Chinese Emperor.

Hans' eyes met Duffy's one final time as several sorcerers from Kong's ship bound the giant's arms and legs in irons. Hans tried not to look at Hector's body as he followed Kong out of the stadium. A deep sadness overtook him as he realized that he might never see Melvin or his adopted family again.

***

Gabriel Hunter was exhausted, he had used his powers to hold the small boat together and move them faster toward their destination. They were still at least a day away from Argentina. He needed to rest if he was going to be able to use his powers to rescue Hans.

"Melvin, do you think you could handle sailing the boat for awhile? It looks like we should have clear sailing the rest of the trip, I want to rest up before we reach Argentina."

"Yeah, sure, Gabriel, go below and sleep. If I run into trouble I'll wake you," Frohike said, looking at his friend. They had become even closer in the time they had spent searching for Hans.

"Thanks, Melvin, he said, climbing tiredly down into the ship's cabin.

Brooding, Frohike looked out over the bow of the ship. He had a disquieting feeling in the pit of his stomach. He focused his powers on the clear shimmering water, trying to see the future on its glassy surface. He was startled by the image that appeared in the gentle waves. His Hans was sitting quietly on the deck of a large ship and sitting behind him was a beautiful Chinese immortal who was brushing Hans' golden hair. What was going on? Where was Cardoso? Frohike concentrated harder trying to get answers to his questions when the battered, bloody body of Cardoso appeared in the shimmering waters.

Was this the future he was seeing or the present? The only way they would find out was in Argentina. He prayed that wherever his lover was that he was being treated well.

***

Foxfire Glenn Estate
Saturday, March 19
5:00 p.m.

Skinner parked the SUV in front of the mansion. He hadn't been here since he had awakened from his coma. He looked longingly at the structure as they climbed out of the vehicle. It felt good to finally be home. He smiled as Shinji Takeda and Major Kazuo Sawada came racing out of the mansion. Skinner had informed Sawada that they had his Uncle Masataka with them.

"Uncle, are you all right?" Sawada asked, pulling the older man into a hug.

"I'm fine, Kazuo," Izumi said, smiling and hugging his nephew back, his eyes met Shinji's over Kazuo's shoulder.

He gently pushed his nephew away and went to meet the beautiful young immortal. "You must be Shinji. Mulder has told me a lot about you, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Izumi said, hugging the young man.

Sawada had been worried about how he'd explain Shinji to his uncle. Although his uncle was opened minded, it was still difficult to tell a family member that he had a male lover. Telling his father and Uncles Takeshi and Shinobu was about the hardest thing Kazuo had ever done.

Izumi turned and looked back at his nephew. "Kazuo, he is so beautiful. I am so happy for you." Turning back to Takeda, he asked, "Shinji, where is this baby you named after my sister?"

"She's inside with Rory, Uncle. Please let me take your bag, we have a room all prepared for you," he said happily, taking an instant liking to the older man.

Mulder stood outside the car holding Faith who was sleeping with her tiny head resting on his shoulder as he silently watched the happy family scene unfold. Krycek's arm wrapped around his waist. "C'mon, Fox, let's show our guests to their rooms then you can fix them something to eat."

"That won't be necessary, Alex. Shinji and I already cooked dinner, it is warming on the stove," Sawada said, missing the look of disappointment in Krycek's green orbs.

Pyetr Yermolov had spent the past day watching how Alexei was treating Mulder and didn't understand why Alex was being such an ass. "Alexei, why don't you show Marat and me to our rooms. I'm sure Mulder would like to take Faith inside and put her to bed."

Skinner picked up immediately on what Yermolov was trying to do. "That a good idea, Alex. Fox and I will put the babies to bed and meet you all back in the kitchen. I'm starving, Kazuo, I hope you made a lot of food," Skinner replied, holding Hope who was also sound asleep. He didn't give Krycek a chance to object, instead he ushered Fox quickly into the mansion.

"There should be plenty, Walter," Sawada replied, following Skinner into the mansion. His uncle and Shinji had already gone inside to find Rory and Ayako.

Before Krycek could follow the others into the mansion, Yermolov grabbed his upper arm. "Okay, Alexei, what gives?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you treating Mulder so rudely. I thought you were in love with him?"

"It's none of your business how I treat my lover, Pyetr! I suggest you stay out of it, this is between Fox and myself," Krycek growled, pulling out of his friend's grasp.

"Mulder needs your support and love, Alexei. He's been through a hard time," Yermolov argued.

"Fox needs a firm hand so he doesn't get himself into trouble again," Krycek replied. "Just drop it, Pyetr. C'mon, I'll show you and Marat to your room and introduce you to the rest of the family."

Fyodorov exchanged concerned looks with Yermolov as they followed Krycek into the mansion. The little man froze when a vision flashed before his eyes. He saw Alexei lying unmoving in a muddy field with lightening flashing over head and the rumble of thunder sounded all around, there was smoke coming off Alexei's badly burnt body, and Nikolai Slava was standing over him. The vision ended as quickly as it had begun. Fyodorov shook himself to clear his mind and rushed after Alex and Pyetr. He couldn't tell anyone about this vision, he needed more information.

***

Mulder glanced sadly around their bedroom the damage to the room had been repaired by MacIver, but there were several personal items missing that his lovers and he had collected, including photographs of them and their daughters. He placed Faith down on the center of the bed next to Hope. Skinner placed the pillows around the babies so they wouldn't roll off the bed.

"It's a small loss, Fox. We'll have new prints made from the negatives, which are still in the wall safe. Obviously the bastards weren't able to find it," Skinner replied, pulling Mulder into his arms. "We're home now, everything will be okay. You'll see."

"Will it, Walter? How can you even stand to touch me? I didn't even fight Slava, I gave myself to him willingly," Mulder stated, wanting to make his lover mad. He wanted Walter to punish him as he deserved and not to treat him so kindly. He didn't deserve kindness. He had betrayed them.

"Fox, you won't be able to convince me that you went to Slava's bed willingly. You only went to secure a cure for Alex and me. Am I happy that you did something so stupid? *No.* But I am willing to forgive you because your heart was in the right place," Skinner soothed. He'd already had this same argument with Fox three times. God, it was hard enough convincing his lover that he forgave him without Alex convincing Fox that he had committed the greatest sin.

What was he going to do with Alex? He couldn't allow him to continue to treat Fox the way he has been. There was something not quite right with Alex, he seemed moodier than usual. Maybe what they all needed was some peace and quiet, some time to relax and become a family again.

"Walter, do you think they'll find them?" Mulder asked sadly.

Skinner sighed; they would never be able to relax as long as members of their family were still missing. "Don't worry, Fox. Gabriel and Melvin will bring Hans and Duffy home."

Mulder nodded, hoping Walter was right. "I need to call Scully and see if there is any news on Jonathan. I can't believe that he is missing, too. Fuck, it's the Mulder *curse* rearing its ugly head. People that I care about always end up getting hurt or disappearing," Mulder replied miserably as he walked over to the telephone.

Skinner wanted to shake him and make him see that not everything revolved around him. "Fox, you don't have to call Dana, she's staying in one of our guestrooms. And you're not cursed . . . at least I don't think you are, but maybe I should hire a witchdoctor to check you out just in case," he quipped, trying to lighten his lover's mood instead.

Mulder gave him a startled look and a slow smile appeared on his full lips briefly. "You do that, Walter," he said as he left the bedroom to search for his best friend.

He ran into Krycek in the upstairs hallway. His lover looked angrily at him. "Where's Walter? Why are you alone?"

"I'm just going to find Scully, Alex. We're inside the mansion, there isn't anything that can happen to me here," Mulder replied nervously.

"I don't want you to go anywhere alone, Fox, you can't be trusted *not* to get into trouble! C'mon, I'll take you to Dana," he grumbled.

"Yes, Alex," Mulder replied meekly as he followed the younger man down the long hallway, feeling depressed again.

Downstairs in the kitchen Blaise and Hawk were drooling over the young Russian major. Neither man knew what was happening to them. They had never felt this turned on by anyone besides each other.

"So, Pyetr, can I get you something to drink? Tea, coffee, beer," Hawk offered.

Yermolov shifted uncomfortably on the kitchen stool as he gazed into the loveliest set of sparkling midnight eyes he'd ever seen. These two beautiful immortals had him harder than the frozen Siberian tundra. "Vodka would be nice, Joe, if you have it," he said, needing a stiff drink.

"Two Russian Americans own this place, I think we have a stash of vodka somewhere," Hawk quipped, reaching above the stove and opening the cabinet where Alex kept his stash of vodka. Luckily, the invaders had left that cabinet untouched. "Would you like to try some of Alex's homebrew? Or the domestic?"

"Alexei's homebrew sounds intriguing," the young major said, watching Hawk's ass as he reached up for the bottle and getting even hornier. He jumped when Blaise casually draped his arm around his shoulder.

"So, you're a sorcerer, Pyetr. Any good?" Blaise asked huskily, licking in his lips and staring at the bulge in the Russian's pants.

"Good?" Yermolov squeaked, reading another meaning into Blaise's words.

"Yeah, at making things move with your hands," Hawk said setting a glass of vodka in front of the man while invading his personal space and rubbing seductively up against Pyetr's body.

Marat Fyodorov stood with his mouth open across the kitchen, watching in awe as the two amorous immortals hit on his countryman. He needed to get in on some of this action. Fyodorov spit in his hand and slicked back his unruly hair, adjusted his clothing then sauntered over there. "Hi, gorgeous, I don't think we were introduce, I'm Marat," he said to Hawk.

"The name's not gorgeous, it's Joe, and I suggest you take your grubby little hand off my ass or you're going to lose it," the immortal growled.

Fyodorov jumped back. "But your hand is on Pyetr's ass, what gives?"

Hawk couldn't answer the little man; he didn't know why he was feeling so horny for Pyetr's body. He met Justin's eyes over the young Russian's head. It wasn't as if his lover and he hadn't been keeping each other satisfied, they were, and then some. For some reason, he wanted to have sex with Pyetr -- badly.

"I would like to get a sample of your blood, Pyetr," Takeda said. He had also been watching his friends fall all over the Russian, and Pyetr's valiant effort to control himself as he sat with his legs squeezed tightly together. If this wasn't tied to their genes, he didn't know what else it could be. Takeda was hoping to prove his genetic bond mate theory, and he needed more evidence.

"Shinji, not again. Would you just chill on your genetics testing," Blaise admonished.

"It's important, Justin. I need to know, *we* need to know for our own safety and piece of mind," Takeda argued.

"Why is that, Shinji?" MacIver asked, picking up the anxiety in his lover's voice.

"Rory, Kazuo and I are genetic bond mates. You and I are not. You know how quickly I fell in love with Kazuo and had to have him as part of my life! What happens if I meet someone else who I'm genetically bonded to? What if I fall as deeply in love with him as I am Kazuo? That is why I want to develop a drug that would counteract these feelings," Takeda said.

"You have a point, Shin. I really don't think our bed is large enough for another one of your lovers," MacIver joked.

Blaise squeezed Yermolov's shoulder affectionately. "C'mon, Pyetr, Joe and I will give you a tour of the estate." Then he leaned down and whispered into the Russian's ear, "And we'll take care of this for you in the process." He brazenly patted the bulge in the man's pants.

Pyetr groaned and almost embarrassed himself by coming. "Okay," he gasped and climbed cautiously off the stool, he stiffly followed the two immortals out of the kitchen.

Takeda frowned. "Maybe we should stop them, Rory."

"They're adults, Shin, it's their decision who they take into their bed," MacIver replied, nodding to Izumi who had come into the kitchen carrying Ayako, Sawada followed a step behind them.

"Who's taking who into their bed?" Sawada asked.

"I think Justin and Joe are going to have sex with Pyetr," Takeda informed him.

"You sound like you have a problem with that, Shin?" Sawada asked confused by his lover's anxiety.

"Yes. Because Pyetr's a sorcerer," he replied, disgusted.

"Yeah, and your point is, love?" MacIver asked a bit miffed.

"Sorry, Rory, I didn't mean it that way. Justin and Joe aren't dependent like I am on you and Kazuo for sex. They don't have to worry about someday experiencing withdrawal symptoms. If they have anal sex with Pyetr then all of that will change, and I think they are only doing it because they are genetically bonded to him. Like Justin and Joe are bonded to each other," Takeda explained.

Now it was Sawada's turn to be miffed. "Shin, there is nothing wrong with being genetically bonded to someone! We are and that doesn't tarnish our love for each other."

"Sorry, Kazuo, I didn't mean it that way either. I think I should shut up before I really put my foot in my mouth," he said.

***

Scully opened the bedroom door to the two men waiting out in the hallway. Mulder could immediately tell that she'd been crying. When Scully saw him, she threw herself into his arms.

"Thank God, Mulder, you're home!"

"Scully, how are you doing?" Mulder studied her closely it had been over five weeks since he saw her last, and her pregnancy was starting to show. She looked tired as if she hadn't slept in awhile. He caressed the side of her cheek with his thumb.

"Mulder, I'm at my wits end. I can do absolutely nothing to get Jonathan back on my own! The U.S. government is going to demand the return of our men, but that could take months, if ever. I hate feeling so helpless! I'm a FBI agent for Christsake!" Scully ranted her emotions were raw and too close to the surface.

Mulder pulled her into his arm. "Ssh, it's going to be okay, Scully, we'll get Jonathan back . . . I'll . . . " He stopped speaking as his eyes met Krycek's over Scully's head. "I'm sure Walter and Alex will help you, Scully," he murmured submissively.

"Yeah, don't worry. Walter and I will help you find him," Krycek said. "If you'll excuse us, Dana, Fox needs to take a nap, he hasn't been sleeping well lately."

"Mulder, I'm sorry. How are you doing?" Scully asked, feeling embarrassed that she didn't notice how pale and withdrawn her friend appeared.

Mulder looked away, refusing to meet her eyes. "I'm fine, Scully,'" he said hastily. "I have to go with, Alex, now. I'll … we'll see you tomorrow." He couldn't bear for her to see him so pathetic; Scully had enough problems to worry about without him adding to them.

He allowed Alex to drag him back to their room. The babies were still soundly sleeping on the middle of their king-sized bed.

"We'll leave them for now, Fox, I think you could use a nice hot shower," Krycek said, pushing him into the bathroom then he jumped up and sat on the counter, leaning back against the mirror. "Okay, strip for me, baby."

"What?"

"I want you to strip for me."

Mulder stood nervously in the center of the room. His hands shook as he unbuttoned the first three buttons of his knit top. Keeping his eyes focused on the floor, he pulled the top over his head and was going to let it drop when he hesitated and started to carry it over to the laundry hamper.

"Just let it drop, Fox, I'll take care of your clothes later. I want you to look at me while you remove the rest of your clothing."

Mulder dropped the shirt on the floor then looked at the center of Alex's chest refusing to meet the younger man's eyes as he peeled off his undershirt then started to unbutton his jeans, while toeing off his sneakers.

Krycek frowned, this wasn't working out like he wanted. "Fox, look me in the eyes." He waited until Mulder raised his eyes to meet his before saying anything else. "I love you, Fox. You do know that don't you?"

"Yes," Mulder said simply sliding his jeans down his long legs.

"Who do you belong to?"

"You and Walter," he responded softly, removing his boxers and standing naked before his lover.

"I want to see you pleasure yourself, Fox. I want to see you make yourself come," Krycek purred, looking hungrily at Fox's beautiful body. "I want you to do it to please me. Go ahead, babe, tease your nipples."

Mulder stared passively at him and his hands went up to twist and pinch his own nipples, he continued until he started to feel himself getting aroused. He didn't want that to happen so he stopped.

"Continue, Fox. Don't stop, I want to see those beautiful nipples looking like succulent, red buds," Krycek said lustily, his hand stroking himself through his pants.

The look in Krycek's eyes made Mulder fearful of disobeying him so he went back to pleasuring himself. His cock soon stood painfully erect against his belly, while his nipples were red and sore little nubs. Mulder's hand went down to touch his cock.

"Don't touch it yet. I want to watch as you fuck yourself with this dildo," Krycek said and a ten-inch dildo appeared in his hand. He tossed the object to Fox who caught it and ran his hand over its surface feeling that it was already coated with a lubricate.

Mulder was glad that it wasn't very thick, but the forth-inch ridges circling the dildo at one-inch intervals were going to be a problem. He sighed and placed his foot up on the bathtub rim and spread his legs further apart. Meeting Alex's aroused emerald orbs he brought the dildo between his legs and pressed it up against his anus. He tightly grasped the thick handle at the base of the dildo that was shaped like a set of balls and pushed until he felt his sphincter muscle give. The first inch of the object entered him, then stopped at the first ridge. He strained until the first two ridges popped inside him, giving him the most pleasurable sensation. No, he didn't want to feel pleasure from this humiliation.

Krycek had unfastened his pants and his hard cock was gripped in his fist, he slowly stroked it as he watched Fox slide another three inches of the dildo into his delicious ass. "Just four more inches to go, babe, I want to see it all the way inside of you," Krycek urged.

Mulder didn't think he could get the last four inches inside without coming, each time he pushed it further in the ridges would rub against his prostate sending electric bolts of pleasure throughout his body and ending at his groin. He held his breath and slammed the last four inches home until the round handle was flush with his ass. Mulder screamed as his cock exploded, sending spurts milky come shooting across the bathroom.

Krycek couldn't take the painful fullness of his erection any longer. He hopped off the counter and shed his clothes. He dragged Mulder into an embrace, kissing him passionately while his hand reached down, twisted, and turned the dildo that was still inside him. Then he started to fuck his lover with that hard piece of plastic.

Mulder trembled in Alex's strong embrace as the ridges relentlessly scraped against his tender insides, he was becoming erected again, and he buried his face into his lover's shoulder. At least Alex wasn't making him perform for his enjoyment like some cheap whore any longer. He could live with this sort of pleasure. Mulder bit the side of Alex's neck to keep from crying out as the younger man pulled the dildo from his body, and tightly gripped his cock to keep him from coming again.

"Not yet, babe. I want to be inside of you when you come this time. I want to feel that delicious hot interior squeeze my cock like a velvet fist. I want to own you, Fox, every fucking beautiful silken inch. Mind, body, and soul," Krycek murmured lustfully as he positioned his lover's body over the sink, and sank quickly into him.

Krycek didn't release his firm hold on Fox's cock; he knew if he did his lover would come. He wanted to fuck him first. Long. Hard. Deep. Krycek spent twenty minutes pounding into Fox's tight responsive body until he felt his balls tighten up and he released his hold on his lover's cock and the two men screamed as they orgasmed together.

Mulder slumped against the counter, he couldn't remember the last time that he had been so thoroughly fucked. For a brief moment he forgot his problems, and turned around in Alex's arms after the younger man had slipped out of him and kissed him for all he was worth. "Thanks, Alex."

Krycek rained gentle kisses all over Fox's face. "You're welcome, lover. C'mon, let's get you into the shower. You need a nap more than ever now."

Mulder bit his tongue. Although he was tired he didn't want a nap, but he didn't want to make Alex mad by protesting.

"Daddee."

They looked toward at the sound of Faith's voice. Krycek caught Mulder's shocked and worried expression as he went to pick up their daughter.

"Don't worry, Fox, she didn't see us. However, we are going to have to be more careful in the future with both of them walking now," Krycek said, turning to his daughter he hugged and kissed her. "Isn't that right, cutie? Are Daddy Fox and I going to have to put bells on your shoes so you can't sneak up on us?" he teased.

Mulder went over and turned on the shower. He would be mortified if his daughters were ever to witness him having sex. He wasn't ashamed to have them see him naked, but sex was a whole other issue. They were going to have to watch what they said in front of their daughters as well. Life just kept getting more and more complicated.

***

Cardoso's Fortress
Sunday, March 20
5:00 p.m.

The small fishing boat limped into the harbor, and died at the dock.

"We're not going to be able to use this boat again," Frohike said.

"We won't be needing it again, Melvin," Hunter replied.

They walked toward the city and away from the docks. As they got closer, they heard music and the sounds of a celebration going on.

"What do you think it is?" Hunter asked.

"Cardoso's dead. The people are celebrating," Frohike replied, reading the minds of the celebrators. "Hans isn't here, Gabriel."

Frohike had been prepared. He had not expected to find Hans here, but it took Hunter completely by surprise. The handsome sorcerer's face fell at the news. Although Hunter had been trying to make telepathic contact with Hans since they sailed into the harbor, he was half hoping the reason he couldn't reach him was that a clairvoyant or another sorcerer was shielding Hans' presence.

"Where is he?"

"I don't know. We'll have to find someone who's in charge," Frohike said.

They searched for an hour and finally got directions from one of the celebrators who was still somewhat sober. Hunter pounded on the sturdy wood door until a servant answered it.

"We want to see General Perez, is he around?" Hunter demanded.

"The General isn't taking visitors right now," the servant replied and started to close the door.

Hunter's hand shot out and held it open.

"That's all right, Luis, show these gentlemen into my study," General Perez said. Standing in front of an open doorway, he turned and walked back into the room.

Frohike and Hunter quickly crossed the foyer and followed the General into the room. The General stood pouring brandy from a decanter into three glasses. "Would you gentlemen do me the honor of having a drink with me?" he asked.

"You know why we're here?" Hunter asked as the older man handed him a brandy snifter.

"I was going to return Hans to America, but he was taken from me before I had the chance. The poor boy, he misses you greatly," Perez said, looking at Frohike. "You're a lucky man to have someone who is so pure of heart and beautiful."

"Where is Hans?"

"The coalition leaders took him. I was able to read their destination as I regained consciousness. They're taking him to Egypt where they plan to hold a competition for which one of them gets him."

"Damn, we need to get to Egypt, is there someone here who can fly us there?" Hunter asked.

"Yes, I will have my best pilot fly you there," the General said.

"General Perez, there was a n'thral who might have been with Hans, we're trying to find him, too. Can you tell us if you've seen him? He'd be pretty hard to miss, Duffy stands nine feet tall," Hunter asked.

"He's gone, too. Emperor Kong took him. The other sla … prisoners that we took from your country have all been freed … I'm going to be shipping them home in the morning," Perez said. "I'll send my servant for the pilot, if you leave now you'll arrive in Egypt days before the coalition gets there, which should give you time to plan how you're going to rescue young Hans."

"Thank you, General," Hunter said, finally something was going their way.

***

Continued in Chapter 11