Wendingo Read online

  He opened his mouth, silently inviting Neil deeper, and moaned his approval when Neil’s tongue slid wetly against his. They broke apart, and the next kiss they shared was sensual. Neil’s tongue explored Del’s mouth and Del whimpered, eager for more.

  It felt as if Neil’s hands were everywhere. Del’s jumper was pulled off, and talented fingers slid beneath his t-shirt to explore his chest, and tweak his already peaked nipples. Then his jeans were opened and shoved down along with his briefs, and he gasped as his heated dick came into contact with the cold air.

  Locking his gaze with Del, Neil took the erect flesh in his hand, and stroked, lightly at first, then with growing confidence as Del moaned and bucked. Neil moved closer, sealing his mouth over Del’s. Del wrapped his arms around Neil and held on. He squirmed, panted, moaned, and his hips followed Neil’s steady rhythm.

  He keened in the back of his throat as Neil worked his shaft harder, and faster, just the way he liked it. Neil kissed him again, his tongue deep in Del’s mouth as his thumb flicked over the sensitised head of Del’s cock. Del came hard, his moans muffled by Neil’s mouth.

  As he came down from his high, he was guided to the bed, and sat with a thud, unable to stand. Then his attention riveted on Neil who was stripping quickly. Oh God, his chest is furred. Del licked his lips as his gaze followed Neil’s treasure trail to the glorious, thick bush of auburn pubic hair. Although Del had a few inches in height over Neil, looking at the cock the auburn curls haloed, he saw little difference in size to his own. He’s gorgeous. Perfect.

  Del realised he was still dressed, and struggled rapidly out of his clothes.

  “Put on a side light,” Neil said, his voice husky.

  Del obeyed and Neil stalked towards him. For a moment, Del could have sworn Neil’s eyes glowed red. Must have been a trick of the light. When Neil reached the bed, he flipped Del onto his stomach. The ease with which Neil moved him stunned Del. Then coherent thought fled.

  Neil parted Del’s ass cheeks, and licked down the crease. The tip of his tongue teased Del’s opening, and Del tried to push back. Neil moved lower, lapping at Del’s sac, making his whine and wiggle his ass. Regaining enough higher reasoning as Neil nipped at his cheeks, Del reached into his bedside table and brought out lube and a condom

  Neil grabbed them from where Del dropped them on the bed, and then thrust his tongue hard enough against Del’s opening to get inside. Del yelped, covering his mouth with a hand to stop himself from making too much noise.

  Before Del had time to regret the loss of Neil’s tongue, a finger had already replaced it. A second finger quickly joined the first. Already aroused, Del relaxed quickly into the stretching. As if sensing Del didn’t need any more preparation, the next thing Neil pressed against Del’s opening was the thick head of his shaft.

  Neil had a tight grip of Del’s hips, and pushed hard enough to sink halfway inside on his first thrust. He pulled back a little and sank fully inside. Neil’s body shook, but before Del could vocalise his concern, Neil shifted, and his cock dragged over Del’s prostate. He moaned as lights danced before his eyes.

  “Oh yeah, more.”

  Neil set up a punishing tempo, and all Del could do was hang on for the ride. He tried to reach his dick, but Neil slapped his hand away. With Neil’s hand pulling in time to his hard, fast thrusts, Del gave himself over to the pleasure. His body shuddered as Neil drove him to his climax. Lights, heat, and pleasure surrounded him. For a moment Del was oblivious to anything else.

  A low, deep growl vibrated through his entire body, heralding Neil’s release, and Del groaned at the powerful pulses of the flesh buried deep inside his body. He collapsed slowly to the bed, and Neil’s body blanketed him. Sweat and musk were heavy and heady in the air, and Del sighed his satisfaction.

  “There was something different,” Neil said. “I don’t know what.”

  “I’m a shifter,” Del whispered. “Does that make a difference?” Although preternaturals lived openly amongst humans, they weren’t always accepted. He waited anxiously for Neil’s reaction.

  “No. No, it doesn’t, Del. I—I can’t stay though.”

  Neil’s voice was low and guttural, close to Del’s ear. Del might have been relieved his revelation was so well received, but Neil’s words derailed any surprise Del may have felt at not being questioned further. He fought back a wave of disappointment. I wanted to wake up with him in my arms. “It’s okay, I understand.” It was only in part a lie, so Del’s voice didn’t waver.

  “I wish I could explain, but I can’t. Not here, not now.”

  A moment later, Neil moved, and eased carefully from Del’s body. Del felt the loss, coldness immediately replacing the warmth he’d felt. “Will I see you again?” He hated to ask, and hoped his voice didn’t sound too whiney.

  “I don’t know. I shouldn’t have done this, but I’d be lying if I said I regretted it.”

  Del sighed. Given his work, and his work mates, I guess it’s not easy being openly gay. “I’ll be here for a couple more weeks at least. I’d like to see you again, if you are able.”

  “I’ll see. Del, I—just take care, okay?”

  Del was certain Neil had been about to say something different. As Neil slid to the side, Del looked at him. Neil’s beautiful blue eyes were filled with concern, and Del stroked his cheek, feeling the raspy stubble. “You take care, too,” he whispered.

  Neil disposed of the condom in the bin, left the bed, and dressed quickly. He hesitated at the door, and then drew Del into a heated kiss.

  Del watched him hurry down the hallway before closing and locking his door. He flopped onto the bed, and flicked off the light. Sleep was going to be a long time coming.

  Chapter Three

  As Del rode his snowboard down the slope, he stopped, and looked around. I could swear I’m being watched. If he was, his voyeur was well hidden. He shrugged and carried on. Looking down the hill, he recognised Lauren’s distinctive scarf wrapped around a figure waiting at the bottom. He and Lauren got on really well at Korbl’s restaurant, and fortunately she wasn’t interested in romance. What on earth can she want?

  He came to a stop beside her. “Hi, Lauren—”

  “Look, this will sound ridiculous, but just listen, okay?” Lauren’s scarf muffled her voice, but the urgency was unmistakable. “This town isn’t a safe place for visitors on their own. I think you’re in danger. I shouldn’t be warning you, but I like you, and I don’t want to find you’ve suddenly disappeared one day and be told ‘Oh, he left last night.’ I’ve heard it before. I want you to go and speak to my grandma.”

  Del stared at the piece of paper she held out before taking it slowly.

  “Lauren—”

  “Please, don’t say anything. This town is cursed, and I know how crazy it sounds. But … but I like you, Del. I don’t want you to just vanish. Go to my grandma, she’ll tell you the story. If you stay—well, that’s your choice. Just don’t ever mention we had this conversation.”

  She hurried away and Del stared after her retreating figure. He shook his head, but an inner voice made him look at the paper. He picked up his board, and headed into town.

  Del checked he had the right address before knocking on the bright red door. The door opened to reveal a slim, attractive woman, who could have been anywhere from mid fifties to mid sixties in age. Her eyes widened briefly, and then she recovered and stood back.

  “Come in. Go straight through to the kitchen.”

  Del obeyed and then sat at her breakfast bar as she directed. She perched on a stool opposite him.

  “I’m Del,” he said. “But I guess you know that.”

  “I’m Carol, Lauren’s grandmother. She said she’d spoken to you. This is a dangerous place, Del. But you can make up your own mind.”

  “Lauren said the same,” Del said. “I’m willing to listen.”

  Carol sighed. “It all goes back to the bad winter of the mid nineteen sixties, this town got cut off. You couldn’t
get through the pass, due to snow and landslides. These days the cliffs are reinforced.”

  “I noticed on the ride up.” Del nodded.

  “Well, in those days there was nothing to stop the sheer weight of snow sending rocks falling, plus the never-ending snow itself. The river froze. We were reduced to rationing food with no sign of any let up.”

  “I didn’t see anything mentioned other than a rock fall.” Del frowned as he tried to remember anything about such a tragedy.

  “It was never reported. The town’s rich people: the major and the owner of the mill, said we’d only been cut off for a fraction of the true time. People were paid to say nothing. So no one did.”

  “But what does that have to do with a—a curse like Lauren mentioned.” Del shook his head. A tragedy sure, but nothing more.

  “The major and the mill owner didn’t like being forced to ration what they ate.” Carol’s voice dropped to a frightened whisper. “They were greedy. They found another source of meat.”

  “You mean they trapped—” Del stared as Carol shook her head. Cold thrilled his veins and he shook his head. “No. They didn’t.”

  “Cannibalism.” Carol whispered. “That might have been understood. In the circumstances. But they didn’t stop with those who’d already succumb. They wanted fresher meat.”

  “They killed people? How did they get away with it?” Del shivered, wrapping his arms around his body.

  “No proof. Just missing people and rumour when the pass was finally opened. The mayor claimed the missing were heroes who’d gone for help. Their families were well-compensated. But they’d crossed the line. They’d answered the call of the wendingo.”

  “Wendingo.” Del had heard of them, but to consider they might exist… He shook his head. “A demon or spirit that can possess a human, or it can be a physically transformed person.”

  “Yes. Humans can turn into wendingos if they resort to cannibalism or if they become overpowered by greed and let the beast into their hearts. Our mountain has a dark reputation. People go missing. The logging company takes on itinerant workers, cash in hand, no questions asked. People come into town, take on casual work, move on.”

  “Or not,” Del said.

  “They’re careful. Too many missing would raise questions and bring investigators. There are fewer of us old enough to remember each year, and we’re very isolated here. They pick carefully. Lauren thinks you have been picked. There’s still time to get a bus and out of town.”

  “I—I don’t know.” Neil’s face came into his thoughts. If there is a wendingo here, I need to get Neil to leave with me. “There’s something I need to do first. At least I can be on my guard.”

  “The choice is yours, Del. The whole town was paid for its silence. We’re all guilty in some way. Some are more active in their involvement. Those happy to take on casual, no questions, labour.”

  Korbl’s face flashed into Del’s mind. His rate of pay was one I couldn’t refuse. He nodded at Carol. “Thank you. And thank Lauren for me.”

  Del hurried back to his motel and into his room. He hastily stuffed a few things in his rucksack. If I set out now, I can get to the logging site before dark, but I won’t make it back. Hopefully I can exchange a meal and a bed, for being chef for the night.

  He ran down the stairs two at a time and out into the street. He headed over to the restaurant. There was only the kitchen hand out back. He grimaced when the waitress told him that Korbl had nipped out.

  “Look, just tell him that I’m likely to be out overnight, but I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m really sorry, but something important came up.”

  “He won’t be pleased.” The waitress drawled the words, and shook her head.

  Del didn’t care whether Korbl liked it or not. If there was danger, he wanted Neil away from it. He just hoped he could convince the lumberjack. Hi. Guess what? There may be a wendingo round here sizing us all up for dinner. Yeah right! “Look just tell him. Okay?”

  “Sure.”

  Glaring at the girl as she sashayed away, Del readjusted his backpack and headed out. He could get the minibus that ran up the mountain to the skiing resort, hire a snow mobile and get across through the forest that way.

  He didn’t relax during the bus ride. He had no idea how to persuade Neil to leave with him. The night they’d shared in his room had forged a bond that Del could still feel tingling through his veins whenever he thought of Neil. There is no way I’m leaving him here. None.

  Del wasted no time hiring a snow mobile once he reached the resort. The logging works itself sat further up the mountain and through the forest, with the river running past it. He focused on negotiating his way through trees. He concentrated so deeply that it took a moment for it to register he was no longer alone.

  Three other snow mobiles flitted in and out of view through the trees. They began to close in, and Del instinctively thought to try and outrun them. He kept calm, and slowed down instead, letting them close in. The lead rider waved, and Del recognised Vidar, the leader of the loggers.

  He pulled over, and Vidar came over.

  “Bit out of your comfort zone here, aren’t you?” he asked.

  “Neil mentioned coming up to see a working logging business. I won’t get another chance,” Del said, the lie slipping easily from his lips.

  “Indeed?”

  “I thought I could cook dinner for you as a thank you, and since I won’t be able to travel back to town until tomorrow.”

  “Hear that, boys? Del will do our dinner.”

  The laughter from the others set Del’s teeth on edge, but there was little he could do. He forced himself to smile, unsure of the joke.

  “I hope that’s okay with you.” Doesn’t hurt to play to the guy’s ego.

  “That’s more than fine with me. I wanted to bring you up here for dinner at some point anyway. You’re a good cook. Neil seems very taken with you. Isn’t that right, boys?”

  Del was glad his balaclava hid the flush that burned his cheeks at the ribald laughter and lewd comments that followed. Fuck! Were we so obvious?

  “Come on, let’s get you up to our home from home.”

  Del watched the three other mobiles start off, and received another wave from Vidar. He returned the gesture, and continued on, with the others behind or alongside him. The outbuilding of the logging came into view, followed by Neil. Del aimed towards him. He stopped the vehicle, and Neil came running over as the other riders drew up.

  Neil immediately put his body between Del and the other loggers.

  “What’s going on?” Neil asked, his voice harsh.

  “Your—friend wanted to see you, and our logging plant,” Vidar said. “Said he’d cook in exchange for staying the night. Well, we won’t need him to do that. We’ll take care of our own needs. Take him ’round. Find him somewhere to be comfortable for a while.”

  “He can go at first light,” Neil said. “Come on, Del.”

  Del didn’t resist as Neil grasped his arm and dragged him away from the other men.

  “What possessed you to come here?” Neil shook Del.

  “I came to take you away,” Del said angrily, and slapped Neil’s hand off him. To his shock, Neil’s face paled, and the fire went out of his eyes.

  “I don’t understand,” he said.

  “I got a warning from someone. That people go missing here. I wanted to get away, but I didn’t want to leave you behind.”

  “Why? Why didn’t you just run?” Neil turned away, his shoulders slumped.

  Del closed the distance, and laid his hand on Neil’s shoulder. The other man’s body trembled, and he ached to take Neil in his arms.

  “I’d never felt such a close connection with anyone the way I have with you.” Del decided honesty was the best policy. “If there was the slightest chance you were in danger, I wasn’t leaving you behind. And it seems to me that the warning has some substance since you’re not laughing at me for falling for some in-house gag the town has going.”


  “No. No gag,” Neil said with a sigh. “Look, let’s get some provisions and you somewhere safe. Then we can talk it over.”

  The kitchen seemed unused, but the fridge and freezers were filled with meat. For some reason, Del didn’t feel inclined to want to touch it. He looked in cupboards instead and found a packet mix of mac and cheese, and some instant soups. He made up a soup and the mac and cheese. He glanced at Neil. The other man paced back and forth as if on guard.

  When ready, Neil led him away from the area Del had identified as the bunk houses. Instead, Neil took him to a shack close to the river. Looking inside, Del saw bedding in what had clearly been a store room.

  “I sleep here. By choice,” Neil said.

  Del got comfortable, and sipped at his soup. The hot liquid helped dispel some of the cold, but not all of it.

  “So. What do you need to tell me? I know the curse meant to concern wendingos,” he said.

  “It does,” Neil said.

  His voice was soft and sad, and his face etched with sorrow. Del put down his soup and knelt beside him. “What is it?” he whispered.

  “We’re the wendingos. All of us here, under Vidar’s leadership.”

  It was the last thing Del expected to hear, and he stared at Neil shaking his head in disbelief. “Not you.”

  “I was originally meant to be last year’s meal to mark the anniversary,” Neil said. “Vidar changed back in the sixties. He’s the only original left. He fought and killed the others. The rest of the men here all wanted to be turned. I didn’t, but Vidar decided he wanted me, so he bit me. I haven’t eaten human flesh, I swear it. Vidar takes a perverse pleasure from my resistance. It’s getting harder, especially as the anniversary nears. I eat raw meat, but as much as I eat at the moment, the hunger never goes.”

  “How do we break the curse?” Del asked. There has to be a way. There must be.