Part 1

David Aguilar was too hot. He moved under the awning at the airport shuttle stop, feeling his whole body trickle sweat. Though he’d grown up in Miami, he had spent the last nine months in the subarctic and was not acclimated to the near tropical heat. Cursing his mutant lover, Devin, under his breath for the hundredth time, he pulled on the back of his long canvas pants, hating the way they hugged his newly enhanced butt. 

Oh, how he wished he had a pair of shorts that fit him! These horrible trousers were the only pair of pants he had that fit over his ass and, because his first flight back from Newfoundland had been canceled, he didn’t have time to swing by his mom’s apartment in Miami to pick up looser fitting clothes. Shit, there wasn’t even time to purchase clothes at the overpriced stores in the airport terminal! He had to be aboard the research vessel, the Nereus, in a less than hour!

He sighed angrily and stared down at his phone, waiting for the text from Dr. Audrey White, the lead researcher on the Nereus. The last thing he wanted to do was show up for this important research mission dressed like a hick from the Canadian wilds. People already looked down on him because he was young. It was a regrettable part of his life that almost no one believed him when he introduced himself as Dr. Aguilar (he had a doctorate in fishery science). Most people couldn’t hide the look of disbelief and some were openly skeptical. When he was feeling generous, he chalked this up to his baby face but, at other times, he was certain that it was the fact that he was a dark-skinned Latino.

Dr. White was different, though. First earning a reputation as a brilliant medical doctor, she had surprised her peers by walking away from medicine to study the earth’s oceans. Today, she was widely seen as the most respected researcher in chemical oceanography and, perhaps because she was a Canadian of African descent and a woman, she was accustomed to the hidden biases one encounters in a branch of science dominated by white men. She had reached out to him at a conference on oceanography and asked him to join her crew on the Nereus, a sophisticated research ship owned by Deoxy Corp. A week later, the CEO from Deoxy Corp had called him personally to repeat the invitation. The company, she explained, had established a research fellowship in memory of David’s late brother, Gage McIntyre, and she was honored to offer the first appointment to him. She said that it was only fitting since he was Gage’s brother.

David had been both touched and flattered. More than flattered; he’d been elated! He was just finishing up his post doc work at a university in Newfoundland and was beginning to feel anxious about his next step. He longed to land a professorship somewhere in the States but knew how rare this was, especially for one so young (he had just turned 22). The research project off Cuba’s Isla de Juventud was the perfect opportunity both to gain experience and to contribute to important research on the effects of global warming on ocean reefs and fisheries. If everything went well, this mission was his ticket to a plum research position. It was his chance of a lifetime!

Or at least that was how it appeared until last Friday when Devin Mallory had appeared on the front steps of his cabin on the remote coast of Newfoundland. David felt his heart thump in his chest at the memory. Devin was hands down the sexiest man he’d ever met and they had ended up fucking up a storm for three days and nights. He shook his head, still unable to believe it. Shit, the whole experience was like something off a twisted blog or a very amateur porn fiction site. He smiled at the thought. Yeah, definitely like the writing of some crazy author.

Nonetheless, Devin’s strange appearance ended up being a fantasy come to life for David because, incredibly, he was half wolf and half human. Yeah, and 100% man. David flushed, feeling his cock push against the stiff fabric of his trousers. He couldn’t stop thinking about the big, handsome hybrid and the bizarre tale he relayed. Christ, it was beyond surreal! David scratched his crotch thoughtfully as he pondered what had happened.

Devin hadn’t appeared simply to offer his stud services; he’d come with a dark warning about Deoxy Corp, telling David that they had been responsible for his brother Gage’s untimely demise. Devin claimed that he and Gage had been lovers (something that David still had a hard time imagining because the Gage he knew had been straight) and that Deoxy Corp had transformed Gage into a werewolf by combining his DNA with that of an extinct species of wolf. The company had later murdered Gage after he escaped their lab. Devin claimed that it was Gage who had infected him with the wolf mutagen, leading to his own physical transformation into a beast with a human torso and the lower appendages of a wolf.

David never would have believed any of this if the proof, a living human-wolf hybrid, hadn’t been standing right in front of him. Devin had been so convincing that David had been tempted to call Dr. White and cancel his participation in the research project. Yeah, he’d been tempted but ultimately decided to go because everything he knew about Dr. White and Deoxy Corp contradicted Devin’s claims. Deoxy Corp was at the forefront of combatting the effects of global warming by implementing novel solutions. Most interesting to David, the company was busy genetically modifying coral species to make them resistant to higher ocean temperatures and elevated acid levels. 

This mission to Cuba was focused on studying a large, remote section of reef that was mysteriously resistant to bleaching, a deadly effect of climate change in which whole sections of reef would die as water temperatures rose. For unknown reasons, the ecosystem there was thriving compared to reefs in other parts of the globe and Deoxy Corp wanted to find out why. Figuring out this mystery could greatly further their research and benefit the entire planet.

Ultimately, the vital importance of this research mission outweighed any reservations Devin’s warning had instilled in him. He had reluctantly left the great, muscled arms of his beastman lover and boarded the flight to Miami. Only to stand here sweltering in too-tight pants while he waited for his shuttle bus to the docks…

His phone vibrated just then and he looked down at it, relaxing. Dr. White’s text informed him that he didn’t need to worry about clothes because Deoxy Corp provided everything. She would make sure to have his uniform waiting for him when he arrived at the ship.

Uniform? David furrowed his brow for a moment before he remembered that there was something about a uniform in the contract he’d signed. Apparently, Deoxy Corp’s marketing department required the researchers to wear clothing with the company’s logo, much like the sponsors of professional athletes. As long as they have shorts that are big enough to fit my ass, I don’t care if I’m gonna be a fucking billboard, he thought, scowling as he reached back to feel his mutant buttocks.

His big ass was Devin’s fault, though he could be forgiven for not knowing that his cum would cause David’s ass to grow. Apparently, the hybrid’s semen was mutagenic and caused certain changes in the physiology of his sex partners. David’s butt had swelled to the brink of salaciousness but he’d also lost that embarrassing roll of flab around his tummy and grown a dense layer of hair all over his lower body.

Perhaps best of all, David’s cock was now at least a couple inches longer and fatter than it had been. He guessed he was now packing over nine inches hard and a good five or six soft.

Maybe this made it worth having a huge bubble butt?

He realized he’d have to ponder this later because right now the shuttle bus was pulling up. It stopped in front of him and the driver opened the door, asking, “Se llama David Aguilar?” He nodded and the driver stepped out to grab his baggage and motioned David on board. The bus was empty save for one occupant, a really handsome Latino guy about David’s age. He looked up briefly as David entered but then went back to staring out the window. He was listening to music on his iPhone.

“Hey,” David said, extending his hand to the cute guy, “Are you one of the researchers on the Nereus?”

The dude looked back at him blankly for a moment before removing his earbuds, saying, “Huh?”

David repeated his question and the guy nodded absently. He was starting to put his earbuds back in when David stopped him, holding out his hand. “I’m David Aguilar. I study fishery science.”

The guy stared at his hand briefly and a look of something–was it derision?–crossed his face before he tentatively reached out and shook it, saying, “And I’m Drake Rubio.” He paused before adding pointedly, “Please call me Dr. Rubio, though. My field is fishery science as well.”

David felt his ears grow hot and it was all he could do to restrain himself from pointing out that he, too, had a doctorate. With some effort, he forced a smile and said nicely, “Oh? That’s great. I didn’t realize there would be two fishery specialists on board.”

“I didn’t either,” Drake remarked flatly before inserting his earbuds and turning away from David.

Feelings of goodwill toward the handsome doctor evaporating, David forced himself to keep smiling until he moved past Drake and then flipped the asshole off as he sat down. The bus was stiflingly hot and he was by now thoroughly soaked in sweat. His ass felt like it was going to bust out of his pants at any moment and he really needed to take a piss. Could this day get any fucking worse? He hoped fervently that all of this didn’t presage a disastrous voyage.

***

“Yo, Drake! Over here! Come join me! The water’s great!”

David looked up from tipping the shuttle bus driver to see a big man waving at them from the water between ships. Who would swim in the harbor? he wondered, shaking his head. The guy obviously didn’t know the rules.

Drake (who had neglected to leave a tip) had shouldered his backpack and was striding confidently in the direction of one of the vessels that David guessed must be the Nereus. He stopped midstep, though, at the sound of his name and rolled his eyes.

“Griffin, you idiot,” he pronounced with scorn. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I’m taking a swim, dude! Now come on, man! Get suited up and join me!”

David couldn’t see the swimmer very well but what he could see was impressive. The guy had shaggy auburn hair and was obviously brawny. His wide shoulders and the top of his defined (and very hairy) chest were just visible above the waterline. David smiled to himself. At least there’s some good eye candy, he thought, even if the dude sounded like a stupid frat boy.

Drake shook his head and continued the trek to the ship as David finished tipping the driver. The man gave him a friendly smile and shook his hand before driving off. David looked around for a public restroom and, spotting one opposite the harbor, made a beeline. His bladder was about ready to explode!

The swimmer was stroking over to the loading dock as David emerged from the restrooms and he saw Drake squatting down quayside, waiting for the guy. They were exchanging fairly standard ‘bro banter,’ a language based on masculine preening and braggadocio that David have never mastered, or even had an interest in. Unfortunately, the snatches of conversation he overheard did nothing to enhance his already low opinion of Drake.

“What the fuck, dude?” he was saying in a low voice, “Are you fucking whipped or what?”

“Whipped? Fuck you! I’m Alison’s man,” Griffin protested. “Why shouldn’t I be here with her?”

Drake shook his head. “You idiot. She’s gonna be gone for six months! This was your golden opportunity to fuck like a king while she’s away. Once she gets back and you’re married, your pussy-hunting days are over!”

Griffin grimaced as he swam up to a partially submerged ladder to pull himself out of the water. “Dude, I’m not like you. I don’t fool around. Alison is the only…” At that moment, he looked up and noticed David standing behind Drake and broke into a broad grin, saying, “Woah! Where did you come from?”

Drake stiffened and looked back at David, giving him the side-eye. “Yeah,” he demanded, “what the fuck are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be on board with the rest of the interns?”

Just as David prepared to react to this slight, Griffin pulled himself out of the water. David blinked, indignant retort dying in this throat. Drake raised his eyebrows before turning to follow David’s gaze.

Griffin was clad in the tiniest and most revealing white Speedo, the red Deoxy Corp double helix logo emblazoned over his crotch.

“Dude!” Drake cried out, almost losing his balance. “Why the fuck are you wearing that?”

David’s mouth fell open as he let Griffin’s masculine grandeur soak in. Holy shit, the big dude was a beast! He was at least 225 pounds of solid muscle. The tiny swimsuit clung to the man’s burgeoning buttocks like a second skin, rendered all but transparent by the water. Griffin’s entire, long body was covered with a generous layer of brown hair that only served to heighten his incredible appeal. (David swore he could see the individual curly hairs on the dude’s ass through the material.) And then there was his bear-sized bulge… David felt his heart pound as his gaze traveled down Griffin’s torso to land on the distinct outline of the huge man’s package. You would have to be extremely visually impaired not to notice the prominent ridge of his circumcised cock plastered lewdly against the straining fabric. Was there even a liner sewn into the Speedo? It didn’t look like it.

Drake’s cheeks colored as he looked away, causing Griffin to bark with laughter. “What’s the matter, bro? If ya got it, flaunt it. That’s what I say.” He paused on the ladder to arch his back and shake the water out of his hair with an exaggerated motion before adding, “Besides, you’ll be wearing one soon enough. It’s the required uniform for most of the guys aboard the Nereus.”

“No fucking way!” Drake shouted, lurching abruptly to his feet. “You’ve got to be fucking joking!”

This only made Griffin laugh louder. “Uh, yeah, bro. It’s in the contract you signed. You agreed to wear the company uniform at all times while on board.” He thrust his crotch out provocatively, adding, “And this is the company uniform. For us at least. The chicks get to wear regular deck clothes. It’s a classic case of reverse discrimination if you ask me but I’m not complaining. Alison says it’s about time that us boys got a taste of our own medicine.”

David’s reaction was only slightly less vehement than Drake’s. As entranced as he was by Griffin’s magnificent physique, he was also silently panicking, inadvertently clenching his buttocks in fear at the thought of having to wear a tiny Speedo: He giant butt would be in constant display! It was all he could do to stop himself from pulling out his iPhone right there and booking an Uber.

Griffin seemed to sense his rising anxiety and, padding over to him, extended a giant, wet paw. In a haze, David shook it robotically at first but something about the big man’s grip snapped him out the fog and he locked eyes with the dripping stud.

“I’m Griffin Cochrane. And don’t worry, Sunshine,” he said, his brown eyes softening as he smiled down at David. “You’re the Gage McIntyre Fellow, right? You get a special wardrobe and…” He bowed theatrically before adding, “the extraordinary privilege of bunking with me.”

Drake made an exasperated sound, abruptly turning and stomping onboard the ship. “I’m gonna to fucking ream these bastards a new asshole,” he fumed. “They can’t make me wear a fucking bikini!”

Griffin watched him go with amusement, elbowing David in the ribs. “Mark my words, Sunshine. He’ll be on deck in a Speedo in a half hour.” Grabbing a towel draped over a nearby pilon and commencing to dry his russett mane, he gave him a wide smile before asking, “You’re David Aguilar, aren’t you?”

Despite his rising sense of disorientation (the combination of Griffin’s near-nakedness and bizarre announcement about the dress code were making him woozy), he couldn’t help grinning back at the big man. “Yeah, I’m David, and you get an estrella dorada for pronouncing my name correctly.”

Griffin laughed at this little jest and, executing another low bow (while simultaneously giving David an amazing view of his magnificent ass in the process), he replied, “A su servicio, señor.”

“Eres muy amable, dude,” David murmured, feeling flushed. He was turning to pick up his luggage when Griffin stopped him, insisting on carrying the bags. David felt lightheaded and had to reach out and steady himself on Griffin’s arm. He wasn’t used to be treated in such a gentlemanly fashion, particularly not by such a strapping man.

Griffin flexed his bicep at David’s touch, winking down at him. “I know, I know,” he said with mock humility, “I have that effect on men. Just don’t tell Alison.”

***

“My uncle is gonna be on your ass in five minutes after I call his office,” Drake was threatening as they walked onto the ship. “He’ll cut your funding like that!”

Griffin nudged David and rolled his eyes, whispering, “He always pulls that one but being a senator’s nephew won’t do him any good this time: Dr. White’s university and Deoxy Corp are Canadian!”

David looked over to see Drake standing with his hands on his hips. He was talking very loudly to Dr. White who seemed to be listening with sincere concern. Finally, she stopped him, holding up a hand and promising, “I’ll see what I can do, Dr. Rubio. I was as shocked as you are when I saw the dress code, I assure you. In the meantime, you have to decide if you’re going to join the expedition. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes. If you decide to stay on,” she said, raising her finger, “you have to abide by the dress code as it stands now…at least until the company hears your appeal.”

Drake said something unintelligible and stormed off the boat, leaving Dr. White shaking her head.

“Dr. White,” Griffin called out. “Dr. Aguilar is here.”

The doctor glanced in their direction, her face brightening as she saw David. Walking briskly, she intercepted them to take his hand and shake it warmly. “Dr. Aguilar! I’m so glad you made it in time! We’re so delighted to have you onboard for this mission!”

Dr. White was a small woman but she made up for it in pure presence. Something about her made her seem like she towered over him even though she was barely five feet tall. David always enjoyed talking with her and hearing about her research. The opportunity to spend six months with her was something he’d been dreaming about. He took her hand gladly, shaking it vigorously.

“I’m honored, Doctor. Truly honored. You’re my hero and inspiration,” he gushed, causing her to wave a hand dismissively.

“Oh, come on, David! You’re gonna make my head swell.” She let go of his hand to grasp his shoulder, guiding him to the bow of the ship. “Let me give you a tour.”

***

The Nereus was both modern and beautiful. It was a sailing ship equipped with a diesel engine because, Dr. White explained, the Cuban government had recently set aside the vast region off the Isla de Juventud as a marine reserve and designated it off limits to motorcraft. The team would have to rely on the winds to power the boat when they entered the reserve boundaries. To this end, Deoxy Corp had hired an expert crew to sail it. An all-women crew, it turned out. 

David stared mesmerized as the crew busied themselves with readying the ship for departure. They all looked so sober and serious! He already felt like he was in the way.

Griffin followed his gaze and laughed, commenting, “I told ya. Us boys are only here to look pretty. See that one over there? The tall one with the braids? That’s my Alison.” He pointed to a commanding woman in a baseball cap. Like the other crew members, she was wearing canvas pants and a blue shirt.

“Why does she have a red bandana?” David asked, squinting. The other crew members all wore blue ones.

“Because she’s the first mate,” Griffin announced proudly, puffing up next to him. “She reports only to the captain.”

“The captain?” David asked. “Who is she?”

“He,” Dr. White corrected, “is Dr. Garret Rivard. He’s on the bridge. Let’s go meet him.”

She led them carefully across the deck. Alison paused to slap Griffin on the ass as he sauntered past and he blew her a kiss. For some unknown reason, this made David blush and he got the distinct impression that Griffin was amused by his discomfort. Dr. White appeared not to notice and motioned them up a flight of metal steps to the glass-enclosed bridge.

“And this is Captain Rivard,” she said solemnly as they crowded into the little room. 

Griffin was in front of him and David had to stand on his tiptoes to see over the big man’s shoulder. When glimpsed the captain, he felt a stab of apprehension and immediately wished Dr. White had never brought him to meet the man. He didn’t know how or why he knew it but he could feel that there was something…wrong…with the captain. 

It was too late, though. Even as he cringed backward in the vain attempt to hide, Griffin was turning sideways to allow the captain to reach out and shake David’s hand. His handshake was like a vise and David stared down at his hand before looking up to meet his gaze.

His skin was the palest alabaster and his eyes–shit!–his irises were yellow!

David blinked, certain his eyes simply hadn’t adjusted to the relative darkness of the room but, no, he’d seen correctly: The captain really did have yellow eyes. Feral yellow eyes at that! He shivered and tried to drop the man’s hand but Captain Rivard seemed disinclined to loosen his grip.

“Dr. Aguilar,” the captain was saying in a gruff voice. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Dr. White has told me so much about your work.”

David flushed and stammered something, though later he couldn’t remember what he’d said. He was too captivated by the captain. Feeling like a small animal caught in the talons of a bird of prey, he gaped up at him, noting his unusual hair. He couldn’t have been older than his mid-forties but his hair was already completely silver. The captain wore it long but had shaved the sides of his head and tied his hair back in a topknot. He was bare-chested and wearing only a pair of tight-fitting, navy blue boardshorts. A curious pendant hang from a chain at his throat–a silver wolf’s head with gleaming ruby eyes. David felt a little thrill run up his spine as he noticed two things: Captain Rivard’s torso was ripped beyond belief and covered with multiple scars. He’d never seen a man so lean and svelte, especially not one who was apparently on the cusp of middle age and felt like the dude could serve as a muscle model in an anatomy lab. Every sinew was visible under his pale skin! Captain Rivard might be older but he was a supremely potent specimen of manhood.

And then there were the spearguns on his back. The evilly sharp points of twin guns affixed to shoulder straps were visible over the captain’s left arm. One glinted dull steel while the other shimmered silver. David swallowed. Why would the captain be wearing spearguns? And why two of them? They weren’t going to be diving for at least several days yet.

Fingering his pendant absently, the captain noticed his stare and lifted the corner of his mouth. “I spend so much time in the water that I feel naked without my spearguns. They’ve sort of become my trademark.” With this, he finally dropped David’s hand and, turning back to the controls, dismissed them.

David stumbled out of the bridge enclosure, gasping for air. Later, he would realize he was both turned on and disturbed by the captain. Right then, though, he simply felt overwhelmed.

Dr. White interpreted his behavior as fatigue and turned to Griffin, asking, “Hey, would you show Dr. Aguilar to his quarters? I think he needs to rest before dinner.”

***

“So what’d you think of the ‘Silver Fox’?” Griffin asked as he led David below deck to their room near the bow of the ship. He opened a little door and ushered him inside.

“He’s, uh, well, he’s…” David’s voice trailed off and Griffin laughed.

“Yeah, I know. Quite a hottie for an older dude, isn’t he?”

David stopped and searched his face. Was Griffin teasing him? Why would he think Captain Rivard was hot?

“Come on, dude,” Griffin said, punching his arm playfully. “The captain’s such a stud even big idiots like me notice.”

He deposited David’s bags on the floor of their little room. It was barely ten feet long and four feet wide. There was just enough room for two, stacked bunks, a dresser, and a narrow walkway. Two small portholes gave them a view off the starboard side of the boat. The air was stiflingly hot and David moved quickly to open both portholes to get some fresh air moving through the cabin.

“I already claimed the top bunk,” Griffin continued when David didn’t respond. “I like being on top, you know.”

David flushed, once again painfully aware of Griffin’s magnificent, nearly nude body. The room was so small that the dude was practically pressing up against him. Everywhere David looked, his gaze landed on another part of the big man’s anatomy, though the big bulge in his Speedo was what drew his attention the most.

Griffin winked at him before plopping down the lower bunk. He picked up a package lying on the bed next to him and handed it to David, explaining, “This is your uniform. They will deliver a fresh one every morning.”

David took the proffered package and tore open the seal. He held his breath as he extricated the contents and then sighed with relief when he realized there wasn’t a Speedo inside. Instead, he pulled out a nice pair of white cargo shorts and a white tank top. The red Deoxy Corp logo was stenciled attractively on the center of the shirt.

“Whoa, nice!” Griffin exclaimed. “Drake is gonna be so fucking envious! I love it!”

“Assuming he decides to join the mission,” David added, privately relishing the thought of Drake seeing him in a normal set of clothes. He could already hear the dude’s outraged yelling.

“Oh, he’ll join. Believe me, he’ll join. The fucker doesn’t have a choice.”

David turned to him, puzzled. “Why?”

“Because he hasn’t been able to find a position anywhere. He needs this mission for his CV. Turns out, the professorships in fishery ecology are pretty difficult to come by, even if you are a member of the esteemed Rubio family.”

“Tell me about it,” David sighed, settling down on the bunk next to Griffin. “I haven’t had any luck, either.”

Griffin grinned as he turned to him. “Oh, don’t worry, Sunshine. I have a feeling you’re about to get lucky. Very lucky.” David’s neck went hot at this and Griffin laughed, urging, “Now go on, get dressed. I wanna see you in your uniform!”

David felt the blood drain out of his face as he realized belatedly the ramifications of sharing a tiny room with Griffin. Basically, it meant zero privacy. For the next six months. He and Griffin would be literally on top of each other every night and morning.

Griffin chuckled at the rising panic in David’s face and placed a hot, heavy, hairy arm over his shoulders. “Listen, Sunshine, there’s nothing you got that I haven’t already seen a thousand times. Go on, get undressed.”

David gave him an awkward smile and stood up. He hesitated a moment before lifting his shirt over his head. When he looked down at Griffin, the big man was watching him with a rapt expression.

“Griffin…” he warned but the dude waved his hand, cutting him off.

“Don’t mind me, bro. Just admiring the view.”

David swallowed. “What about Alison…?”

“What about her? There’s nothing wrong with a guy enjoying what’s in front of him.”

Sighing, David fiddled with the button fly on his canvas pants but stopped again when he noticed Griffin’s avid attention. His brown eyes were dancing with what looked suspiciously like excitement.

“Go on, bro,” the big man urged. “Show me what you got.”

“Griffin, I thought you…”

“What? Did you think I was straight?” The handsome stud laughed loudly as if this was some sort of grand jest. “Just because I’m with Alison doesn’t mean I’m straight. I like boys in almost equal measure.”

“But what about…?”

Griffin sighed, settling his weight back on his hands as he gave David a lopsided smile. “I already told you: I’m free to admire guys all I want. Alison only needs to know if I’m going fuck ‘em. There are other…protocols for that. Now get undressed, dammit!”

“This is extremely awkward.”

“Oh, pish! Stop being such a prude and show me your cock! Christ, you’ve already checked mine out at least a dozen times!”

David didn’t know what came over him then. All he knew is that the next moment he was unbuttoning his trousers and yanking them down along with his boxers. A second later his cock sprang free, bobbing up and down in front of Griffin’s delighted face. He was so worked up that he was more than half erect and stared down embarrassed to see his cockhead emerge from the folds of his foreskin. A thread of precum was already sliding out of his piss slit.

Griffin let out a low whistle and licked his chops, breathing, “Holy shit, that’s a cock alright! Good one, man! I wouldn’t have pegged you for being so well hung! And uncut, too. Wow!” He nodded approvingly as David stood there mortified. He craned his neck then, ordering, “Now turn around, I gotta see that booty of yours!”

David froze and would have backed against the wall if Griffin hadn’t stopped him by gently taking him by the wrists and turning him around. He desperately tried to cover his buttocks with his hands but he was too late. Griffin had already gotten the full view.

There was a stunned silence that stretched for an interminably long time. Finally, David couldn’t stand it any longer and looked over his shoulder. Griffin was sitting there on the edge of the bunk with his mouth hanging open.

And that wasn’t all.

His Speedo was tented out, the mushroom head of his cockhead luridly pressed against the sheer material, a dark spot spreading out from the center.

Finally, the big man shook himself out of his trance, saying in an awed tone, “It looks like I’m gonna have one of those talks with Alison, Sunshine. You and me got some ‘deep sea’ exploration of our own to do in the near future.”

Part 2

Captain Rivard pulled the boat away from the dock and radioed his departure to the harbormaster. A moment later, he received permission to exit the marina and slowly eased the boat into the open, aiming between the twin buoys marking the main channel. Alison Reynolds appeared at his shoulder a moment later and he nodded for her to take control of the vessel.

“You got this, Ali?” he asked unnecessarily. She had nearly as much experience captaining the Nereus as he did.

“Aye, sir,” she replied in mock seriousness, making him smile. “You’re free to inspect the ship.”

He moved over and she stepped up to take the wheel. A wash of hot, humid air overtook him as he exited the bridge and he smiled, glad that he was taking the ship into the tropics. His last stint in the Antarctic had been a serious pain in the ass.

Drake Rubio was sitting unhappily on a bench near the bow of the ship, trying his best to disguise the fact that he was wearing only a very tiny Speedo. He was seated crosswise on the bench with his arms over his knees, a position which, contrary to his apparent desire for modesty, did little to conceal his near nudity. His generous buttocks were clearly visible, all but hanging out the back of the low-rise suit.

Rivard smiled to himself, coming to stand next to the sullen researcher. It took Drake a moment to register his presence. When he looked up, he did a really poor job of schooling his features; his misery and indignation were clearly written on his handsome face.

“Tough break about the uniforms,” Rivard began amiably, gazing out to the beckoning seas after favoring Drake with a tight smile. “For what it’s worth, I argued long and hard to get Marketing to change the policy.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Drake silently pull a face.

Sliding his spear guns off his shoulder, Rivard settled onto the bench next to him, slinging an arm casually over the seat back. Drake’s back was to him and he scooted away, avoiding any bodily contact with the captain. “A doctor of your renown,” Rivard offered, “should wear something more befitting his professional station.”

Drake straightened his shoulders, blustering, “I know, right? I’m glad at least someone around here gets that!”

“Yeah, it stinks,” Rivard agreed, the corner of his mouth lifting. “But I wouldn’t let it get you down. Two days from now, you’ll be spending pretty much all day in a wetsuit and no one will know or care what you have on under it.”

“True,” Drake said, his voice trailing off. He seemed like he was almost ready to drop his pouty act when they heard voices and looked up to see Griffin Cochrane and Dr. Aguilar appear from below deck. Griffin had an arm draped companionably over Dr. Aguilar’s shoulders as he pointed out sights on the ship.

Rivard was watching them speculatively when he saw Drake bristle. The young doctor swiveled around, dropping his feet on the deck, and staring. “That-that-that-,” he sputtered. He would have launched himself off the bench if Rivard hadn’t placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.

“Easy, boy,” he breathed. “Relax.”

Drake shook his hand angrily off, turning to glare at him. “How the fuck does that fucktard get to wear shorts and a t-shirt? There’s something really fucked up going on here!”

“He’s the MacIntyre Fellow.”

Drake looked at him blankly. “So?”

“Deoxy Corp assigned him a different uniform.”

Drake’s mouth fell open. “What the fuck?! How come?”

Rivard sighed, leaning back on the bench. “Company policy, Dr. Rubio. I don’t make the rules.”

The indignation was so plainly written on Drake’s face that Rivard almost missed something else. Almost. What was it? If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn that it was…

“Dude, what is up with your eyes?”

Distracted, Rivard’s eyes briefly caught Drake’s before he looked away. It amused him that the researcher was so self-absorbed that he was only just then noticing Rivard’s appearance. He smile inwardly to himself. There was no mistaking Drake’s true personality; Rivard had seen guys like him a hundred times before: He was so into himself that other people were only ornaments or distractions…unless they had something he wanted.

“Well?” Drake prompted. “Are those contact lenses?”

“No, they’re real,” Rivard answered, wishing he’d remembered to wear his sunglasses. He disliked being the center of attention, especially at such a critical moment. If he was going to snare Drake in his net, he needed the doctor to pay as little attention to him as possible. “I’m the carrier of a recessive trait and have an unusual mutation.”

“I’ll say,” Drake breathed, straightening and pulling away slightly. “They’re like…”

“Cat eyes. I know.”

“Freaky.”

Rivard was saved from having to come up with a clever response when the young doctor’s attention was drawn back to David Aguilar and Griffin Cochrane. The pair were at the bow of the ship and Griffin was leaning out, arms widespread, doing his best Kate Winslet impersonation as David looked on with amusement and admiration. Griffin said something unintelligible but his meaning was clear a moment later when David hesitantly reached out and wrapped an arm around the big man’s belly and hugged against him. Griffin turned and favored David with a broad smile, his lips parting…

“Fucking shit!” Drake shouted, launching to his feet. “What the fuck is going on here?”

***

“Dude, chill the fuck out,” Griffin admonished as Drake stood there, aggrieved and incredulous. “We were just horsing around.”

Griffin stepped back from the bow, placing his hands on his broad hips and thrusting forward. David’s attention was momentarily drawn away from Drake by the sight of the big man’s generous package. He was feeling nearly as out of sorts as Drake from the heady perfume of lust that Griffin’s studly good looks and sexual advances elicited in him.

He steadied himself on the railing of the ship and forced himself to take a few deep breaths. Reluctantly tearing his attention away from the brawny man, he instead found his stare lingering on Drake Rubio. His eyes widened and he blinked when he realized that Griffin had been right; Drake had given in and put on the requisite white Speedo, only on him it looked even skimpier. David closed his eyes, feeling his neck grow hot. He couldn’t take any more of this torment. How was he going to survive for six months on this ship surrounded by so much potent manflesh?

“Horsing around, huh?” Drake repeated, voice dripping with skepticism. “If I didn’t know better, Griff, I’d swear you were a faggot.”

David’s eyes snapped open at this pronouncement and he scowled. Suddenly, Drake didn’t look so hot in his little Speedo.

Far from being insulted, Griffin puffed his chest proudly. “Guilty as charged, bro. Guilty as charged.”

Drake took a step backward, caught off guard. “B-B-But what about Alison? She’s your fucking fiance!”

Griffin nodded. “Yeah, so?”

There was a long pause while they watched Drake struggle to make his mouth work. Finally, he managed to stammer, “And what does she say about…this gay behavior?”

“She’s cool with it,” Griffin replied casually, settling his beefy ass against the railing next to David. The Nereus was moving out into the open ocean, rocking slowly with the swells. “Look, Drake,” he continued. “I’m not gay per se, just bi. I dig chicks and dicks.”

Drake blinked, clearly trying to come to terms with this information. “I…I…”

Griffin grinned, savoring his buddy’s discomfort as he asked slyly, “Did you forget about that incident with the men’s water polo team in college, bro?”

Drake’s cheeks colored and he unconsciously dropped his hands in front of his package, much to Griffin’s amusement. “I, uh, I guess I forgot about that.”

“Come on, dude,” Griffin cajoled, dropping an arm over Drake’s shoulders. “I’m still your same ol’ buddy.” Drake cringed at his touch and Griffin laughed, adding, “You look smokin’ hot in your Speedo, by the way. Sure you don’t wanna stop by my cabin later?”

Drake’s look of horrified revulsion was enough to leave Griffin doubled over in hysterics.

***

Captain Rivard slid in next to Drake in the galley at dinner. The young man was even more sullen than earlier and sat listlessly eating with his head propped up on an elbow.

“What’s wrong? Don’t like the grub?”

Drake looked up momentarily before dropping his gaze down to his plate. The food was standard ship cuisine, mostly stuff emptied out of cartons and reheated.

“I, uh, don’t feel so good,” he finally admitted. “I think I’m seasick.”

Rivard nodded, digging into his plate of food with relish. He was gifted with a very fast metabolism and always wolfed down his meals, barely tasting them. Everything tasted basically the same to him anyway. Drake watched him with a queasy expression and Rivard laughed.

“You’ll get over it, kid. Just spend as much time above deck as possible for the first few days. Once your inner ear gets used to the pitching of the boat, you’ll be fine.”

“I’m not a kid,” Drake corrected. “I’m a doctor. Dr. Rubio to you.”

Rivard raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Alright. Then I’m Dr. Rivard to you. Captain of this vessel.”

Drake blinked and a red blush crept up his neck. Clearly, he hadn’t realized who Rivard was; he’d never bothered to introduce himself, being convinced that he was far more important than any other person on the ship.

“You’re Dr. Rivard?” He squeaked, sounding suddenly far less self-assured. “I’m…sorry. I didn’t realize…”

Rivard held up his hand and, swallowing a mouthful of boiled spinach, demurred, “It’s Ok, kid, I mean, Doctor. I never told you who I was.”

Drake straightened, his demeanor shifting instantly to become more professional. “Dr. Rivard, your research, it’s so…”

“Thanks,” he replied, cutting him off. He really didn’t want to get into an academic discussion right then. “I’m glad you’re a fan. I’m impressed by your work as well. Dr. White and I were both really honored you accepted this assignment.”

Drake settled back on the bench, his familiar arrogance once again asserting itself. There you go, Rivard thought to himself, just keep on primping and preening for me. I’ve almost got you…

“Well, it is very intriguing. Naturally, I realized that I was the perfect scientist to study this phenomenon.”

“Naturally.”

“With my extensive background in the benthic zone of tropical ecosystems, only I am qualified to perform the necessary sampling.”

Rivard forced himself to smile encouragingly. “That was exactly our thought! You are the perfect speci–, I mean, researcher for this project!” Drake glowed with this praise and Rivard raised an eyebrow. The arrogant bastard is practically eating out of my hand, he thought. Time to set the hook. “In fact,” he continued, “I wanted to talk with you about nutrient flux in the intertidal water column as a possible contributor to the unusual diversity of coral species on the Isla de Juventud reef.”

Drake nodded his head vigorously. “Yes, yes! That was my first thought as well!”

“Great,” Rivard said, finishing his meal and standing up with his empty tray. “Let’s meet in my quarters after the meeting tonight.”

“I can’t wait!” Drake said enthusiastically. “I’ll come prepared to expound on my theory!”

Dr. Rivard lifted his chin in acknowledgment of this before stalking away from the table. Everything was going exactly according to plan.

***

The knock on his cabin door came not even five minutes after the preliminary research meeting. Dr. Rivard glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 9:15. Plenty of time for some fun before bed.

“Dr. Rivard?” Drake’s voice sounded tentative, almost hesitant. Rivard smiled. It was good to see the kid could be awed. The more sway he had over him, the better.

“Come in.” He kept his voice gruff and was pleased a moment later when Drake peeked through the door. His eyes were wide as he took in the surroundings.

Gradually, he eased his way in and stood gaping for a moment before he managed to regain his composure. “Your room is so big and…” his voice trailed off as his eyes alit on the trophies plastering Rivard’s walls. He walked unsteadily over to the shelf beside his desk and reached out a hand before pulling it back. “Is that real?”

Rivard leaned back in his chair, amused. “Yes, of course. I’m an avid hunter in my…spare time.”

Drake appeared to be frozen. Finally, he managed to ask, “What…is that? I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

Standing up to open a porthole, Rivard gazed out on the open sea for a while. The evening was dark and humid but the breeze through the window felt cool and relaxing.

“In addition to oceanography, I study cryptozoology, Dr. Rubio. That,” he pronounced, “is a Cynocephalus.”

“Impossible.”

Rivard laughed. “I assure you that one was quite real. It was a pain in the ass to kill.”

Drake was transfixed, his hand still poised in the air as if he was undecided whether he wanted to risk touching the head. “It looks like a wolfman.”

“Yes, a bit. People often mistake them for werewolves.” He stood up and paced over to stand next to the young man, taking advantage of Drake’s distraction to survey his nearly-naked body. He was quite a handsome man, being close to six feet tall and reasonably muscular. His skin was pale but Rivard knew it would darken nicely in the coming days as Drake spent more time out in the sun. He clearly worked out but wasn’t obsessive about it, giving his body a pleasantly lean look. The best part by far, though, was his magnificent butt. Somewhere in the Rubio family line there had to be African blood, Rivard decided. There wasn’t any other explanation for a booty that generous and perky. The skimpy Speedo was too small to contain his ripe globes and more than a couple inches of the young guy’s crack was on display. Rivard felt a familiar tightening in his board shorts as he allowed himself to dream of the possibilities…

“Werewolves!” Drake was saying. “No way!”

Rivard shrugged, forcing himself to look away from the doctor’s tantalizing buttocks. “You could be right. I have yet to encounter a werewolf. Cynocephali, however, do exist. They are quite rare these days but a remnant population still roams the steppes of Central Asia. I really hated having to kill this one but he had gone rabid and attacked an excavation I was working on.”

Drake turned toward him, a look of extreme puzzlement on his handsome face. Rivard could see him struggling with whether to believe him or not. His next question, though, was unexpected. “Lemme get this right. You’re an oceanographer, a cryptozoologist, and an…archaeologist?”

Spreading his hands and looking innocently upward, Rivard answered, “What can I say? I’m a renaissance man.”

Drake folder his arms over his chest. “Uh huh.” A moment later, though, his skepticism evaporated as he saw the stuffed goblin on the bookcase behind Rivard’s desk. His face went pale and he took an inadvertent step backward, causing Rivard to laugh.

“That one, my friend,” Rivard lied, “is a fake. I had a taxidermist friend assemble it from bits and pieces of random animals. It’s quite good, isn’t it?” No use in freaking the poor thing out completely right out of the gate! He thought. I need to ease him into this…

Drake’s adam’s apple moved up and down a few times but finally he smiled wanly and hobbled over to the chair in front of him. He sat down and demurely covered his crotch with his hands but not before Rivard noted the prominent head of his cock. Drake didn’t look like he had the biggest cock around but his glans was unusually large. Rivard turned, licking his lips.

“Y-You wanted to talk about my research.”

“Yes.” Rivard stalked over to his desk and folded himself into his chair. He steepled his fingers and regarded Drake for a few moments. The young man looked more than a little freaked out, his eyes were round and he was trembling almost imperceptibly. Rivard smiled at him reassuringly and let his gaze wander around his quarters as he carefully picked his words. As the captain, he had the largest room on the boat. It was paneled with the blond teak and had a total of six portholes. Unlike the rest of the crew, he had air conditioning, though he preferred the natural tropical heat. A thick, Persian rug covered the floor and his wide, king-sized bed was carefully made up. His spearguns, hanging next to the bed, swayed with the rolling of the ship.

“What do you want to discuss?” Drake seemed to be put off by his prolonged silence…and the busts of monsters leering at him from the walls.

This was exactly the effect Rivard had hoped for. First, he made his victims feel comfortable by playing on their ego’s desire for recognition. Then, he lured them to a private location, preferably his bedroom. And finally, when they were distracted enough, he sprang the trap. They never stood a chance. Never. And this arrogant, rich brat was no different. In fact, Drake Rubio was even easier to subvert than usual.

“Dr. Rubio,” Rivard began quietly, “look at my fingers. Tell me what you see.” Very carefully, he folded his thumb and index finger together and made a quick motion.

Drake started to say something but almost immediately his eyes went blank and his voice became thick, slow. “Why…do…you…” His voice trailed off as he sat bolt upright in the chair.

“Good,” Rivard commented. “Listen to me, Drake. You and I are going to become very good friends. In fact, we will become inseparable. You will do whatever I say without question…”

Drake nodded vacantly, his eyes unfocused. A little rope of drool slid out of the corner of his mouth and pooled on his lap. Rivard smiled coolly.

This will be fun.

A lot of fun.

***

David was startled to see Drake in the showers the next morning with Captain Rivard. They were chatting almost collegially when he opened the funny hatch-like metal door to the men’s locker room. He rubbed his eyes, convinced he was seeing things.

Griffin had been snoring loudly from the top bunk when David awoke, feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. The night had been torturous, not the least because of the constant rocking of the boat and his proximity to the sexiest man alive. Even the sound of Griffin’s breathing was sultry and David had awakened several times with a throbbing erection that refused to go down even after he quietly jacked himself off. Finally, after the fourth time, he’d sat up and gotten out of bed. The sky was just beginning to glow with the first touches of the morning sun when he peeked through the porthole. Sighing, he’d grabbed his towel and headed to the locker room, hopeful that he would be the first one up and have the place to himself.

His hand had frozen on the door handle when he spotted the guys standing there buck-naked, washing up.

Whoa, he thought, both mesmerized and uncomfortable at the same time. Seeing Drake’s voluptuous bare ass was bad enough but the captain’s long, nude body really made his discomfort spike. Rivard was so chiseled and perfect that he looked godlike. Even his butt was flawless, tight, and muscular. The deep scars marring his torso, arms, and legs only augmented this appeal.

He was closing the door, determined to come back later, when Rivard turned and motioned to him.

“Come on, Dr. Aguilar,” he coaxed in his deep voice. “The water’s perfect.”

David cast his eyes down to the floor but nonetheless padded over to the showers. Drake gave him a little sneer before sticking his head back under the meager spray. Fresh water was strictly rationed on the ship and barely a trickle came out when he turned on the nozzle. Somehow this only made David more aware of the naked men standing next to him. He tried to ignore them but found it very difficult as he pulled off his t-shirt and stepped out of his boxers.

He felt eyes on him and looked up to see the captain look away,  his hand dropping away from his wolf’s head pendant, an ambiguous expression on his face. Drake pretended like David wasn’t there and soon engaged Rivard in conversation about his research. The two men were so casual and familiar with each other that David wondered if they’d been friends before this mission. Drake, while still as arrogant as ever, seemed to hang on Rivard’s every word and puffed up proudly whenever Rivard favored him with the slightest hint of praise.

It was weird.

And also kind of hot. 

David found himself feeling almost jealous of Drake, wishing that the captain would talk to him in the same way. What had Drake done to get in the captain’s good graces so quickly? What…?

“Mornin’, dudes!”

He looked up and did a doubletake as Griffin strode through the door, completely naked, towel in hand. Had he just walked through the halls like that? He gaped at the sight of the big man’s magnificent body. His broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist and meaty thighs. He was covered head to toe with thick, brown hair that he’d carefully trimmed to accentuate his muscles. And then there was his bear-sized cock…

David forced himself to turn away before his cock could stand up and thoroughly embarrass him. He huddled in the corner, trying to fade into the background. Griffin clearly enjoyed company in the shower because he made a show of stretching and scratching his balls as he waited for the water to warm. Finally, he cleared his throat and addressed David, saying, “Dude, I’m sorry if I kept you up last night with my snoring.”

David took a breath before replying as casually as possible. “It wasn’t your snoring; it was the heat. I’m not used to it. I wish there was a fan!”

“You’ll get used to it,” Griffin said as he stepped under the spray and moaned theatrically. Squirting some shower gel in his hand, he rubbed his cock and balls thoroughly until they were dripping with suds. David looked away abruptly but not before Griffin caught his eye, winking.

A moment later, he surprised David by asking, “Hey, can you get my back? I can’t reach it.” He turned and presented David with his prominent ass, waggling his cheeks provocatively, causing Drake to cough.

With shaking hands, David filled his palm with soap and reached up to rub his hands over Griffin’s shoulders and back. He was covered, David noted with approval, with hair everywhere. Even his back had a liberal coating of auburn hair. Griffin sighed contentedly at his touch, pressing into his hands and rolling his shoulders.

“Uh, guys,” Drake interrupted. “Can you save your faggy antics for the bedroom?”

David glanced over to see Drake staring at them with disgust. He was covering his crotch protectively with his hands as if he was afraid that they were going to take advantage of him.

Griffin laughed. “You’re such a fucking prude, man! It’s not like we’re fucking each other. What wrong with a guy helping out his buddy?”

Drake was about to respond when Captain Rivard interrupted him. “You know, kid, he’s right. I could use a little help over here, too.” He turned and presented Drake with his broad, scarred back. His skin was smooth as silk and pale as alabaster.

David was startled by both the captain’s use of the word ‘kid’ to refer to Drake and his invitation. He fully expected the arrogant young prick to spout obscenities and storm off but instead Drake merely turned and, rubbing his hands with soap, slathered them over the captain’s back.

Griffin and David exchanged bewildered glances. David hadn’t known Drake for long but the last thing he expected was for the dude to soap up another guy’s naked body in the shower. After a moment, Griffin shrugged and, winking, invited David to continue his ministrations. When he was finished, he took David by the shoulders and gently turned him around, commencing to lather his back with gel. When his hands wandered down to David’s buttocks, though, he squawked in protest.

“Shhh,” Griffin admonished.

Heart beating fast, David let Griffin pull him against him and savored the feeling of his broad, coarse hands against his delicate skin. Slowly, his hug tightened. Griffin’s cock quickly became engorged and pushed against his stomach while his own stood up, eventually pushing into the gap between the big man’s hairy legs. They rocked there for a long time, almost forgetting that they weren’t alone until David heard murmuring behind them.

He opened his eyes and saw Drake and the captain were still rinsing off, talking about the upcoming day and acting as if nothing unusual was going on behind them. It seemed odd to him but he didn’t have the mental fortitude right then to think about it. He was too overcome with desire and titillation as Griffin’s hands roamed his body. Finally, Griffin pushed him away gently and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

“That’s all I can do right now,” he whispered as he squeezed David’s hard cock. “I really need to talk with Alison. I’m in danger of crossing a line!”

David reluctantly stepped back and was about to respond when he heard the captain say to Drake, “Hey, kid, why don’t you do something about that body hair? It’s out of control.”

He turned in time to see Drake looking down at himself critically. He was facing David for the first time, giving him the full view of his naked body. As much as it pained him to admit it, Drake Rubio had a bangin’ bod, especially for a guy who spent most of his time doing research. David would have expected him to be flabby and out of shape but, while he had a bit of padding, this only served to make him hotter. He had really beefy, wide legs and big pecs, making him look powerful and kind of badass. Even though his cock wasn’t large, he made up for it with a big, swinging pair of balls…and a fat cockhead. His foreskin was really dark, almost black, and contrasted nicely with his milky mocha skin.

Even though it wasn’t the first thing he noticed, David observed that, while Drake wasn’t super hairy, the captain was right: His frizzy pubic hair was so thick that it obscured his precious jewels.

David licked his lips, feeling disoriented and wobbly. It was really weird that the captain would make body grooming suggestions to Drake but, then again, it was really weird that they would be showering together in the first place…much less soaping each other up. Something odd was going on, something really odd…

“Ha!” Drake exclaimed then, startling him. “You know what? You’re right? I’m a mess!” He reached over to grab a razor from his overnight bag hanging nearby and immediately set about soaping up his crotch. In a few moments, he’d denuded his balls and was starting to strip away his pubes.

“Leave some in the center,” the captain suggested, much to David and Griffin’s continuing amazement. “Like strippers do.”

Drake nodded, smiling broadly and, after rinsing off, proudly displayed his shorn pubes adorned with an inch-wide strip of black hair above the base of his cock.

“Perfect,” Rivard praised, causing Drake to beam. “Let’s get dressed and get something to eat. I worked up an appetite after last night.”

They watched bemused as the captain gently wrapped a towel around Drake’s waist before pulling on a bathrobe. In a moment, the two of them had exited the locker room, leaving David and Griffin staring after them.

They were silent for a long time until finally Griffin shook himself. “If I didn’t know Drake so well, I’d swear he and the Silver Fox have something going on.”

David shook his head, not knowing what to say. His whole life had taken on a surreal quality, even before he set foot on the Nereus. Seeing a straight boy suddenly turn tail and go gay seemed to be the new normal.

***

David sat with the other researchers at breakfast while Griffin and Alison shared a table on the far end of the galley. He tried to ignore them but it was difficult because he knew that they were talking about him. Drake and the captain were conspicuously absent but David realized after a while that they must be on the bridge. With Alison in the galley, someone had to steer the boat!

There were only a handful of men among the researchers and they clustered at the end of the table, looking unhappy and giving him the side-eye for having the privilege of wearing normal clothes. Drake wasn’t the only guy who was perturbed with the dress code; the mood was generally sour among the men whereas the women seemed quite smug. David agreed that the male ‘uniform’ was outlandish but he also thought the guys were being a little silly. He’d grown up watching Jacques Cousteau documentaries and remembered fondly the scenes of the hot guys in Speedos swarming over the Calypso. It was one of the reasons he developed such a keen interest in fishery science!

Dr. White motioned for him to sit next to her and he plopped down with his tray, eager to have the opportunity to chat with her. He soon learned that they would stop at Key West that evening en route to Cuba. From there, it would be a few days before they arrived at Nueva Gerona, a small port on the Isla de Juventud.

He was soon lost in conversation with the doctor as they discussed the research project and examined various strategies for sampling. Dr. White was full of interesting ideas and had such a wealth of experience that he quickly became enamored of her. It wasn’t until the galley fell completely silent around the that they broke out of their talk to glance around.

Everyone was staring at the doorway where Drake Rubio was making his entrance.

If he hadn’t quickly caught himself, David would have gaped. Next to him, Dr. White tried unsuccessfully not to stare. After a few uncomfortable seconds, the researchers resumed their conservation but the atmosphere now carried a palpable charge. David looked quickly over to Griffin who caught his eye, mouthing the words ‘Oh. My. God.’ before turning back to Alison.

Apparently, Drake had decided to ditch the skimpy Speedo uniform for something even more revealing. All eyes were covertly on him as he traversed the galley, stopping to pick up a couple of trays and pile them full of food. He acted completely nonchalant as if nothing was the least bit out of the ordinary.

And nothing was out of the ordinary…if you considered it ordinary for a straight boy to wear a silk thong under a sheer pair of mesh shorts.

At least he’s got the Deoxy Corp logo on him, David thought wickedly as he saw red double helix insignia across the back of Drake’s shorts. When he glanced around the table, he noticed that more than a few of the scientists’ cheeks were flushed and a few of them got up and left. Drake, meanwhile, sauntered past them with a straight face, oblivious to the way everyone was watching him. 

After he had left, Dr. White turned to David and raised an elegant eyebrow before clearing her throat and commenting drily, “Well, I guess this means he’s gonna drop that complaint with corporate.” David shook his head and exchanged another amused glance with Griffin.

***

Griffin found him on deck after the morning meeting broke up. He had a Bluetooth headset on one ear and was carrying a laptop, looking very officious even though he was only wearing a tiny swimsuit.

“Sorry, bro,” he murmured when David looked up. “There’s a glitch with the secure WiFi and I gotta fix it.”

David tried unsuccessfully to conceal his disappointment and Griffin cracked a grin, placing his hand on his butt lingeringly before stalking off. “Don’t worry,” he added over his shoulder. “Alison is cool with you and me and we got some R&R tonight in Key West. How about if we head into town and snag us a hotel room?”

He didn’t wait for a reply as he shook his butt salaciously. David had to quickly rearrange his hardon in his shorts before anyone noticed.

***

Captain Rivard was leaning against a pylon on the wharf as David and Griffin strolled off the gangplank that evening. He was dressed fashionably in a loose, white shirt with tight jeans and flipflops. His hair was tied back and flipped forward in a top knot. The twin, deadly points of the spearguns poked over his shoulder, held in place by a leather shoulder harness. David couldn’t quite figure out why he was so damned sexy; it certainly wasn’t the hair or his face. He was too austere and fierce to put anyone at ease but maybe that was part of his savage, masculine appeal?

In contrast, David and Griffin were underdressed. David still hadn’t had time to purchase clothes and was wearing his Deoxy Corp tank top and shorts and Griffin had on a plaid shirt, jeans, and hiking boots. In their defense, David thought, they’d intended only to go to their AirBNB to get naked, not spend a night on the town.

“Hey, guys, wanna join us for drinks?” Rivard asked, fixing them with his eerie yellow eyes.

David stopped, feeling Griffin’s arm tighten over his shoulders. He’d started to reply when Drake emerged behind them. He gave David his customary scowl and nodded coolly to Griffin. 

Griffin and David raised their eyebrows. While he had opted to don more clothes for the evening, Drake’s wardrobe choice was hardly any less provocative than the sheer shorts and thong he’d worn earlier. He sported a black leather vest over his bare chest and a pair skinny jeans. The jeans rode low and top half of his ass was exposed. This would have been provocative enough but Drake hadn’t stopped there: The slim waistband and straps of a black jock stuck out of the top of the jeans, framing his burgeoning buttocks. Further, the jeans were pulled down in front to display his newly-trimmed pubic ‘landing strip’. A big buckle and a pair of black cowboy boots rounded out the outfit that could only be described as very gay. David shook his head.

“I was just inviting the guys here to drinks with us,” Rivard was explaining to Drake. “Whadda ya think, kid?”

Drake shuddered a little but caught himself when he saw the captain’s disapproving look. He managed to sound half-sincere when he said, “Uh, yeah, why not?”

David felt a little disappointed. He was dying to get his hands on Griffin now that they had free reign to explore their…friendship. Spending time with Captain Rivard, who scared him, and Drake Rubio, who despised him, didn’t sound very appealing. He pretended to be enthusiastic, though, as he gave his assent and then jumped a little when he felt Griffin slip his hand down his pants, murmuring, “There’s more where that came from, dude. Can’t wait to get you naked.”

David lifted his head and nuzzled the big man’s neck, much to Drake’s discomfort. The young guy rolled his eyes as he came to a halt next to the captain. Rivard placed a proprietary hand over Drake’s shoulder and pulled him close, leaning in to smell his hair. Incredibly (or maybe not so incredibly, given his odd behavior that day), Drake smiled and nestled closer. Griffin squeezed David’s shoulder and he looked up to see the big man grinning from ear to ear. Clearly, he enjoyed seeing this new, gay side of Drake!

They walked through town, enjoying the night air and the festive atmosphere. It was the weekend and winter in the northern part of the United States which meant hordes of tourists. Rivard steered them down a sidestreet to an open-air bar with draped with rainbow flags. David didn’t notice until they were inside that it was filled with a pretty rough-looking crowd for a gay bar. There seemed to be two groups of men, one playing cards off the side and another dancing. David unconsciously started swaying to the rhythm of the Cuban salsa music lilting through the humid night air and looked longing up at Griffin.

The big man held up his hands and backed away, saying, “Sorry, Sunshine! I’m a white boy with two left feet! But is that a poker game I see going on over there?”

“Hell, yeah!” Rivard exclaimed. “You play?”

Griffin nodded. “Play? Fuck, I used to win all the time in college! Come on!”

The two men headed for the tables on the side, leaving David and Drake alone together. Drake looked uncharacteristically lost. Without the captain by his side, he seemed suddenly aware of his revealing attire and the stares he was getting from the patrons. He started to shift away when David was overcome by a sudden wave of confidence. 

Taking his arm, he propelled him toward the dance floor, saying, “Let’s dance! I’ll lead.”

Drake started to protest but David already had him. At first, he resisted, face twisting in its habitual scowl but the music was infectious and he reluctantly began to move to the rhythm. David didn’t wait, he sprung forward and grabbed his hands, turning and twirling him on the dance floor. Drake tried half-heartedly to break free but then his hips were rolling and swaying like a pro. David grinned, delighted to see Drake lose himself in the music…and take David’s lead. There was something incredibly hot in the way that he allowed David to take in control. He even surprised him by leaping up and straddling his waist for a moment before lithely dismounting and shimmying backward, all but inviting David to come and get him.

The music built along with the tension between them until they were both dripping with sweat and staring eyeball to eyeball, their bodies engaged in an elaborately choreographed dance of dominance and submission. David forgot about everything else as his world narrowed down to the chase, the hunt, and the eventual capture of the resistant/inviting stud in front of him. He had never danced the salsa with a straight guy before, much less a straight guy who followed his lead. Wiping the sweat out of his eyes and fixing Drake with a vulpine grin, he realized he liked it. He liked it very much.

The song ended and they were left standing in the center of the dance floor, chests heaving. Without thinking, David guided Drake over to the bar and ordered him a drink which he downed with one gulp.

“That was a blast, man!” David exclaimed, leaning against the bar stool and looking out over the dance floor undulating with sweaty men. “You do have Cuban blood in you after all!”

“Fuck you, I’m as Cuban as they come,” Drake said but his voice lacked venom. Surprisingly, he favored David with a small smile and added, “You’re a good dancer, David. Really good.”

David smiled back. The bartender slid a couple of beers in front of them and he lifted his mug to clink glasses with Drake. “We’ll have to dance together more often. Maybe when we get to Cuba, we can visit a real dance hall?”

Drake seemed about to say something to this when he turned and laughed. “Look at them! They’re duking it out over cards!”

David followed his gaze to see that Rivard and Griffin were locked in an intense combat of their own at the poker table. He could tell by Griffin’s focused expression that Rivard was giving him a run for his money. He would have to talk to him later about practicing his poker face.

“That’s Ok,” he said, feeling his inhibitions dissolve as the alcohol entered his system. “It gives us more time to…dance.”

It took Drake a moment to pick up on the meaning behind his words. When he finally did, he held up his hands, saying, “Hey! No homo! I let you lead but that doesn’t mean I’m gay.”

David gave him a sly grin and, imitating the captain’s gravelly tone, said, “Sure, kid. Sure.”

He did such a good job of nailing Rivard’s voice that Drake laughed out loud. He leaned in over the bar and allowed his shoulder to press against David’s. When he spoke, his voice was wistful. “He’s quite the guy, isn’t he?”

David had to agree. Rivard occupied the rarified strata of masculinity reserved only for the most stoic and hardened men. It was something to both admire and be a little afraid of. They looked over at the captain then, eyeing him with desire. He seemed to become aware of their scrutiny and looked up briefly to favor them with a slight nod. David and Drake giggled and turned back to the bar.

Drake Rubio was really handsome, David realized suddenly. He didn’t know why it took him so long to notice. Well, actually, he did. Drake had been an asshole from the start, treating him with scorn and derision. His arrogant attitude was poisonous and had affected the way that David perceived him.

Now…

Now, it was different. He caught Drake’s eye and winked, causing him to flush and look away. He didn’t pull away, though, David noticed. No, he kept his shoulder planted firmly against his own.

David decided to be uncharacteristically bold. “You have beautiful eyes, Drake.”

There was a startled pause, then, “Thanks.”

“What part of Cuba did your family come from?”

Drake took a sip from his beer and turned to give him such a genuinely open and friendly look and it took his breath away. “Havana, of course. Both sets of grandparents left the island in the 1950’s, at least five years before the revolution. My parents were born in Miami. How ‘bout yours?”

“Pretty much the same, though my grandparents came over just after Castro took power.” He made a face. “They have no love for the communist government. I’ll be the first person from my family to set foot on the island in over fifty years.”

He lost himself in Drake’s sensuous gaze and admired his beautiful black hair, sensitive lips, and pleasantly rounded features. His big brown eyes contained both a confident arrogance and a subtle yearning as if he was constantly trying to decide whether to fight or surrender. He took after his famous uncle in some ways but was far more good looking. Perhaps it was his strong jaw and matter of fact bearing? Whatever it was, it was working and David impulsively leaned forward and kissed him.

To his surprise, Drake responded. His kiss was tentative and hesitant and…too short. In a moment, he pulled back, a confused look on his face.

He regarded David for a long moment as he struggled to find his voice. Finally, he managed to stammer, “T-T-That…”

He never finished the sentence because he was interrupted by a loud crash from across the bar. David whirled around to see Griffin’s body lying prostrate on the floor. On the other side of the table, four men had grabbed Rivard by the arms even as he struggled mightily to free himself. A huge man in a leather harness was lifting a chair, preparing to break it over Griffin’s head. David cried out, launching himself from his stool and rushing across the dance floor. He could see already, though, that he would get there too late. 

Too late…

Four men went flying in different directions, their bodies crashing with sickening thuds as guys scrambled to get out of the way. Seemingly without effort, Rivard had discarded them like yesterday’s garbage. From across the room, David heard the captain challenge the man threatening Griffin.

 “You wanna fight?” he spat. “Let’s dance!” 

With that, he lanced out with his fist, catching the man squarely in the jaw. He staggered back, dropping the chair. He was a big guy, though, and not so easily felled. Before Rivard could react, he lashed out viciously with his knee and caught the captain in the stomach. David expected to see him double over but he had clenched his abs just in time and the blow did little, save push him back a few inches. David watched him in amazement as he dodged out of the way of the man’s fist, expertly circling behind him and grabbing his right arm. With a savage twist and jerk, he yanked upward. David heard the unmistakable sound of cartilage tearing as the man howled in pain.

“How ‘bout you boys pay up and get lost?” Rivard seethed in his ear. “We won fair and square.”

The man whimpered something unintelligible as his buddies groaned from the floor.

David was already cradling Griffin’s head in his lap when his eyes flickered open. A trickle of blood drained out of the side of his mouth and he smiled up him, mumbling, “Hello, Sunshine! Why so worried?”

***

The bouncers kicked them all out of the bar, seeming to take particular pleasure in roughing up Rivard. They tossed him into the street, shouting, “And stay out, you pussy-eyed freak!” Laughing, they gave each other high-fives and went back inside. Rivard pulled himself up off the pavement and scowled at the new holes in the knees of his jeans. Blood was already staining the shredded fabric. With classic alpha male poise, he ripped off his tattered and stained shirt and refastened the spearguns over his shoulder before holding his hand out to Drake.

“Come on, kid. The night’s still young.”

Drake turned to give David an apologetic look before clasping the proffered hand. They disappeared into the night, leaving Griffin and David standing among a pile of moaning men, the discards from Rivard’s heroic fight.

“So, kid,” Griffin joked as he rubbed his swollen jaw, “wanna get some tail? Our AirBnB is just a down the street.”

David laughed and they set off together, Griffin’s arm draped protectively around his shoulder.

***

Part 3

Rivard awoke the next morning to find Drake playing with his new nipple rings. He lifted them and let them fall again and again, a funny and confused expression on his face. Rivard rolled over on his back and motioned with his hand. After a moment, Drake scooted over, curling up next to him.

“Where,” he started to say and then stopped. Finally, he continued, “Where did I get these?”

Rivard smiled. “At the parlor where you got your new tats, kid.”

Drake jerked a little at this news and stared down at his torso. Clearly, he’d been too preoccupied with his pierced nipples to noticed the tattoos snaking down his arms and creeping up his chest. In the center of his sternum was a fresh, raw sacred heart tattoo, dripping both ink blood and real blood. A gawdy flaming cross crowned the top of the design and the pulsing organ was pierced with cruel thorns. The thorn theme continued on his arms with dramatically-rendered black vines. The tips of the long spiky thorns on the vines were stained an ominous red as they twined up from the back of his hands to his neck, ending in blood-red rose blossoms behind his ears.

“They’re–” his voice cut off as he struggled to process the sudden appearance of the designs permanently marring his tender flesh.

“Marielito tattoos, kid. Your blood clan.”

Drake’s face had gone pale. “But I’m not a gang member! I would never–”

“You are now, kid,” Rivard smirked. “You are now.”

The expression on the boy’s face was priceless. Rivard always relished this part the most. He loved watching them struggle, fight, resist and ultimately give in. Drake really never had a chance but now that Rivard had made the tattoo artist stencil the mystical Axii sign over his ripe buttocks, the kid was a goner. There was no way he would ever be able to regain his former life. It was Rivard’s for the taking. He grinned wolfishly at the boy as he reached over and chucked him under the chin. Let’s take this slow and easy…

“I’m a doctor!” Drake protested, impressing Rivard with his stamina. He’d never had one of his boys fight quite like this. It was extremely erotic.

“A doctor?” Rivard scoffed, laughing crudely as if the notion was a joke in itself. “You?”

Drake nodded, bewilderment starkly written on his handsome face. “Yo no soy,” he began and then stopped, a look of surprise on his face. When he spoke again, his voice was tinged noticeably with a Cuban accent. “Is no true! No true!”

“Ees no true!” Rivard mocked before rolling his eyes. “Come on, stud. Be a man and embrace your heritage! You’re not some faggy researcher; you’re a fucking macho stud! Act like one!”

This had the desired effect and Rivard watched with rapt attention as Drake’s expression and demeanor subtly changed. The confusion, horror, and disbelief gradually faded away as he set his jaw and hardened his gaze. His face seemed to become heavier, meaner, and (this was the best part!) duller as Rivard’s eyes widened. God, he fucking loved this!

“Jew can’t do dis,” Drake managed to gasp, impressing Rivard again with his magnificent resistance. “Mi tio es un sena–”

Rolling his eyes, Rivard said, “Spare me, kid! Your uncle was a street kid from Havana who got swept up with the rest of the trash when Castro filled the boats back in ‘80.”

Drake’s eyes clouded as this new information took hold in his consciousness. Even though Rivard had been through this a dozen times, it still got him hard seeing the boys’ histories and memories get rewritten.

“And you,” Rivard spat with venom. “You would be in prison now if I hadn’t saved your ass. Carjacking’s a felony, kid! Thank god the judge owed me a favor!”

The kid drew back as if stung. He furrowed his brow and struggled, trying his best to fight back this last and final assault on his hallowed identity…but he was too weak and Rivard’s curse was too strong. The captain could tell by the thickening of Drake’s eyebrows that his control was complete and the boy was now his to do with he pleased.

Drake’s lower jaw stuck out and his eyes grew shadowed under his denser brows. He no longer looked like a cocky young scientist who thought the world owed him everything. No, Drake Rubio was now a common criminal, a thug, a brute…

…And hot as fuck! Rivard thought. I’ll play with him for a while and then give him back some of his old fire. Not too soon, though!

“Come on, kid,” Rivard coaxed as he delighted in the way Drake’s eyes dimmed, his intelligence draining inexorably away. “Don’t worry! I’m here for ya. I’ll always be here to make you feel better. Now, how about if you turn over and I’ll give you a real treat?”

The boy puffed up, making a display of being a tough guy but this only made Rivard laugh and take him in his arms. Soon, they were wrestling like a couple of hot-headed studs. Bruises and blood, Rivard thought fondly as he ducked one of Drake’s fists. Bruises and blood always make sex sweeter…

***

Griffin Cochrane was a bottom.

It took David three fucks to realize this. After the last one, when his cock was still throbbing in the big guy’s ass and Griffin was writhing and moaning like a bitch in heat on his rod, he asked, “So, next time can you fuck me?”

Griffin voice broke into a cry and he gasped for air. Finally, he managed to choke, “What? No! That’s not part of the deal, Sunshine!”

“What about my ass? You said–”

“Your ass is the best one I’ve ever seen. A true ‘m-ass-terpiece’!” He laughed at his joke and David frowned.

“Then why can’t–”

Griffin sighed, settling his wide bottom further down on David’s aching shaft. “Listen, Sunshine,” he explained in between panting fits. “I’m betrothed to a woman…”

“So? What–?”

“Shh! Don’t interrupt!”

“I still don’t–”

Griffin turned and placed his hand over David’s mouth. “I’m marrying a woman, Sunshine. Women don’t fuck men, in case you’ve forgotten. It’s the other way around.”

David glared at him and pulled his mouth away, spitting, “Griffin! That’s not fair! I need to get fucked, too!”

Griffin’s eyes were dancing with amusement but this only heightened David’s indignation. When he said, “Then go find yourself a top,” it was like throwing gasoline on a fire and he went incandescent with rage. Only after he had flipped the big brute over onto his back and pummeled his asshole into submission did he realize that he’d fallen right into Griffin’s trap.

“You are such an asshole,” he hissed, stopping mid thrust.

Griffin cracked an eyelid. His face was suffused with ecstasy and sweat trickled down his brow. He looked, David realized, even more handsome than ever and it made him want to kill him.

“Ah, Sunshine! You and I make such lovely music together!”

“Fuck you.”

“My asshole is ready and waiting.”

David pulled out with a loud slurp and flung his legs over the bed. He was starting to pull on his shirt when Griffin tackled him around the waist and hauled him kicking and thrashing back into the center of the bed. He held him down by the elbows, pressing the full weight of his frame down onto him. David gasped for air. Griffin was a really heavy guy!

He stared helplessly as the stud lowered his full lips down for a kiss. Droplets of sweat fell on his cheeks; Griffin’s whole body was wet and slick with sweat and sex juices. When he was just about out of air, Griffin relented and lifted his mouth away.

“Just because you’ve fucked me better than anyone has in a long time,” he whispered. “I’m prepared to take one for the team and fuck your hole.” David’s face lit up and Griffin grinned. “But just this once. If you want to get fucked again, I’d suggest you avail yourself of Captain Rivard. I doubt that dude has ever bottomed for anyone!”

It was a grand gesture but it didn’t pan out.

After trying and trying to get hard, Griffin gave up, sagging down and hanging his head. “I…I’m sorry, Sunshine!” he moaned pitifully. “I can’t do it!”

David pursed his lips. He didn’t understand how Griffin had managed to be rock hard the whole time David was fucking him but the moment it was time to return the favor, the dude went limp. Mustering all of his self-restraint, though, he managed to set his irritation aside and step away from his selfish need to get off. Maybe a different approach was needed here? Maybe he needed to look at the situation from Griffin’s perspective? 

He sighed inwardly but kept his expression neutral as he forced himself to calm down. It was easy to forget Griffin was bi. Bi guys weren’t necessarily like gay guys, right? Maybe being bi meant that he was looking for something different than David was into. David loved everything about the male body; there was no part of it that didn’t turn him on. But was that true for Griffin? Maybe butt-fucking just didn’t turn him on?

“You really weren’t lying when you told Drake that you like chicks and dicks,” he offered, pitching his voice low.

Griffin lifted his great, shaggy head questioningly. It took him a moment before he caught onto David’s implied meaning but when he did, his face broke into a slow grin. “Yeah, you know, I hadn’t thought about that. Maybe you’re right? I do really like cock…ass, well, not so much.”

David nodded. “I get it. I mean, sort of. A butthole isn’t the same thing as a vagina, I guess.”

Making a face, Griffin laughed. “Um, yeah. You could say that.” He paused for a moment, gazing upon David with a new appreciation. Finally, he said, “I’m glad you’re not gonna hold it against me.”

“I didn’t say that.”

Griffin laughed, leaning in to kiss him sloppily before lifting his head to gaze down at him for a long time. Finally, he shook himself, saying, “Let’s go outside. There’s supposed to be a hot tub!”

David allowed the big man to lead him by the hand through the sliding door onto the patio. Their AirBnB rental was a little guest house beside a sprawling bungalow but it was sheltered by palms to lend it an air of privacy. A hot tub gurgled in the evening air, lit from beneath by soft, blue lights. The water, David noticed with delight, was pleasantly cool and salty. He sniffed the air and didn’t detect a hint of chlorine.

“Yeah, Sunshine,” Griffin explained as he stepped in before turning to hold his hand out to David, “it’s a saltwater hot tub. Nice touch!”

David smiled, settling into the water and leaning back, letting his head rest against the stone. A moment later, Griffin surprised him by settling onto his lap.

He started to protest but Griffin held up his hand. “Shhh, humor me, Ok?” He massaged David’s crotch with his hairy ass, making him instantly hard, and then grinned as he grabbed his cock and positioned it inside his cleft. Emitting a deep, sexy growl, he continued “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a cock this big inside me?”

David’s eyes inadvertently rolled back in his head as he felt Griffin’s hole swallow him. He made little teasing thrusts with his hips, savoring the big man’s grunts and groans. So, Ok, if he was forced to be a top all night, why not enjoy it?

Griffin wouldn’t let him come again and seemed to take devious pleasure in working him into a frenzy of lust only to back off at the last minute. This frustrated David at first but he quickly got over it. Clearly, Griffin was making the most of Alison’s agreement to allow them the night together and he wasn’t going to waste it with an empty hole.

The gibbous moon was slanting down through the palm trees above them as Griffin tired of teasing David’s cock. He sighed and leaned back against him, settling the full weight of his bulk on his lap. David groaned but didn’t try to push him off. It felt good to hold his beefy lover and he savored his massive weight. Save for his beast lover, Devin, he’d never had fucked such a big guy before and he loved it.

David reclined, settling deeper into the water until he was nearly submerged. This allowed Griffin to lie back and enjoy being held tightly while keeping his hole packed, something he enjoyed deeply.

“You’re too good to me, Sunshine,” he murmured as he clenched his rectal muscles around his shaft. “Too good.”

David smiled languidly, in no hurry to reply. He wanted the night to last forever, never wanted to separate from Griffin, never wanted to return to the Nereus or the life of a researcher. Couldn’t they just lie like this forever? The breeze rustled the fronds above their heads and the smell of the ocean was fragrant and close. A sliver of moonlight slipped through the leaves and gently brushed their faces.

“Griffin, I–”

His voice was cut off as Griffin clenched savagely, cringing in his lap. He thrashed aside and David cried out as his cock was wrenched savagely out of his hole. He didn’t have time to focus on himself, though. The huge man was flailing around, writhing and screaming as if he was on fire.

David didn’t have time to think. In a moment, he had pulled Griffin out of the hot tub and hauled him onto the paving stones nearby. Taking his wrists in his hands, he straddled him, forcibly holding him in place. Griffin tried to knock him away but David was too strong. He had no idea where his strength came from but somehow he managed to subdue the man, even though Griffin must have outweighed him by at least fifty pounds.

It was while he wrestling with him that he noticed the scars on his shoulder. He made a mental note to ask him about this later because at that moment, Griffin’s eyes snapped open and he gave David a big, goofy grin.

“Why so worried, Sunshine?”

David couldn’t help it. He burst into tears, sinking back on his haunches and holding his face in his hands. He was barely aware of Griffin moving underneath him and didn’t register the fact that he was being held until the big man squeezed him so tightly he choked.

“Stop it!” he gasped.

“Not until you stop crying.”

“Fuck you!”

Griffin made a funny sound in the back of his throat before lifting David up and carrying him back inside. He carefully laid him on the bed before settling in next to him, cradling him in his arms and pressing his massive body against him.

When he opened his eyes, the hurricane lamp hanging next to the bed illuminated Griffin’s concerned and loving face. His cheek was swollen from being punched earlier at the bar and he had a shiner under his left eye that was quickly darkening. By morning, he would have a very black eye!

“What was that, Griffin? Are you epileptic?” Then he remembered that Griffin had been punched in the fact back at the bar. Had he sustained a closed head injury? He grabbed him by the elbows, saying, “We need to get you to doctor!”

His lover’s face crinkled and then he flinched, reaching down to gently remove David’s hands. His voice was thick as he answered, “I’m fine. Just fine.”

David’s eyebrows drew together. “You scared me! You need to get checked out!”

“Ali just graduated from medical school,” Griffin offered, seemingly unconcerned. “I’ll ask her about it when we get back to the ship but right now I feel fine!”

“But–”

“Oh, Sunshine! Don’t worry! I feel great. In fact, I feel better than ever with you here.” Gently pressing himself into David, he narrowed his eyes slyly, adding, “How about you work my tool with those magic hands of yours? I’m dying to cum!”

David tried to protest but Griffin forcibly took his hands and moved them down to his crotch where his massive organ was pulsing and moist and hard as a rock. Setting aside his worry, he grabbed the cock and jacked him slowly, grinning at the look of unfiltered rapture that played across his lover’s face.

***

A new guy was taking a smoking break outside the ship when David returned the next morning.

He’d awakened back at the AirBnB cottage to find the bed empty, a note from Griffin on the pillow. His lover had been called back to the Nereus to troubleshoot problems with the servers. He was the only tech staff on the boat so whenever there was a problem, he was the one who had to fix it. In his clumsy script, he explained that David had looked so sweet asleep in the morning sun that he hadn’t wanted to wake him. 

David had smiled to himself, feeling both sad and happy. He was rapidly developing feelings for the big lug and didn’t know how it would go if he and Griffin continued spending time together. At some point, there would be problems. How else could it be when you fall in love with a guy who is engaged to someone else?

He paused on the gangplank to check out the new guy, deciding pretty much right away that he looked pretty rough. Unshaven and tattooed, the young guy had a coiled intensity about him even as he slouched down, his elbows on the railing, gazing out at the marina. He possessed the beginnings of a scraggly beard on his prominent jaw and his eyes were narrowed into a permanent squint. Yeah, that jaw. It was big and thrust forward, giving him a pugnacious appearance. His stained baseball cap was askew on his head, dense and curly hair escaping from beneath the bill. His body was wide and thick with muscles as well as some additional padding. Somehow, though, the extra padding only seemed to make him look tougher and more badass. His pecs strained against his tattered tank top (Were his nippled pierced?) and his old shorts were at least two sizes too small…a fact that only served to draw David’s attention to his big, powerful thighs and prominent bulge.

David was captivated.

Only when he drew nearer did he realize that the guy looked vaguely familiar. This familiarity grew as he approached until…

“Holy fuck!” he exclaimed. “Is that you, Drake?”

The guy didn’t look at him right away and continued staring out over the harbor disinterestedly for a few seconds as he blew cigarette smoke out his nostrils. Finally, he turned his head slightly to give David the once-over, lifting his chin almost imperceptibly in greeting. For some reason, David’s attention was drawn to his knuckles and he gave a start when he noticed the flaming skulls tattooed on each.

“What happened to you?” he prompted when Drake didn’t say anything. “I can’t believe how different you look!”

Drake regarded him with barely concealed derision for a few seconds before turning and tamping out his cigarette, tossing it into the water below. He pulled off his cap and pushed his shaggy hair back, slapping it back on and grabbing the mop leaning next to him. Then he turned and, pausing significantly to look back at David, headed below deck.

David stared after him, heart pounding. 

For some reason he couldn’t quite grasp, he followed Drake down the stairs. He was halfway down the steps when he stopped and hesitated, uncertain what he was doing. His cock was rock hard in his shorts and his palms were sweaty. He couldn’t believe what he’d just seen, couldn’t believe that this was the same young doctor that he’d left just hours ago with Captain Rivard. What the fuck had happened to him?

The level just below deck was empty. The sides of the ship were open, broken only by narrow railings, and the painted steel floor was bare save for two, sealed chests with life preservers and other safety equipment. He caught his breath when finally spied Drake near the bow. The guy was on his hands and knees next to a bucket of soapy water.  His back was to David but he could see he was holding a scrub brush, making circular motions as he cleaned the deck.

He tried and failed to take his eyes off the guy’s prominent backside. Drake’s buttocks looked swollen as the tattered pair of shorts strained to contain them. He didn’t remember Drake having such a big ass before but now there was no disputing the fact he had a truly huge Latin booty. It was all David could do to stop from panting and he had to take a step back to collapse on the steps behind him. He felt weak.

Drake ignored him and continued scrubbing. After a while, he stopped and pulled his tank top off, tossing it to the side. 

Fuck, is that…? It was! It was! Drake Rubio had a tattoo over his ass! He craned his neck, trying to get a good look. It was an upside triangle whose point was aimed suggestively down toward Drake’s hairy cleft. The triangle wasn’t closed on all three sides, though; the right side was left open just below the top. And it wasn’t pink which meant it wasn’t the gay symbol. David puzzled over it, trying to figure out what it was. There had to be a meaning to it but he didn’t know what it was….but he didn’t really care because–Fuck!–Drake Rubio had a tramp stamp!

Drake scrubbed and scrubbed, seeming to take great interest in making the floor shine. David was beside himself with lust, trying and failing numerous times to make himself get up and go find Griffin. He needed to check in with the dude to make sure he was Ok after last night’s episode. He needed to…

Fuck! Drake was getting sweaty the harder he worked. Soon, his back was shiny and droplets slid off of him to plop on the floor. Still, he scrubbed, studiously ignoring David.

Slowly, casually, Drake sat up on his knees to unbutton his shorts. He paused for a long moment before inching them down his waist. Even unbuttoned, they got caught on his sweaty bubble butt and he had to wrestle with the material before he succeeded in freeing himself.

David choked when he saw that the rough stud was wearing a pink thong underneath the canvas shorts. It was shiny and sheer…almost feminine. The contrast between his uber macho demeanor and the sexy, skimpy underwear was intoxicating and a low moan escaped David’s lips before he could suppress it.

Drake looked back over his shoulder and winked, tugging the shorts down to his knees and then kicking them off. Then he bent over and resumed scrubbing, his bare buttocks jiggling and swaying salaciously with the movement.

Just when David felt like he was going to have a hands-free orgasm from watching, Drake tossed the brush in the bucket. He sat there for a long time on his hands and knees, butt jutting out toward David. David was entranced. His brain felt like it was going to overload and his cock was rigid and leaking in his shorts.

Time slowed as he watched Drake lift a hand off the floor. David watched it travel the distance of two or so feet in slow motion as Drake moved it back toward his buttocks. Carefully, he placed his fingers on his butt cheek and stopped, lowering his head between his legs to stare at David as if he wanted to make sure that he was watching.

As if there was any doubt! David’s gaze was riveted on Drake and his mesmerizing ass. His mouth watered and his pulse pounded as he waited, aching to see what he was going to do next.

Drake gave him satisfied grin and then sent David’s libido rocketing skyward as he very slowly reached in and pulled the tiny, pink string to the side, exposing his big, hairy hole. It was brown and wrinkly and–Ungh!–fucking delectable. David didn’t even try to stifle the delirious moan that resonated from deep in his chest.

But when Drake pushed his butt backward to show off his gaping pucker, he lost it.

He didn’t remember closing the space between them. All he knew is that one moment, he was clothed and on the stairs twenty five feet from the stud and the next he was naked and taking the guy’s wide hips in his hands to fuck the shit out of his beckoning hole.

Drake, however, moved with a lightning speed of his own and stopped him.

Before David’s throbbing cock could make contact with his tender skin, Drake had grabbed him by the wrists and hauled him up to his feet. David stood there, chest heaving, feeling overcome with desire and confusion.

“What–?” he started to say but Drake merely dropped one of his wrists to wag a finger at him.

“No so fast, puto!”

David’s eyebrows drew together. Why was he talking with such a dorky accent?

Drake leered at him, his face splitting into a wide and unpleasant grin. Kneeling down, he pulled a wicked-looking knife out of the shorts crumpled at his feet and flicked the blade open, holding it in front of David’s face. David gaped at it, scrambling mentally to figure out what Drake was doing.

Making a big show, Drake stuck out his tongue and licked the blade, grinning from ear to ear as a cut opened up, staining the knife red with blood.

“Mariposa,” he pronounced, blood running out of his mouth and down his chin.

David was frozen. He willed himself to move but couldn’t. His mind and body were both paralyzed and he felt like he was watching from far away as Drake brandished the blade.

“Mariposa,” he repeated.

The blade moved closer.

Closer.

Closer.

It was touching his chest.

He stared down at it in horror as Drake laughed, a crude and abrasive sound that fell like broken glass into his ears.

Drake pressed the knife into David’s chest, piercing his flesh. He cried out but didn’t move. He couldn’t! He couldn’t! He was completely drained of will. All he could do is stand there even as a voice screamed at him inside his head.

He didn’t move.

He watched in disbelief as a trickle of blood ran down between his pecs.

With no apparent urgency, Drake inserted the blade a couple of millimeters into his flesh and dragged it in a crude arc across his chest. The pain was excruciating but somehow David’s body remained immobile as his assailant etched the design of a warped butterfly in jagged cuts to his skin. By the time he was finished, David’s torso was red with blood and his skin was on fire with agony. Yet even then he couldn’t move; he was held in place by the captive force of Drake’s will and his own shock.

Drake continued to laugh maniacally, finally dropping the knife to stand back and admire his handiwork. His thong was spattered with blood as he peeled it off, kicking it theatrically overboard. David stared at his naked body, eyes glued on the enormously fat cockhead bobbing in front of him.

Shaking himself, Drake stepped forward and wiped his hand down David’s chest, holding up his bloody palm to show off the gore. Winking, he spit into his hand and then reached out and grabbed David’s cock. Incredibly, he was still fiercely erect and he cringed at the rough contact. Drake jacked him harshly, peeling back his foreskin and gripping his cockhead in his fist until David’s knees buckled.

He looked up at Drake helplessly as he spit into his hand again and resumed jacking him. When David’s cock was bruised and bloody and frothy with spit, he turned around and presented his broad ass to him.

“Cógeme!” he commanded. When David didn’t respond, he repeated. “Cógeme duro!” and jammed David’s cock in his ass.

They fucked.

It was beyond brutal and David’s whole body was covered with blood and bruises by the time they reached an unholy orgasm. Throughout it all, his mind was blank and his mouth was locked, no sound betraying the violence and abuse he endured. The whole time, he could hear people moving around above deck, people who would have come running if they had heard him cry out.

But he didn’t cry out.

Why?

Was it shame? Horror? Shock? Or worse, the twisted ecstasy coursing through his veins like a sickening drug?

He didn’t know.

In a way, he didn’t care because something about Drake’s abuse was addictive and compelling. Even as his body and mind were shattered, he longed for more. He wanted more! More pain, more blood, more bruises, more…

Only after he came and he and Drake were contorting with the aftershocks of their seismic orgasm did he feel sense slowly seeping back into his frayed and broken mind. Only then did he realize to what depths of depravity he had sunk. He sagged into Drake, completely spent as the multiple wounds on his body began to scream out.

His cock was softening in Drake’s ass, slowly drawing back even as the man’s butt muscles clenched around him. As if from far away, he heard Drake make a noise like a little animal. David was penetrating him from behind so he couldn’t see his expression but a moment later his heart twisted as he heard the unmistakable sound of weeping.

“Drake…?” he began, only to feel the young guy’s body tense. He pulled out then and wrapped his trembling arms around his stomach, repeating, “Drake?” When the weeping grew louder, he somehow managed to move around in front but Drake quickly folded into a fetal position, collapsing onto the bloody deck at David’s feet.

David stared down at him, uncertain what to do. He felt so empty that all he could do is stare for a long time but finally he knelt down and placed a hand on the sobbing guy’s shoulder. He weakly pulled away but David wouldn’t relent and kept his hand firmly in contact.

After a while, Drake stopped crying and, snuffling, turned to fix David with his baleful gaze. His eyes widened as he took in David’s battered appearance. With detached emotion, David realized his face had changed again and he looked pretty much like the old Drake he remembered. More tattooed and…pierced, but essentially the same.

He seemed to become aware of the tattoos at the same moment and held his hands in front of his face, staring at them in confusion. His gaze traveled up his arms and then down to his nipples. When he saw the big rings hanging off of them, his eyes widened and his lips began to quiver.

“Wh-What did you do to me?”

His voice was small, like a child’s.

When David didn’t answer, he repeated, “What did you do to me?” His voice was tinged with hysteria and David noticed that his whole body had begun to shake.

“Drake,” David said. “I didn’t do anything to you. You were like this when…”

But Drake wasn’t listening. He was shaking his head vehemently as if he wanted to block out David’s voice. Finally, he covered his ears and cried, “No! No! No! No! That’s not true!”

Sighing and feeling every muscle complain, David sat down on the deck next to him, stroking his shoulder and trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Nothing made sense. Nothing. As he sat there wondering what to do, though, something strange began to happen. It was almost imperceptible at first but gradually he noticed Drake’s body changing. Well, not exactly changing. It stayed the same size and weight but…the shape…began to shift. It started in his shoulders and gradually spread throughout his body.

First, his shoulders stopped trembling and then they became straighter. He pushed them back and sort of puffed them out, making him appear bigger and…cockier. Like a guy who was confident, full of himself.

His chest puffed out next and soon his stomach had firmed as if he was purposely hardening it, toughening up. Like he was ready for anything. Like he had stomach, chest, back and shoulders that no one would ever fuck with because he was a man. A big man.

His legs and thighs and crotch followed suit as the mysterious tightening and armoring continued its slow march down his body. Soon, his entire torso and lower body were that of a man who was invulnerable, fully in command of himself, beyond confident.

His body was screaming out one message loud and clear, ‘I’m a big, tough, macho stud and don’t you ever forget it!’

David settled back on his haunches, enthralled by the changes overtaking his friend. Drake’s face was the last part to change and it was almost heartbreaking watching his jaw clench and jut outward even as his pleading eyes found David’s.

“David! Help me!” he managed to choke out before his eyes hardened and his brow grew heavy. The spark and life contained in his beautiful gaze seeped away to be replaced by a steely-eyed, predatory glare.

David knew he was gone even before his lips curled into a sneer.

“Mariposa,” he pronounced with a proprietary tone. “Fucking mariposa.”

He didn’t know how he knew it but, at that moment, one thought forced its way to the chaotic surface of his mind and a deep conviction took hold.

Captain Rivard, he thought. I’ve gotta find Captain Rivard.

***

Rivard took one look at David and all but shoved Alison out of the bridge, saying, “Ali, go check with Cyndy in the engine room. She called about a questionable reading.” 

David launched himself at the captain, going for his neck, but Rivard easily sidestepped him and caught him in a headlock. His grip wasn’t very tight, though, and he surprised David by releasing him a moment later and taking his face in his hands.

“David, hold on,” he said calmly, his yellow eyes filled with concern and…something else. What was it?

“Hold on? Hold on?” David seethed, chest heaving. “What the fuck? How can you say? What the fuck did you do to him?”

Rivard leaned back against the control panel and crossed his arms. He regarded him with a long time without speaking. As he stood there, David realized that his body was shaking. His whole body felt off, like he’d been jolted by an electric current that had fried his nerves. He couldn’t stop trembling. He looked down at himself and stared at the blood soaking through his shirt. Numbly, he stumbled backward and collapsed on the bench behind him.

After a moment, the captain took a seat next to him and, pulling a flask out of his pocket, ordered him to take a drink. Robotically, David lifted it to his lips and sipped. The alcohol was acrid and burning, causing him to gag. Somehow, though, he managed to swallow it down.

Rivard was watching him closely and his eyes widened slightly when he swallowed. They widened further when he took another sip. David handed the flask back to him as he slumped down on the bench, elbows on his knees. The rage and indignation that had propelled him to find the captain drained out of him, leaving him spent and confused. He hung his head.

“Here,” Rivard offered, reaching over to lift his shirt over his head. “This stuff works on cuts, too. It will heal your wounds.”

David duly lifted his arms over his head, allowing the captain to pull off his tank top. It was stained a ghastly red by that point and Rivard crumpled it up and tossed it in the trash. Wrinkling his brow, he grabbed a rag and, dabbing the contents of the flask on it, proceeded to clean the butterfly ‘design’ carved into David’s chest.

“He must really like you,” he commented drily. “He just made you his property.”

David’s head whipped around at this. “His…property?”

Rivard gave him a wintry smile. “That’s how the Marielitos mark their territory. Kinda like carving your initials in a tree, only they use the bodies of people they own.”

‘Marielitos’? The gang? David’s head hurt thinking about what this might mean and he pushed it aside for later. Right then, he didn’t have the mental wherewithal to deal with it.

The liquid stung as it made contact with his scored flesh and David flinched. He looked down and gaped, though, when he saw his skin knitting together wherever the captain applied the tincture. In a few seconds, the butterfly wound had completely healed. It left behind a jagged, raised, and angry scar in its place. He cringed when he realized that there was no way to hide it. For the rest of his life, people would see it every time he was shirtless.

“What is that stuff?” David asked, unable to believe his eyes. He had no idea that anything existed that could heal wounds so quickly.

The corner of Rivard’s mouth lifted. “Ancient Chinese secret.” Lifting the flask to his lips, he took a drink and then turned to trace a fingertip over the raised scar on David’s chest. “Makes you look tough,” he commented, winking, and David flushed.

The captain continued cleaning him up, very carefully and gently wiping him with the cloth until his skin glowed with new health. And he didn’t stop with David’s torso. Pausing to look him in the eyes, he asked, “Mind standing up so I can take off your shorts?”

David thought about objecting but didn’t. Instead, he got up and allowed the captain to unbutton his shorts before pulling them off along with his underpants. When he was standing there naked, Rivard took a moment to survey his body critically.

“Nice. Really nice. You’re a handsome man, David.”

He dipped his head, feeling awkward. He’d never really thought of himself as handsome but somehow, with the captain’s eyes fixed upon him with obvious appreciation, he felt truly good looking for the first time in his life.

Rivard held up the rag and flask, asking, “May I?”

David nodded and the captain commenced cleaning every inch of his lower body with the elixir. He didn’t omit anything, even rubbing it into the folds of his foreskin and under his balls. And, of course, he couldn’t resist tickling David’s butthole when he got to his backside.

David laughed as the captain teased, “I can tell you prefer bottoming from the size of your…”

“Alright! Alright!” David objected. “When I agreed to let you clean me up, that didn’t include a running commentary!”

Rivard grinned and, slapping him on the ass, held up his underwear and waited for David to step into them. After he was decently clothed again, the captain stepped back and glanced out the helm.

“Dammit, I thought I set the autopilot! We’ve drifted off course.”

“Serves you right, you pervert.”

Rivard swatted at him before turning to steer the Nereus back in the right direction. After he was satisfied, he turned back to David, asking, “So, you want an explanation, right?”

David had been so distracted by the captain’s ministrations that he’d almost forgotten about Drake. Shaking himself, he nodded. “Yes.”

“Ok, but not here, not now. Tonight, we’ll moor off the western tip of Cuba. Meet me on deck after dinner and we’ll talk.”

With that, he turned his back to David, dismissing him. 

***

The captain was standing near the bow of the ship after dinner when David emerged from the galley. The ship was moored off a small shoal, pointing west as a westerly wind rose off the sea. The boat swayed lazily from side to side in the surf. Off to the east, the green hills of western Cuba emerged from the distant, humid shore. 

Rivard was wearing his customary pair of blue boardshorts and flipflops. His magnificent, deeply scarred chest was bare, the points of the spearguns jutting over his left shoulder. He bowed deeply to David, indicating a small rowboat hanging at the ready next to the deck.

“I feel like it’s best if we talk off the ship,” he explained. “There is a small island nearby. Care to accompany me, my prince?”

David smiled despite his mood. Drake hadn’t shown up for dinner and Griffin had left a note on his door, saying that he and Alison were spending the night together in her quarters. He felt adrift and restless. The whole experience of the past couple of days had left him deeply unsettled and the warning from his wolf/human hybrid lover, Devin, was ringing in his ears: Don’t trust anyone and above all don’t trust Deoxy Corp!

Rivard held out his hand and David took it, allowing himself to be guided into the small boat. It was tippy and he clutched the sides as the captain worked the ropes, lowering it down into the water. The evening was hot and sticky, the air smelling of rain. Far to the west, he saw lightning spiking through towering thunderheads. He shivered.

Rivard rowed them into the open water where large waves tossed the boat. The little island was only about a hundred meters from the ship but it seemed to take forever getting there. At one point, a rogue wave tipped the boat and the captain lost his grip on one of the oars. He was leaning over to grab it and must have inadvertently pressed the trigger on one of his spearguns because there was a loud crack as the spear launched from the gun. 

It was pointing directly at David’s chest.

He watched helplessly as the deadly projectile exploded from the tip of the gun. He knew he didn’t have time to dodge out of the way, knew with sick certainty that he was a dead man. He started to cringe, preparing for the tip to pierce his flesh…

…and then he was looking at his hand in bewilderment. He was clutching the shaft of the spear, his palm hot from the friction of catching it midair.

He blinked, staring at the razor-sharp tip of the silver spear in his hand. The tip that should have been buried in his chest.

No way!

And then time was shifting dizzyingly and he was on his back as Rivard held an oar at his throat, expertly immobilizing him even as the small boat pitched back and forth in the surf.

“Tell me what the fuck you are.” Rivard’s eyes had turned deadly and his voice was like granite.

David choked, unable to make a sound with the oar held pressing into his esophagus. Rivard made a face and pulled back slightly.

“What do you mean?” David squeaked, heart pounding and brain struggling to figure out what had just happened.

Rivard glared down at him. “Tell me what you are! You’re not human, that much I know for certain.”

David swallowed and tried to free himself but the captain was unflinching. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Of course, I’m human! What else would I be?”

“A sapient monster, that’s what.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

Rivard’s eyes narrowed. “How did you catch that spear with your bare hand? And how did you survive drinking from my flask? That liquid is deadly poison to humans. And, while we’re on the topic, why the fuck does my monster-sensing medallion go fucking crazy every time you’re around?”

David gaped up at him. The captain had gone quite insane, he realized, and he was stuck. He was stuck in the middle of the sea in a tiny boat that was about to capsize while a bat-shit crazy man threatened to kill him.

Something interesting happened then. Maybe it was his survival instinct, maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, it arrived at precisely the right moment. Feeling a sense of calm wash over him, David closed his mouth and met the captain’s gaze, locking eyes.

“If what you are saying is true about your flask, then you yourself are not human. Does that mean you’re a monster?”

The captain’s eyes clouded. “Of course not!”

“Then what are you?”

Silence. The captain seemed at a loss how to answer this question. Finally, he muttered, ”I’m a mutant.”

David took the oar and moved it away from his throat; Rivard didn’t resist. He stared up at him for a long moment before asking, “Can we talk about this on dry land? I’m getting seasick.”

Dropping his shoulders, Rivard fixed the oar in the oarlock and, sitting down on the center bench, commenced rowing. In a few minutes, he hopped out and pulled the boat onto the wide beach of the island. It was barely more than a sand bar covered with low scrub but it was land and David hopped out gratefully.

The captain sat down on the beach, just out of reach of the surf, and after hesitating for a moment, David joined him. There were scattered pieces of fishing net, rubber buoys, and other flotsam. He wrinkled his nose when he saw the soggy condom. Humans are fucking destroying the oceans, he thought dourly before turning to face Rivard.

“We have a lot to talk about.”

Rivard grunted, refusing to meet his gaze. He was staring fixedly back at the Nereus as if he was contemplating leaving David stranded on the little island. He was quiet for a long time before he asked, gritting his teeth, “What are you? A doppler?”

David blinked. A doppler? Was he serious? “No,” he said carefully. “I don’t know how to answer your question. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the monster thing.” He dug his hands into the sand and then let it trickle through his fingers. “How about if we talk about Drake? He’s the reason we came out here in the first place.”

Rivard clenched his jaw and looked like he wanted to object. A moment later, though, he nodded.

David took a deep breath and plunged ahead. “What did you do to him? I’m not stupid. I know you changed him somehow. He’s like a completely different person.”

“He’s a better man.” Rivard sounded so much like a petulant child that David smiled.

“You need to change him back,” David said evenly. “This isn’t right. He asked me to help him after we…well, you know. He was his old self again for a minute before he changed back to that, that thug you made him into.”

Rivard’s eyes flared as he turned to fix David with a withering stare. He was a powerful man and not just because his body was solid, coiled muscle. He possessed a strength in every movement, every expression and he focused the full brunt of this on David. It took everything he had not to look away. When he didn’t back down, Rivard’s demeanor shifted and there was a spark of something in his eyes. What was it? Admiration? In any case, when he spoke, his voice was softer. His shoulders relaxed and he leaned back on his hands, crossing his legs and gazing back out to sea.

“He was an arrogant asshole, a self-righteous prick,” he stated flatly. “I made him into a real man. Are you saying you want that asshole back?”

David sighed. “What gives you the right? He deserves to be himself, make his own decisions, be his own person.”

“Not gonna happen.”

David turned sharply, sputtering, “What? Why? If you changed him, you can change him back! I saw…”

“What you saw after you two fucked, David, was not the old Drake. That Drake is gone. Dead. Or at least he may as well be.”

“But–”

Rivard held up his hand. “Listen to me! I can’t undo it!”

“You need to try.”

“What if I don’t wanna?”

David turned to face him, crossing his legs in front of him and reaching out to grab him by the shoulders. Rivard resisted at first but finally relented, allowing David to turn him until they were face to face. “Captain, why? Why change him at all?”

Rivard looked away, his face expressionless. After a while, David realized he wasn’t going to get an answer and he let his hands fall away.

“Take me back to the ship,” he said finally. “I am getting off in Cuba. I don’t want anything to do with this research project.”

It wasn’t until they were nearly back to the Nereus that David realized this trip in the rowboat had been a ruse and the speargun incident hadn’t been an accident. The captain had planned it all along, or at least since David had accosted him on the bridge that afternoon.

***

David didn’t even remember going back to his room. All he knew is that he woke up to a pounding on the door. Sitting up and rubbing his temples, he heard a woman’s voice calling his name. 

Alison was standing in the doorway when he opened it. It was dark but he could tell she was pretty freaked out.

“David, something is wrong with Griff!” He stood there staring at her until, exasperated, she grabbed him by the shoulders, pulling him out of the room and shoving him into the hallway. “I don’t know what’s wrong but he keeps asking for you!” she explained as she manhandled him the whole way to her room.

When he stepped inside, he greeted by an eerily familiar scene. Griffin was writhing on the bed, eyes rolled back in his head, struggling to breathe. The porthole next to the bed was open and, out of the corner of his eye, David saw the waxing moon peaking through the window.

“Da-a-a-a-v-v-v-i-i-i-d!” Griffin growled through clenched jaws. “H-h-h-e-e-e-l-l-l-p!”

David leapt onto the bed and grabbed him, forcing his arms and legs outward and holding him down. He didn’t know where he found the strength to immobilize him but somehow he managed to do it. When he had succeeded, Griffin threw his head back and made a pitiful, strangled sound.

“Alison! You’re the doctor. What’s going on?” David demanded. “Is this a seizure?” His voice, while excited, remained steady, commanding.

Alison had closed the door and was standing beside the bed, her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and she was shaking. Finally, she managed to say, “I-I don’t know. He’s never done this before!”

David looked down at the big man and shuddered. Griffin looked terrible! His eyes were round and bloodshot, his jaw was clenched so tightly that David worried he’d crack his teeth. As he stared at him, he noticed something else.

What?

Hair.

Griffin was growing hair!

At first, he thought it was a trick of the light but when he looked closer, he realized it was true. The big man’s beard was filling out and his shaggy locks were getting, well, shaggier. In fact, dense reddish brown hair seemed to be sprouting all over his body.

David felt a tremor run through his body and, when it had passed, Griffin’s body had…changed. It wasn’t dramatic but his shoulders were wider. Shit, it wasn’t just his shoulders, his whole fucking torso was wider! And talk about muscles!

And then there was his face. His face was broader, more masculine…and more bestial. David shivered.

This is not possible!

Griffin’s eyes flew open and he fixed David with his feverish gaze. David blinked. He swore he’d just seen his irises change color, darkening and his pupils…

“Hhhrrr,” Griffin growled, lifting his head to sniff the air. “You smell good!”

David then became aware of another sensation…under his butt. His big friend’s rod was quickly firming up. After a few moments, there was no denying it: Griffin had a raging boner and it was pushing firmly into the cleft of David’s ass. Griffin was wearing a pair of boxers and David had on the shorts he slept in but the fabric didn’t provide much of a barrier against the dude’s enormous erection.

Feeling warmth creep up his shoulders and neck, David turned to Alison, saying, “Uh, he’s seems to be–”

She was staring at them, wide-eyed. When he waved his hand at her, she shook herself and David watched as the rational part of her mind reasserted itself.

He cleared his throat and tried not to pay attention to the way that Griffin was pushing his ample erection against his butt. “Alison, do you have any idea what’s going on with him?”

She shook her head, the wheels turning in her head. He could tell that she was mentally cycling through all of her medical knowledge, trying to come up with a diagnosis. Griffin moaned underneath him and he turned back, gasping when he registered more changes.

Griffin’s face was different. His nose was flatter, wider, and…darker. His mouth seemed wider, too. A lot wider. When he opened his jaws, David saw that his teeth were huge and growing longer.

“What the…?”

A flicker of light caught his attention and he turned, seeing the moon hanging low on the horizon. It was bright and beautiful, seemingly suspended between two great thunderheads on the horizon.

He looked back at Griffin, noting his broad hands. They were bigger…but also shorter. His fingers had shortened and curling in on themselves. His fingernails resembled claws…

Claws?

Claws!

Shit! David could have kicked himself for being so dense. The memories of his recent liaison with Devin, the wolf-human hybrid, came rushing back to him. Devin had told him that his bite would turn a human into a werewolf. He gone on to explain that he and his betas had infected a number of Deoxy Corp employees. Had they infected Griffin? With growing unease, he remembered Devin’s parting words when David had refused to heed his warning about taking part in the mission to Cuba. Devin had been disappointed but he’d told David that he would have allies onboard. Was Griffin supposed to be that ally?

The huge man bucked under him, thrusting his burgeoning erection almost painfully into David’s butt. It was getting harder to control him. Feeling rising panic, he looked wildly over at Alison, demanding, “Alison, was Griffin attacked recently? By an animal?”

She stared at him uncomprehendingly for a moment before saying, “Why? Do you think he has rabies? His symptoms aren’t–”

“No! Not rabies! Something worse! Was he attacked?”

Her face went pale then and she stammered, “We were winter camping in the Rockies before flying to Miami and a bear mauled our tent while we were asleep. Griffin’s shoulder was clawed but it wasn’t serious. The bear ran off as soon as we woke up and started screaming at it.”

A bear?

A bear!

“Are you sure it was a bear?”

Her expression was eloquent. “Uh, yeah. It was a bear, David.”

He puzzled over this, glancing down at Griffin’s shoulder. The russet hair had thickened, covering his bare skin, but there was a trace left of several long gashes running in parallel across the top of his arm.

Bear claw marks.

Definitely not wolf.

Had Devin and his gang managed to infect other animals?

Was Griffin turning into a ‘werebear’?

He didn’t have time to ponder this possibility because at that moment, Griffin overpowered him, flipping him up and then down on his stomach. There was a savage growl and David gurgled in surprise as his clothes were shredded off his body and flung in tatters on the floor. Before he could clench, Griffin grabbed him by the hips and, drawing him upward, thrust his massively engorged cock between his legs. David’s mind exploded with pain as his hole gave way to the brutal onslaught. Griffin slammed inside of him and then David’s teeth were grinding together and his head was banging against the wall as the beast pummeled against him.

Griffin raged against and inside of him for a long time, driving David almost insane with agony and excruciating pleasure. When he finally exploded in orgasm, he was beyond caring about anything anymore. He had become a thrall to pain and ecstasy, drunk with the ferocious assault on his hole and body.

Slowly, his body quivering with the aftereffects of passion, David became aware of a ragged panting in his ear. Griffin’s sweaty, furry body was squashing down on top of him. His giant, swollen member still pulsed in his hole, sending little static charges shooting through his pelvis. The smell–God!–the smell was incredible! The whole room was redolent with the odor of raw animal lust and sex. He wrinkled his nose, inhaling the scent, uncertain whether he found it intoxicating or revolting.

He moaned and tried to push Griffin off of him but the big man wouldn’t move. Finally, he elbowed him in the ribs.

“Ouch! Was that called for, Sunshine?” Griffin’s voice sounded throaty and deep but it was essentially back to normal; it had lost that inhuman, guttural rasp.

“Get off of me! You’re too heavy!”

“Nothin’ doin’,” Griffin sighed contentedly, refusing to budge. 

“Griffin!”

There was a funny, rumbling laugh. “I get off of you and I can’t promise what I’ll do.” He shifted a little on the bed, easing some of his bulk onto his knees but he stayed firmly planted on David’s back–and in his ass.

“I can’t breathe!”

“You’re such a drama queen!”

“Fuck you!”

Alison cleared her throat, making her presence known, and Griffin lifted his great, shaggy head to look over at her. “Alison, hey!” he said brightly. “You’re here, too? It’s a party!”

Alison was nonplussed. “I am, though I kind of wish I wasn’t. That was…disturbing…on many levels.”

David grimaced. He’d forgotten all about her in the heat of passion. Shit, she’d seen the whole thing! He couldn’t imagine how she was going to react and he wished fervently that he could disappear. Griffin showed no sign of letting him go, though. He buried his face in the pillow, trying to become invisible.

Griffin seemed amused by Alison’s reaction. “Come on, Ali! Don’t tell me that you didn’t find it at least a little erotic!”

“Griff, you’re impossible! How can you joke at a time like this?” Her tone sounded less strident than her words, though, causing David to wonder. She continued, “What just happened to you?”

Griffin shrugged. “Dunno but David saved me. I knew he would!”

Lifting his head, David demanded, “Saved you? What the fuck? How did I save you?”

“I’m back to normal, aren’t I?”

David shook his head. “That doesn’t prove anything! Maybe the episode just passed? Like it did last night?”

“Hey, wait!” Alison interrupted. “You’re saying that happened last night, too? What the fuck, Griff?”

David wished he could turn and see their faces but he was stuck with his head in the pillow. He felt Griffin shrug as he said, “Yeah, I didn’t think anything of it. It didn’t last long. I thought it was just a mild concussion from getting punched in the face at the bar.”

Outraged, Alison demanded, “You were punched at the bar?! You told me you walked into the bathroom door!”

“Griffin,” David interjected, trying and failing to prop himself up on his elbows. “Didn’t you tell her anything about last night? I told you to tell her!”

Griffin was quiet for a long time. When he spoke, he sounded appropriately contrite. “I’m sorry, Ali! I should have said something. I didn’t want you to worry and I didn’t think that the…episode…last night was anything to worry about.”

David heard Alison shift next to them. She seemed to be thinking about how to respond. Finally, she said, “Ok. It’s Ok.”

Griffin’s body relaxed and leaned down to kiss the back of David’s neck. When Alison protested, he turned his head and gave her a kiss as well.

“Would you mind getting dressed now?” Alison asked. “The view, while impressive, is not exactly–”

“It’s not gonna happen,” Griffin interrupted. “I’m not moving from here until morning.”

“What!” David objected. “You’re going to fucking smother me to death!”

Alison was quick to take David’s side. “Yeah, Griff. Let the poor guy go, Ok? We need to get dressed and talk about what just…happened to you. There’s something wrong and we need to figure out what’s going on!”

Griffin sighed. “I’m telling you if I pull out now, it’s just gonna pick up where it left off. You want that? I won’t be able to control myself.”

“How do you know that?” David insisted. None of this made sense. How did having Griffin’s cock up his ass make any difference?

“I just know.” Griffin’s tone was matter of fact. “You gotta trust me on this. You have a magic asshole, David.”

“A magic asshole?” David sputtered. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Yeah,” Alison commented in a droll voice. “This I gotta hear.”

Griffin took the opportunity to drill deeper into David’s ass, causing him to gasp. If anything, the dude’s cock felt like it was even wider than a few minutes ago. He pushed David’s thighs out until he protested and thrust in and out, making a ridiculously theatrical growl the whole time.

“Uh, can you not do that?” David requested. His ass didn’t feel like it could stand much more. “And maybe at least let Alison cover us with a blanket? I’m tired of being your captive cum dump.”

“Ah, Sunshine! Why do you have to take all the fun out of it? I know Alison. She’s getting off on seeing us like this.”

“Um, no, I’m not.”

Griffin laughed. “Shhh. Just let me have a little fun. You know how long it’s been since I’m fucked a guy in the ass?”

Alison exhaled. “I really don’t want to hear this.”

“Me, neither,” David added before changing the subject. “I think we should test your little hypothesis. How about if you pull out and we see what happens. If you’re right and I do have a ‘magic asshole,’ then you should have another seizure. And if you don’t…”

Griffin let a deep growl escape from his throat. “I hate it when you get all ‘scientific method’ on me! You academics are all the same! Fucking eggheads!” 

Nonetheless, he complied. There was a grotesque sucking sound as his swollen member exited David’s chute. David promptly grabbed the sheet and covered himself while Griffin sank back on his great haunches. Alison sat down in a nearby chair, crossing her arms. Her expression was complex but concern for Griffin seemed to be the foremost emotion. They were silent while they waited. At first, nothing happened but then…

Griffin contorted, throwing himself forward on the bed. When he raised himself back up again, his shoulders popped and he cried out in agony as his torso rearranged itself, growing wider and fatter and stronger and hairier until…

David didn’t hesitate. He immediately flipped onto his back and pulled his legs over his head, presenting his asshole to the rapidly shape-shifting beast in front of him. The Griffin monster wuffled the air, casting its great head to and fro as it wrinkled its nostrils. When its eyes alit on David, he grunted and with lightning speed leapt forward, slamming down on him and jamming his ridiculously swollen appendage deep inside. David clenched his jaw to keep from screaming and dug his hands into the covers as Griffin flailed away at him. For the second time that night, he was transported to the gates of heaven and hell simultaneously, riding a wave of unbearable passion. When the monster erupted, spewing loads of hot cum inside of him, he arched his back and lost himself in waves of bliss, his own semen splattering over his chest and belly. He closed his eyes and drifted in delirium then, unable do anything but tremble.

“See?” Griffin gasped after a long time. “Told ya. You got a magic butthole.”

David cracked an eye. Griffin was grinning down at him. He lifted one of his great paw-like hands and pushed a sweaty lock of hair away from David’s forehead, a tender expression on his face. His huge cock was still thrumming inside of him. It felt amazing.

“I…I don’t know…I–”

Griffin cut him off, saying, “Well, you know what they always say, right? Butt sex soothes the savage beast.”

“Isn’t that ‘music’ and the ‘savage breast’?” Alison commented drily as she got up and draped a sheet over the top of them. “But I guess you were right. I can’t say I understand it but you are back to normal, whatever that is…”

“Yeah,” said the sexy beast whose pole was firmly planted in David’s ass, “normal.”

“…which begs the question,” Alison continued, settling back down in the chair beside the bed. David realized then how cramped her room was. It was tinier than his and Griffin’s with barely enough room for a small bed (that Griffin more than filled up), a folding chair, and slender bedside stand with an attached lamp.

“What question?” David asked, glad that this time he was face up rather than eating the pillow. At least he could see what was going on.

Alison made a face. “What the fuck is wrong with him?”

David and Griffin stared at each other while the Nereus rocked gently. The moon dipped closer to the horizon and a small breeze blew in through the open porthole. Squaring his shoulders and urging Griffin to reposition his legs so they weren’t digging into this sides, David plunged ahead. “I think I know but you’re gonna think I’m crazy…”

Surprisingly, Alison and Griffin were quietly attentive as he relayed his story about Devin, the human/wolf hybrid man who had sought David out in Newfoundland just before his flight to Miami to join the crew of the research mission aboard the Nereus. He relayed Devin’s story about what he claimed happened to David’s late brother, Gage, specifically how Deoxy Corp had infected him with a mutagen, turning him into a part-wolf hybrid only to later murder him when he escaped the lab. Gage had unknowingly infected Devin with the wolf mutagen but Devin had escaped and fled with two of his betas. They had been trying to bring down the corrupt researchers at Deoxy Corp ever since. He explained that one of the ways they infiltrated the corporation was to select key employees to turn into werewolves. These werewolves served as plants in the company, relaying critical information on the corporation’s activities and helping to sabotage its projects wherever possible.

David believed that Griffin had been infected for just such a purpose and he said so, although he chose to omit mention of the eventual results of the infection: Madness and death unless the poor creature was transformed into a genderless omega by one of the hybrids. He preferred not to think about this outcome at the moment–and he didn’t want to totally crush Griffin. It was bad enough finding out he was a werebear!

“And I think that by, ahem, breeding with Devin,” he concluded, “my own body must have mutated somewhat. That could explain why Griffin’s transformation is halted when he, um, is, uh, inside of me.”

Griffin smiled broadly at this, turning to Alison and stating proudly, “A magic asshole! See? I told ya!”

Alison rolled her eyes as David slapped at Griffin.

The room feel silent for a long time then as all three of them struggled to come to terms with what this all might mean. Finally, Alison roused herself, sitting up in the chair and sighing, “God, I don’t know…how I feel about all of this. If Griff hadn’t just turned into that thing, I wouldn’t believe a word of it. But…” she paused and stretched, yawning. “You know what? I hate to say this but I really need to get some sleep. Rivard has me scheduled on the bridge at 0600 and it’s already almost two. Can I sleep in your bunk tonight, Griff?”

The big man had resumed thrusting surreptitiously against David and shook himself at the question, saying innocently, “What? Oh, yeah, sure. Go for it.”

Alison raised an eyebrow before turning and heading for the door. “You boys enjoy yourselves, Ok? We will talk more about this tomorrow. The ship will dock in Cuba late morning. Maybe after we go through customs, the three of us can meet somewhere private to strategize?”

After she had closed the door behind her, David looked up into Griffin’s eyes and shivered when he saw the way the guy was devouring him with his gaze. “All in all, she seems to be taking this pretty well I’d say,” he commented. “You, too, for that matter.”

Griffin grinned down at him. “With my cock buried inside you, nothing can convince that all isn’t right–” His voice broke off as his attention drifted down to David’s chest. His eyes widened as he studied the scar left by Drake’s knife. Finally, he asked, “Is that supposed to be a hot dog lying on a bun?”

David’s cheeks colored. “No! No, it’s not! It’s a butterfly! Can’t you tell?”

“Uh, no, I–” Griffin caught himself and shook his head before saying, “Whatever. You can explain where it came from later. Right now, I gotta fuck your hot hole again!” He playfully drove himself deeper inside, making David cry out. He bucked his hips mercilessly until David made him stop.

“Please, Griffin!” he panted. “I gotta rest!”

Reluctantly, his lover stopped mid-thrust, a frown on his face.

David laughed, reaching up to run his hands through his thick, russet mane. “Tell me how you knew that, er, penetrating me would stop your transformation?”

“Oh, that!” Griffin said, shaking David’s hands out of his hair. “I could smell your asshole from a mile away! It’s like a delicious fucking honey pot!” He lowered his face and playfully mauled David’s neck with his teeth. “And you know how much bears love honey!”

“Very funny, asshole,” David said, laughing. “Just what I’ve always wanted: An asshole that lures cock like bears to honey!”

“GRRRRR!” Griffin said, lowering himself down and covering his mouth for a long and messy kiss.

When he pulled away, David felt a pang in his chest. It was an almost familiar sensation now, this feeling of sorrow that arose when he was with Griffin. He was falling in a big way for the big man–but Griffin belonged to another.

Griffin noticed his expression and nibbled on his lip, making irresistible puppy dog eyes. “Tell me what’s wrong, Sunshine. Tell ol’ Griff what’s wrong.”

David looked to the side. “It’s…nothing. I, well, I was just thinking about Alison and how she must feel–”

His lover shook his head, cutting him off. “She broke off our engagement just before you got here and before I…started changing.”

David’s eyes locked onto his face with this news. “What? That’s terrible!”

“Oh, Sunshine,” Griffin sighed, all but collapsing on top of him, “you don’t know what it’s like being bi. Chicks don’t like sharing their man with another man. They’re Ok with it in theory but always freak when you actually do the big nasty with a guy.”

David wrinkled his nose. “Maybe if you used less graphic language…”

Griffin laughed. “You know me!” He thrust deeper and David’s eyes rolled back in his head. “Besides, I think this curse has turned me completely into a faggot. Notice how my dick is lodged inside of you? I couldn’t do that last night but now,” he paused to pummel David so savagely he bit his tongue, “I never wanna pull out!”

“Shit, Griffin!” David panted. “Your fucking tool feels like it’s as big as a tree trunk! Take it easy on me!”

“You can take it!” Griffin cajoled, resuming his thrusts. Soon, they were writhing together in hedonistic abandon as the big man built to another raging climax, emptying his load into David yet again. David could feel globs of semen trickling down the crevice of his butt. The room had an almost overpowering gamey stench by then and both men were dripping with sweat. Griffin’s thick body hair was matted and sticky, making him look more than a little like a wanton Sasquatch. He caught David staring and glanced down at himself, grimacing. “Fuuuuuck!” he exclaimed. “Look at me! I’m a fucking animal! No wonder Alison is revolted by me!”

“You are a fucking sexy beast, Griffin! Don’t ever forget it!”

Griffin paused to smile down at him. “Awww, Sunshine! You almost make me believe it,” he said and then hung his head. 

He surprised David a moment later by bursting into tears. Soon, his whole body was wracked with spasms as he sobbed. David’s voice caught in his throat and he reached up and took the big man in his arms, pulling him down on top of him and letting him cry. He caressed the back of his head and made soothing sounds, feeling both concerned and touched.

Finally, Griffin lifted his head and exhaled loudly. “Oh, Sunshine! I’m such a huge fuckup! What the fuck am I gonna do?”

David didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached up and hugged him tightly, kissing him on the ear. “You’re not a fuckup! And we’ll figure something how to manage this. I won’t let anything happen to you!”

“Do you really wanna spend a week on either side of the full moon with my cock buried in your hole for the rest of our lives?” Griffin moaned. “Because that’s what it’s gonna take. Without your hole, I’ll turn into a fucking monster!”

“Shhh, Griffin, let’s talk about this later. Now isn’t the time.”

Griffin blew his nose and David felt droplets of snot spray against his shoulder. His giant lover started to protest, saying, “But–”

“Griffin! I said stop!” David ordered, taking his face in his hands. “Now let’s go to sleep. We’ll figure out a plan. You have my word on that.”

Finally relenting, Griffin settled down on the bed, gently helping to turn David around until he was on his side before wrapping his great arms around him. They spent the rest of the night curled up together like that. David didn’t think it would be possible to fall asleep with Griffin’s enormous rod planted inside of him but he soon fell into a deep and restful slumber.

***

Part 4

Drake accosted David the next morning as he was heading upstairs to breakfast. He was wondering where Griffin had disappeared to and thoughtfully rubbing his butt, amazed that he wasn’t sore (or even that stretched out) after having Griffin’s mammoth organ inside of him all night, when someone grabbed him by the front of his shirt and propelled him into a small laboratory. His assailant slammed the door shut behind them and promptly tackled him, shoving him roughly against the wall.

“What did you do to me?”

David blinked. “Drake? What–?”

Drake picked him up and slammed him violently against the wall. David felt his teeth crack and he tasted blood.

“One more time, faggot: What the fuck did you do to me?” His face was inches away, so close that David could smell his morning breath. He was still wearing the same tattered clothing from the day before, only it was even more stained and…malodorous.

“Drake,” David said evenly, swallowing blood. “Put me down. I won’t talk to you like this.”

Drake’s eyes flared red before, shockingly, growing misty. He dropped David and angrily turned away, wiping at his face.

David rolled his tongue around in his mouth. The damage was minor; he’d bitten the inside of his lip but his teeth were whole and already the blood flow was slowing. Settling back against the small sink, he folded his arms and regarded Drake for a few moments. So, he thought, Rivard listened to me. It was clear that the ‘old’ Drake was back, the thuggish one vanished except for the residual tattoos and piercings. The result was disorienting and he had to look away to get his bearings. 

Drake bent over and, holding his head in his hands, turned his back to David. His breathing was labored and uneven. He was obviously trying to get himself under control. David decided not to comfort him. In his present state, he was liable to blow up again. Sometimes, he reasoned, showing compassion only served to ignite enflamed passions rather than quell them.

After a long time, Drake straightened up. He took a deep breath before turning and giving David a hate-filled glare. “I know you did something to me at the bar. Did you slip a ‘date rape’ drug in my drink?”

“What? No! Of course–”

“Shut up! SHUT UP!” Drake reached out to grab him again but somehow managed to stop himself. Instead, he held his wrists in front of David’s face, showing him the grotesque tattoos snaking up his arms. When David didn’t react, he tore his shirt open, exposing the crude sacred heart tattoo and the big, gold rings dangling from his distended nipples.

“I will say this one more time,” he seethed, chest quivering and eyes glittering with deadly malice, “What the fuck did you do to me?”

David forced his rising fear aside and calmly leaned back, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “You need to ask Rivard about that.”

As if on queue, the door opened and the captain stepped inside, looking sleek and well-groomed, his white hair tumbling down to his shoulders. He took in the scene with his customary sangfroid, asking gruffly, “And what does he need to ask me?”

David shook his head. Had Rivard been standing outside the door the whole time? He wouldn’t put it past him. The captain seemed to take great pride in his ability to manipulate people and situations to his advantage.

The sudden appearance of Rivard had an immediate effect on Drake. He sank back against the wall, letting his hands fall away from his torn shirt. All of the tension drained out of him as Rivard came to stand next to him, reaching out to massage his shoulders and murmur soothingly in his ear. David didn’t react outwardly but inwardly he was shaking his head. While Drake might be somewhat back to ‘normal,’ he was still clearly under the captain’s sway.

“What do you want to ask me?” he repeated.

David sighed. He could tell already there was no way he was going to come out on the winning side of this with Drake. Rivard had too much power over him and clearly he’d already succeeded in turning Drake against David. Still, he didn’t have a choice.

He had to try. 

“Drake seems to think that I am responsible for his new tattoos and piercings. I told him that you know the truth.”

What Rivard said next shocked him. Standing up straight and folding his magnificently muscled arms, he said, “I made you do it, Drake. I made you get the tattoos and piercings.”

Stunned silence.

Drake froze, his body becoming rigid as this unwelcome bit of information filtered in. Finally, he swung around and confronted the captain, yelling, “You what? You fucking did what?”

“I tattooed and pierced you while you were drunk off your ass.” The captain’s tone was so matter of fact, so forthright and unapologetic that it stunned even David. Clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting, Rivard added, “And I do it again.”

Drake’s face had gone pale. Unconsciously, he dropped his hands behind him, covering his butt and backing up.

Rivard’s wolfish grin spread across his handsome face as he goaded, “That’s right. Your asshole is sore because I fucked you, too. I fucked the shit out of your virginal, straight boy ass.”

With that, Drake turned and fled the room, slamming the door behind him. After he was gone, David inhaled sharply, realizing he’d been holding his breath. He looked up at the captain, feeling sick. He needed to get out of there. Get some air.

Rivard seemed to take evil satisfaction out of his reaction, opening his yellow, slitted eyes wide and spreading his hands in mock innocence. “What?” he asked guilelessly. “I only did what you asked me to do.”

Lifting the cold, steel door handle, David pushed past him and staggered out into the hallway. He needed to get as far away from the captain as possible. He needed to get off the fucking ship.

***

“The captain told me you were getting off the boat this morning when we dock in Nueva Gerona.”

David turned. Dr. White had stopped mid-stride on the stairs as he fled past her.

When he didn’t reply, she added, “I hope that’s not true, Dr. Aguilar! If it is, can I do anything to change your mind?”

He stopped, feeling conflicted. The events of the past couple of days had added a nightmarish quality to the voyage, a trip that was supposed to be a research mission to study the one reef in the world that was growing healthier in the midst of the ravages of climate change. Seeing Dr. White so upset at his departure made him reconsider. She was the preeminent researcher in chemical oceanography. Working with her was a dream come true for him…and it could be the gateway to a professorship in fishery science. Was he really ready to throw all of that away because of the creepy sexual predilections (and immoral behavior) of the captain?

Realizing she was waiting for his response, he shook himself, saying, “Well, I…”

Dr. White lowered her voice conspiratorially. “This is about the captain, isn’t it?”

Feeling at loss, David nodded and Dr. White pursed her lips.

“I thought so. That man…” she let her voice trail off and then caught herself. In a hushed voice, she said, “Look, I have to be careful what I say because the walls have ears, David, but you have to trust me. I will make sure that he is…unable…to do anything to you. He may have gotten to Dr. Rubio but you and everyone else on my team are safe.”

David let this information settle in…and found himself unsettled. “So, what? Is Drake the sacrificial lamb you toss to the wolf to keep the rest of your flock safe?”

The corner of Dr. White’s mouth lifted. “Quite the metaphor, David! Are you sure you’re not a poet, too?” When he scowled at this, she shook her head sadly. “No, what happened to Dr. Rubio is my fault. I was warned about Rivard before the mission but didn’t take it seriously. You know he was the one who added the Speedo clause in the contracts for the male researchers?”

David gave her a sour look, saying, “That makes sense. I’m not surprised.”

“I managed to get your contract changed, though,” she continued. “It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t really enough. Still, it was something. I don’t think he has forgiven me for that.”

“Why is he even allowed on board?” he demanded. “The man’s a sexual predator!”

Dr. White shook her head. “I don’t know. The company insisted on having him as the captain. My protests fell on deaf ears.” She placed a soothing hand on his arm before continuing, “Please don’t let your experience with him ruin this mission! You’re vital to our success!”

David had to admit he was touched and flattered by this and tried his best to give her a reassuring smile. “I’ll take that under advisement, Dr. White. I need to think about it, though. Give me some time after we dock to figure out what I’m going to do, Ok?”

***

Drake appeared at the post-breakfast meeting wearing the requisite white Speedo. He’d cleaned up somewhat, though he hadn’t shaved. David realized he looked pretty hot with a beard and–he was ashamed to admit–with tattoos and piercings. Drake apparently didn’t think so, though. He kept his head down and his arms wrapped self-consciously around his chest throughout the whole meeting. The other researchers schooled their expressions but David caught several of them exchanging glances and raised eyebrows. He couldn’t blame them; he found it hard to keep his eyes off Drake and had to force himself to turn away from him and toward Dr. White, pretending like he was listening intently.

The meeting was an important one because the Nereus was due to enter the restricted preserve boundaries that evening after leaving customs. Tomorrow, the team would commence collecting samples and specimens after dividing the reef into transects. Distracted by Drake, David found it difficult to concentrate. Apparently, Drake was having the same problem because he sank deeper and deeper onto the bench at the table, eventually lowering his head into his hands. He sat like that for a few minutes before pushing himself up from the table and storming off.

David and Dr. White exchanged glances. When the doctor nodded her head toward the departing Drake, David sighed and got up to follow him out onto the deck.

The ship was entering the Río Las Casas, a wide estuary providing access to the port of Nueva Gerona and David stopped briefly to gaze out upon the mangroves and low scrub on either side of the Nereus. He was the first member of his immediate family to visit Cuba in over fifty years and was surprised by how deeply this affected him. His eyes watered briefly as part of him whispered, ‘Home. David, you’re home.’ A moment later, though, he shook his head and chided himself for being so sentimental. Why would he feel more at home here in a place he’d never visited? His true home was back in Miami, the city of his birth. 

Drake was sagging over the railing near the bow of the ship, looking dejected. David tried to make himself ignore the super skimpy Speedo the dude was wearing and the way his generous ass spilled out of the top. Christ, he thought, the guy’s got a delicious booty! He took up position quietly next to him, looking over his shoulder at the bridge, relieved to see that they were out of sight of the captain.

They were silent for a long time. Finally, Drake glanced over. His face was serious and his eyes red-rimmed. He grimaced and then looked back at the river. David knew he was supposed to be concerned and offer his support to the hapless researcher, still…

Fuck! 

He couldn’t do it. 

He was only human after all. 

As David leaned next to Drake, he became more and more captivated by the guy’s body. Everything about Drake hit the right notes: He had an ass that was full, ripe, muscular, and bursting out of his tiny swimsuit. His quads were solid and pumped. Shit, even his calves were bigger around than David’s thighs!

Drake looked over at him, noticed the intensity and direction of his gaze, and looked back out on the estuary. David got a thrill when he saw the color creeping up the dude’s neck. He started to get hard.

He cleared his throat, determined to focus on more important things than savoring Drake’s bangin’ bod. “So, uh, Drake, what gives? Why’d you walk out on the meeting?”

There was a long pause during which David surreptitiously moved closer…closer…closer…until his shoulder was just barely touching Drake’s. When Drake didn’t pull away, he smiled to himself. Finally, pitching his voice low, the young doctor replied, “Mi mente–” he caught himself and shook his head, apparently surprised he was speaking Spanish. When he continued, he spoke very slowly, choosing his words carefully. David noticed that a distinctly Cuban lilt to his voice and wondered about it. 

“I c-c-could no…,” Drake began and then cursed loudly in Spanish before continuing, “understand…what everyone was talking about.”

David found himself admiring Drake’s profile. With his scraggly beard, he looked more than a little like a sexy Che Guevara. Only a lot hotter. He had wonderfully full, succulent lips and a wide nose. Even his dark nose hairs were beautiful. And the way his thick, black hair curled up under his perfect ears…Ungh!

David shook his head, unable to believe himself. How could he be so shallow? Drake needed a friend to listen to him, not objectify him!

He moved his arm over onto Drake’s shoulder and switched to speaking in Spanish. “What couldn’t you understand?”

Drake didn’t seem to notice the switch in languages and, gesticulating with his hands, exclaimed, “Everything! Everything! It’s like I don’t remember anything anymore! Like my brain is mush!”

David let his hand wander slowly down the stud’s quivering back until his fingers were resting on the top of his Speedo. He got a thrill from having his hand on the guy’s big, muscly ass and had to shift the position of his legs to ease the pinch of his shorts on his erection.

“Mush, huh?”

Drake turned indignantly. “David! This isn’t funny! I’m really worried! Something is wrong with my…my…my–” he had to pause for a long time before he managed to find the right word. Even in Spanish it was difficult for him. Finally, he sputtered, “intelligence! I’m worried that I’m getting dumb!”

“Dumb, huh?” David let his fingers gently push under the sheer fabric of Drake’s Speedo and his cock pulsed as he touched the hairy cleft of his ass. “Are you sure?” Part of him was appalled by his behavior, by the way he was toying with the stud. But another, stronger part didn’t give a fuck. As long as his hands got to explore Drake’s luscious bod, he was happy.

“David,” Drake complained, still oblivious to David’s wandering fingers. “This isn’t funny! I need my brain to do my work!”

“Huh. Your uncle seems to do just fine without a brain,” David teased. “Maybe you should go into politics?” With that, he pushed his hand down for the score: His index finger caressed the stud’s tantalizing pucker! He felt his cock spurt a little in his shorts as he stifled a moan. Drake had the best asshole, so tender and so…generous.

Drake started to bridle at David’s slight against his uncle before suddenly becoming aware of David’s true intentions. He straightened, catching him by the arms and pulling him away. His expression registered shock changing rapidly to disbelief as David looked sheepishly up into his dark, brown eyes. Drake’s eyes flared red and his face grew ominously dark. A moment later, he wrestled him into a nearby doorway, shoving him roughly inside before slamming the door behind them. For the second time that morning, they were alone together in a small room. This time, rather than a laboratory, it was a workroom; Drake thrust David backward against the tool bench, pushing his heaving chest up against him.

Drake was only slightly taller than David but he was a lot stronger and really angry. He shook David violently, his face hardening into a mask of fury. David watched with helpless fascination as he set his jaw and his shoulders squared.

“You want this?” he demanded, gazing meaningfully down at his mostly naked body. When David didn’t respond, Drake shook him again, repeating, “You want this, Mariposa?”

Both afraid and enthralled, David nodded his head.

“Good.”

Drake released him then and they stood, panting, inches apart from each other. Drake sneered as he placed his hands on his hips and thrust his crotch outward. David swallowed, feeling his cock screaming for release in his shorts.

“Come on, puto. Do it.”

When David hesitated, Drake reached out and grabbed his hands, moving them to his waist. He shook his hips, making his package bob salaciously. His cockhead was pressing firmly against the thin fabric but, even more alluring, were his full, heavy balls. David’s mouth watered as he very carefully worked Drake’s Speedo down his broad hips.

“Good, Mariposa, good.”

It seemed to take forever for the stud’s cock to spring free. David watched with eager anticipation as millimeter after millimeter of his shaft was exposed until there was a little, barely audible pop and Drake’s plump cockhead flopped out. It looked even fatter than he remembered it and his dark foreskin seemed even blacker. He licked his lips and Drake laughed.

“No yet,” Drake cautioned, holding up his hand. “Wait.”

David reluctantly continued to lower the Speedo and goggled when the stud’s balls quickly followed suit, dangling in their hairy sac between Drake’s equally hairy thighs. He glanced up at him then and flushed when he saw the intensity of Drake’s expression. His eyes were alive with malicious satisfaction that both alarmed David and turned him on.

“A man’s balls, Mariposa! A man’s balls!” he stated proudly, waggling them in front of his face.

David was reaching out to take his balls in his hand when Drake stopped him, pulling him back up to a standing position and guiding his hand to his shaft. As David jacked him, Drake dug his hands beneath David’s shorts and ripped them open, liberating his aching cock. He then yanked his shirt over his head. When he was naked, he grabbed him and ran his hands roughly across his body, pulling him close. His mouth was in David’s ear, his breathing was loud.

Slowly, he drew back and gave David a funny, appraising look. His features had changed as he’d morphed into the feral, Marielito version of himself. Before, he’d seemed refined but now his nose, chin, and cheekbones looked blocky, almost malformed. He would have been homely if it weren’t for the magnetic power radiating through his pores. Drake shone with an intense, dark light that David found captivating and chilling as he gazed meekly up at him.

David swallowed, drinking in Drake’s majesty, his eyes wandering down his tattooed torso and lingering on his pierced nipples. The dude’s nipples were puffy and sagging under the weight of the heavy rings. Unconsciously, he licked his lips causing Drake to grin.

“You like ‘em, puto?”

David nodded, mesmerized. He didn’t resist when Drake took his hands and guided them up to his nipples. He played with the rings, gently tugging them as Drake closed his eyes and let his head fall backward. His whole body began to shiver and his meaty cock pulsed against David’s thigh.

“You want, puto?”

Drake lowered his head and fixed David with a mischievous stare, the corner of his mouth lifting.

“You want?” He repeated, taking David into a strong and fragrant embrace, pushing his arms behind him and holding him tightly. His nose was crushed into the stud’s armpit and he inhaled the rich, masculine odor. He was savoring the smell when he felt something loop over his wrists.

What?!

He started to struggle but Drake had already immobilized him. When he tried to move his hands, he realized they were firmly bound together.

“Drake, what–?”

“Shhh, puto. Shhh.”

Drake released him and David stumbled, trying to get his balance. Things happened so quickly then that everything faded into a blur. Drake grabbed his cock, violently yanking him forward. David cried out and wrestled to free himself but Drake had his cock firmly clamped in his grip. He cast wildly about, his gaze alighting on the object anchored in the center of the workbench. Drake yanked harder on his cock and David’s vision exploded. When his head cleared, his body was closer to the bench. Closer to that…thing.

A shiver of dread raced through his body as he recognized what it was.

A vise.

Drake was pulling him toward it.

He screamed and then abruptly choked as Drake crammed an oily rag into his mouth. The nasty cloth filled his throat and he had to struggle to breathe. His gorge rose in his stomach.

The vise was closer.

Closer.

He fought valiantly to break free but Drake only tightened his grip, crushing his balls and making his knees go weak. He tried to collapse but Drake held him up, yanking him up by his genitals, laughing the whole time.

The pain was insufferable but it quickly grew worse when Drake tugged fiercely on his foreskin, pulling it outward. David had a long and stretchy foreskin that had significant overhang even when he was hot. Stretched out, it easily extended more than four inches beyond the head of his cock. He stared in horror as Drake, savagely gripping his cock and balls in one hand, pulled him up to the vise. David’s mind went blank as his captor positioned his foreskin between the plates.

Pure agony erupted through his groin as Drake twirled the handle on the vise closed, catching a good two inches of David’s foreskin inside. David screamed, inhaled more rag, and then coughed and screamed again as his weight put excruciating tension on his beleaguered foreskin.  In a delirium of pain, he writhed like a fish on a line, the horrid vise holding him fast.

He closed his eyes. When he reopened them, Drake was holding a drill in front of his face, a wicked leer etched across his distorted features. He put his finger on the power trigger and the drill whirred to life, its bit spinning inches from David’s eyeballs.

If he could have, he would have begged. The rag stuffed in his mouth robbed him speech and his eyes went round as he pleaded with his eyes for Drake to stop. His hysteria only seemed to amuse his tormentor, though, and soon Drake was lowering the drill down, bringing it closer and closer to David’s captive foreskin.

When he drilled through his flesh, David passed out but only briefly because the agony of his weight pulling on his freshly perforated foreskin was too much.

Blood was dripping on the floor.

Drake was smiling down at him with triumph and satisfaction.

Drake was pushing a large, fat bolt through the bloody hole in his foreskin.

Drake was tightening a thick nut on the end.

Drake was crushing the nut in a pair of enormous pliers, permanently fastening it in place.

His eyes rolled back in his head and he was lost in a chaotic and blinding flurry of sordid pain. He almost didn’t register being fucked. The comparative mildness of the rape was nearly lost amid the screaming cacophony of his searing misery. Only when Drake was bucking into him and convulsing in orgasm did he awake momentarily. The workbench was awash with blood. His groin was likewise baptised with it. The hideous bolt bobbed languidly in gorey hole in the sheet of his stretched out foreskin. Drake’s meaty hands gripped his hips as he thrust his cock deep inside of him, emptying his load. His cum ran down his legs, splattering on the floor at his feet.

When Drake was through, he pulled out and wiped off with a wad of paper towels before calmly stepping into his Speedo and exiting the workroom without a backward glance. The door swung closed behind him as David whimpered piteously through the folds of the rag that was now thoroughly soaked with his vomit and saliva.

***

Captain Rivard found him a half hour later when he was at the limit of his stamina. He was contemplating the grim possibility of tearing off his own foreskin in order to free himself when the captain opened the door and peered inside. His face went pale and his eerie yellow eyes became briefly round before regained his composure and quickly worked to free David from the vise. David sagged into his arms as he pulled the rag out of his mouth and tossed it aside.

David promptly fainted. 

When he awoke, he was lying in Rivard’s arms as the captain held his flask to his lips. He slurped at it greedily, relishing the bitter, burning warmth as it trickled down his throat.

“I don’t know whether to be angry at him or jealous of you,” Rivard commented wryly, pulling back on the flask. When David frowned and grabbed at it, he held it away, saying, “Stop it! I have to save some for your wounds, you know.” He laughed at David’s poisonous glare and relented, letting him have one more swallow. After he pulled the flask away, he tipped it into a sheet of paper towel and dabbed at David’s shredded foreskin.

“Easy, boy,” he warned as David tensed. “Looks like I’m going to need to empty it on there. Do you want me to cut off the bolt first?”

David winced at the question and shook his head weakly. He would deal with the bolt later. Right now, he only wanted the pain to go away.

Rivard nodded and carefully spilled the flask over his wounded cock, rubbing it between his palms and probing it with his expert fingers to make sure the tincture worked in everywhere. When he was through, he lifted his hands away so David could see the miraculous results: His foreskin was completely healed.

“You’re lucky you have such a generous ‘skin,” Rivard commented, lifting David’s cock to examine it critically. He paused to finger the bolt, smirking to himself as he did so. “God, I hate to say it but that’s fucking hot! The boy’s got a knack for mutilation alright.”

David could only stare down at the piercing numbly. The huge, ugly bolt looked monstrously out of place rammed through the delicate folds of his skin

…monstrous…

…monstrous….

…monstrous….

He shook his head, trying to clear it. When he stared back down at himself, he found himself wondering…

…was it really monstrous?

Rivard rolled the bolt around in his hand, slowing folding David’s body against him as he leaned down and smelled his hair. His firm body was warm and comforting. David allowed himself to settle back, allowed Rivard to hold him. To kiss his ear. To run his calloused hands over his aching body. 

When Rivard pulled down his own board shorts and nestled his cock between the cleft of his ass, David moaned softly, causing the captain to chuckle. He gripped David’s cock in his palm and squeezed, murmuring, “I got you and I didn’t even have to hypnotize you!”

David would not have resisted if the captain had made moves to go further but he didn’t. Instead, he simply held David against him, warming him and rubbing him softly as he nibbled his neck. 

After a while, he turned David around and kissed him, announcing, “Time to go through customs, David. You up to it?”

Frowning slightly as Rivard pulled up his shorts and forced his erection inside, he nodded. Rivard grinned and gave him a little kiss on the lips before turning to unwind a wad of paper towel to mop up the mess of blood and cum on the workbench and floor. 

Shivering from losing the warmth of the captain’s body, David asked, “What did you do to him? He’s…not normal.”

Without turning, Rivard answered, “I did the best I could to reverse my handiwork but he’s still unstable. He’s basically the old Drake until he gets…aroused. Then,” his voice broke off and he laughed before continuing, “Well, you saw what happens to him. He becomes a Marielito through and through.”

***

Part 5

Drake found him after he’d gone through customs and the Cuban officials were searching the Nereus as part of their inspection. Because the ship was a Canadian vessel and therefore not subject to the same rules as an American one, Deoxy Corp had secured all of the necessary permits in advance. The inspection was just a formality but nonetheless all crew members had to disembark during the process.

David was sitting by himself in the shade in a little plaza off the marina. He was so numb that fact that he was finally on Cuban soil barely registered. Furthermore, he’d quickly realized he didn’t care much for Nueva Gerona–it was an uninspiring city with only a few traces of classic colonial architecture that graced other Cuban cities like Havana. Too, he reasoned, his feelings were colored by what had just transpired aboard the ship. The heavy bolt tugged his dick down and chafed against his thigh whenever he moved. Worse, he couldn’t seem to get his erection to subside and he was left with the twin, conflicting emotions of trauma and lust. He couldn’t get Drake and his malevolent charm out of his mind. Everywhere he turned, he was reminded of the dude and it was tormenting him.

“Hey.”

He looked up listlessly as Drake settled onto the bench next to him. He noticed that Drake had donned his street clothes to go through customs; the company allowed the male researchers this one bit of freedom from the ‘uniform clause’ in their contracts. He looked pretty much back to normal, though his demeanor was subdued. David shivered when the dude’s shoulder brushed against his own.

Drake stared out at the harbor for a while before turning to him and saying, “David, you gotta help me out.”

“Huh?” David was having trouble thinking. His brain felt sluggish and his speech was delayed.

Drake turned and surprised him by taking up his hands in his own. “Something isn’t right with me, David. I don’t know what’s going on!”

“Drake, I–”

“What just happened, David? What did I do to you back on the boat?”

Inadvertently, David cringed and Drake’s expression clouded. Clearing his throat, David asked, “You don’t remember?”

Drake shook his head. “No…not really. I just know that I did…something to you. Something bad.”

“It was my fault,” David admitted, realizing then it was true. “I…took advantage of you and pushed you into doing it. You…weren’t yourself.”

“What? What did I do? You got to tell me!” Drake dropped David’s hands to take him by the shoulders. His eyes were burning, feverish.

David didn’t respond right away. When he did, he chose his words carefully. “That isn’t the right question, Drake.”

“It isn’t?” his friend and sometime tormentor challenged. “Then what is?”

“You need to ask what the captain did to you.”

Drake blinked, his beautiful face full of confusion. “Is this about the tattoos and piercings he made me get? I’m sure we were just drunk and I probably was asking for it. He’s a good man…”

David smiled at this, uncertain how to respond. He no longer knew how he felt about Rivard. Was he a good man or a devious villain? He warred with himself for a long time, acutely aware of Drake’s scrutiny. Finally, he said, “He has hypnotized you or something. I think it’s no longer possible for you to be the man you were before you joined the crew on the Nereus.”

This news didn’t affect Drake in the way he expected. He expected the dude to protest or at least get angry, become defiant, show a little of his customary fire and arrogance. Instead, he just sat there, shoulders slumped. When David looked over at him, his face was unreadable. Finally, when he was about to speak, Drake surprised him by reaching over and taking his hand.

“I’m glad you’re here, David. I didn’t like you at first and was kind of an asshole but now I…feel differently.”

Then Drake’s hands were on his face and he was leaning in for a kiss. Their lips met and David tasted his mouth. The next moment, Drake got up and walked away, leaving David feeling more confused than ever.

***

Griffin and Alison found him not long after Drake left and he was still sitting, dazed, on the cement park bench. Everything felt overwhelming to him and he scarcely registered their presence until Griffin sat down next to him and slung a heavy arm over his shoulder.

David turned and stared. “Griffin, you’re–”

“Yeah, I know!” Griffin cut in, laughing. “Fuck! Aren’t I something?”

If possible, the big guy was even bigger and hairier, his muscular body all but exploding from his clothes. Even more surprising was his noticeable gut. Somehow, he’d gained a beer belly overnight. He grinned at David’s amazement, rubbing his protruding stomach thoughtfully.

“What can I say, bro? It’s winter back in the northern latitudes and us bears are supposed to get fat and hibernate.” He yawned theatrically and stretched, reaching down to tussle David’s hair. David laughed and shook his head as Griffin added, “My vision has gone to shit but my sense of smell is fucking awesome.” He paused to wuffle the air and lick his lips, saying, “And your body smells like a fucking smorgasbord, Sunshine!”

Alison watched him with a complex mixture of fondness, consternation, and nostalgia on her face. David didn’t know how he knew it but he sensed strongly that she had planned to break off the engagement with Griffin for a while. The events of the voyage had only provided her with the right situation to do so. She seemed relaxed and even happy as she leaned against the back of the bench. She caught his look and winked, reaching back to feed her ponytail through the back of her baseball cap.

“Speaking of getting fat,” Griffin said, “can you believe there aren’t any restaurants for tourists around here?”

David shook his head. Food was the furthest thing from his mind right then.

“But don’t worry! ‘Daddy Bear’ is all over it,” the big man continued. “I exchanged some dollars for tourist pesos and arranged for a woman to make us a big lunch.”

“You did? How?” David gazed upon his lover with renewed appreciation.

“Hey,” Griffin explained, spreading his huge, paw-like hands, “I hablo español with the best of ‘em, Sunshine! Come on, let’s go eat!”

“And we can talk shop while we’re there,” Alison added as they got up and headed down a dusty sidestreet. “We have a couple of hours before the Nereus leaves port and it’s best we discuss matters in private.”

The house was a dusty white stucco building with a barren inner courtyard. A few bedraggled chickens scratched around plastic lawn furniture. David stopped in the doorway, taking it all in. He realized then that he’d been so preoccupied with the weird mind fuck of the past few days to fully understand that he was now in the land of his ancestors. And he was not really prepared for it. It seemed surreal and he had to take a moment to get himself together.

A woman came to meet them, beckoning them inside. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties and was dressed simply in white slacks and a faded blouse. Two young children peered at them from the entryway to the kitchen. The boy was still in diapers and the young girl was probably five years old or so. When Griffin entered the courtyard, their eyes went wide and they quickly disappeared. They reappeared a moment later, though, staring up at the huge man. Clearly, they’d never seen anyone so big–or so white–in their lives.

The woman visibly brightened when she spotted David and he smiled at her, greeting her politely in Spanish. She dried her hands on her slacks and reached out to clasp his hand before turning to greet Alison and Griffin.

“I’m Lourdes,” she announced in Spanish. “Welcome to my home! Lunch will be ready in a few minutes. In the meantime, please take a seat at the table.” She motioned to a plastic folding table in a corner of the courtyard. It was already set with plates and silverware, tiny paper napkins flapping in the slight breeze.

The trio took a seat at the table. David raised an eyebrow when Griffin sat down; the chair legs bowed outward and threatened to collapse under his bulk. In the end, the chair held up but just barely. He guessed that the big dude must be approaching three hundred pounds and marveled at how different he looked. He was almost unrecognizable now that his muscles and belly had expanded so dramatically. He felt his cock harden in his shorts and reached down to reposition it, frowning when he fingers touched the thick bolt piercing his foreskin.

“What’s the matter, Sunshine?” Griffin asked, noticing his frown. “Am I getting too fat?”

David flushed. “Hardly! You’re a fucking stud, man! I was just…remembering something that happened this morning.” When this was met with blank stares from Griffin and Alison, he explained delicately, “I had an…altercation with Drake and it didn’t end well.”

“Really?” Griffin queried, raising his bushy, red eyebrows. “I coulda sworn I saw the two of you kissing when he walked up. Didn’t look like a fight to me.”

“Er, well, um,” David stalled, feeling his cheeks flush. He glanced at Alison and she smiled reassuringly.

“Go on, David,” she coaxed. “I feel like I’ve heard–and seen–it all by this point.”

Taking a deep breath, he said in a rush, “I followed him out of the meeting this morning to talk and got a little carried away. He pushed me into the toolroom, stuck my foreskin in a vise, pierced me with a bolt, and then fucked me.”

The table fell completely silent. He was staring down at the plate in front of him, watching a fly wander across, and feeling his ears burn bright red. He couldn’t look up at them.

When David hazarded a glance at Griffin, he saw that the big man’s body had gone rigid and his face was darkening. Trying to forestall an explosive outburst, he said hurriedly, “He wasn’t himself! He turned into a different person in front of my eyes. I didn’t recognize him!”

A low growl was building deep in Griffin’s chest and his arm muscles bulged ominously as he gripped the armrests of his chair.

“It’s Rivard’s fault, not Drake’s!” David protested, worried what Griffin would do to Drake if he didn’t manage to calm him down. “Rivard did something to him. Changed him or hypnotized him. Drake didn’t even remember doing it when you saw us just now in the park. He’d forgotten completely!”

Alison put her hand on Griffin’s shoulder, saying, “Easy, Griff, easy. Let’s talk this out before reacting.”

With great effort, the big man relaxed. His eyes continued to smolder with rage, though, and his jaw was thrust out. David realized he looked more bearlike than ever and worried what would happen one day when he really lost it with someone. It would not be pretty!

Turning to David, Alison’s expression was quizzical. “Are you sure that Captain Rivard was responsible? It seems pretty unbelievable.”

“There is a lot about Rivard that’s unbelievable. You know that he tried to kill me last night when we went out in the boat together?”

If Alison’s reaction to this announcement was incredulous, it was nothing compared to Griffin’s. He launched him out of his chair, roaring, “What? What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me sooner! I will fucking kill–”

David jumped up and immediately tried to calm him. Lourdes’ children were cowering in the kitchen and she was standing at the doorway, staring at them with surprise and confusion.

“Griffin! Please! It’s not as bad as it sounds!”

“Not as bad–”

“Shhh!” David turned to Lourdes and gave her what he hoped was a reassuring look before taking Griffin by the shoulders and pushing him back down in his chair. The huge man initially resisted but then relented. When he was seated again, David settled back down next to him and waved at Lourdes. She gave them a worried look before returning to the kitchen. In a moment, they heard the sound of pots and pans clinking. The aroma of seafood wafted through the air, making David salivate.

“Rivard,” David continued, “I’m not sure how to feel about him. It’s true he tried to kill me but then we sort of talked things out. He admitted that he’d done something to Drake and I asked him to undo it, make him normal. And he tried to but it didn’t really work. I’m not sure that Drake will ever be quite right again.”

He looked up and noticed that Alison was listening skeptically while Griffin seemed like he was barely holding it together. He caught David watching him and reached out to grab his hand.

“If that asshole ever tries to hurt you again, Sunshine, I will fucking kill him!”

Touched, David squeezed his giant hand. “Thank you, Griffin. But be careful with him. There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. I don’t think he’s that easy to kill. You’ve seen all of his scars, right? Obviously, many have tried–and failed.”

“It’s true,” Alison mused. “There is no one like Rivard. No one in the world.”

David eyed her, making a mental note to be careful what he shared about Rivard. Clearly, she was under the captain’s sway. He made a strategic decision to change the subject to a topic all three of them could agree on: Lifting Griffin’s curse.

“So,” he said, taking a deep breath and plunging ahead, “before I had that runin with Drake, I was thinking about what to do about Griffin.”

Griffin puffed up at this and, leaning over to plant a sloppy kiss on his lips, said, “Awww, Sunshine! I love it when you think about me!”

David laughed and pushed him away. Alison rolled her eyes but remained silent. David cleared his throat, saying, “After my…experience…with Rivard on the boat last night, I was ready to leave the Nereus today when we docked but now I think it’s better if I stay on.”

“What?” Griffin protested. “Why? I think we should get the fuck outta here. Maybe we can find your wolf buddy and get his help? You said he might know how to stop this…bear thing…from happening to me.”

David held up his hand. “That’s just it. I don’t know how to find him. He’s on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of Deoxy Corp and its hired thugs.” Griffin drooped with this news and David put a reassuring hand on his arm. “But if we stay onboard, I can almost guarantee that Devin and his…friends, will show up. They know that Deoxy Corp is planning something big for this trip and they will do their best to sabotage it.”

“Hmmm,” Alison said. “I don’t know. That sounds dangerous. If everything you told us about Deoxy Corp is true, they think nothing of murdering people who get in their way. Griffin–and you and I–could get caught in the middle.” She sat up and took Griffin’s hand in her own, saying vehemently, “I will not let them hurt Griff! He might be a big idiot but I still love him!”

“Aww, shucks,” Griffin murmured, clearly touched. “I didn’t know you cared so much, Ali!” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

It was David’s turn to roll his eyes. “That’s the thing, though. As counterintuitive as it sounds, I think Griffin is safest on the Nereus. For now, at least.”

At that moment, Lourdes arrived with an enormous, steaming platter of spiny lobsters. David blinked and was wondering how they could possibly eat that much food, when a man who had been out of sight until now appeared carrying another huge plate of rice, yuca, avocado, and sliced citrus. His mouth fell open.

“I read that the owners of casas particulares like this one,” Alison whispered, “purchase too much food for their tourist guests on purpose so that the family can eat the leftovers. It’s a way of getting around the meat rationing.” She put a cautionary hand on Griffin’s arm, adding, “Just make sure you don’t eat everything, Griff!”

“A bear’s gotta eat, Ali!” Griffin harrumphed as he skewered the biggest lobster with his fork and commenced tearing into its shell.

***

On the walk back to the port, David finally pulled himself out of his preoccupation with the events aboard the Nereus to fully appreciate being in Cuba. In many ways, he hadn’t known what to expect when he got there. The island had taken on almost mythic proportions among his relatives back in Miami, many of whom had elevated it to a paradise lost to the depredations of communism.

The truth, he realized, was more complex. Nueva Gerona was an unlovely city in many ways. The legacy of Soviet-era building had damaged what had once probably been a quaint village. The poverty of the place was obvious…but at the same time life here was clearly easier than some of the other Latin American countries he’d visited like Guatemala and Bolivia. There were no beggars, the streets were clean and well-maintained, and the people appeared to be healthy and decently nourished. He saw few cars, mostly people walked or trundled around in horse-drawn carriages. Every once in awhile, a big truck would roar past but that was uncommon. In general, it was a comfortable if somewhat basic city.

As he strolled through town with Griffin and Alison, he felt his shoulders relax. He was back among his people, back where he fit in. Even more than in Miami, the people looked like him. True, he was a little beefier than the average Cuban (he’d never seen such a svelte bunch of people!), but with his complexion and features, he could blend in. He liked it.

“God,” Griffin exclaimed after a particularly attractive guy sauntered past wearing only a tiny pair of shorts, “the men here are fucking gorgeous, Sunshine! I see where you get it!”

David ducked his head, secretly pleased. His big lover was right: The men in Cuba were quite handsome!

They arrived at the boat just as Rivard blew the horn, signaling it was time to depart. David was walking up the gangplank when he noticed Dr. White talking with a man on the dock. He appeared to be a fisherman and not a very prosperous one, judging by the condition of his old boat. A young man who was probably his son watched them from the deck of the fishing boat. His arms were crossed and he looked unhappy with whatever they were discussing. Dr. White was handing the man something (money?) and David was about to say something when Drake greeted them from the deck of the Nereus.

Griffin bristled beside him. Before his big lover could do anything foolish, though, David intervened, inserting himself between Drake and Griffin.

Drake’s smile faded as he looked from David to Griffin and back. “Griffin, what–”

“It’s Ok, Drake,” David soothed as he steered the confused guy off to the side before saying over his shoulder to Griffin, “Give us a moment, babe. We got stuff to work out.”

He was turning back to Drake when he noticed that the dude was wearing only a tiny pink thong. The same thong he’d been wearing when he’d carved the butterfly into David’s chest. His cheeks colored and he looked away as he felt his crotch respond.

“Drake,” he asked, clearing his throat. “Why’re you wearing that?”

Drake looked down at himself blankly and then back up at David. “I dunno. I wanted to lie out in the sun and get a tan. Is something wrong with it?”

David could feel his neck getting hotter by the second as his cock started to stand up in his shorts. “It’s, well, it’s kind of revealing. I mean, just a couple of days ago you were pitching a fit because you had to wear a Speedo. And this,” he motioned down toward Drake’s crotch, “is–”

Squaring his jaw and interrupting him, a little of the old fiery Drake appeared. “I don’t give a fuck anymore what people think, David!” he protested. “I feel truly free for the first time in my life and I’m not going back!”

“Well, Ok,” David said, bemused. “Carry on, then.”

Drake’s face brightened and he sounded almost bashful when he asked, “Would you, um, join me? I really wanna hang out with you, man! We can chat about stuff while we get our tans on!”

David shoved his stubborn erection down in his shorts, grimacing when he knocked his hand against the large bolt. Finally, he managed to stammer, “Uh, sure. I’d be happy to. Just gimme me a minute to get ready.”

“I’ll be waiting!” Drake said happily, turning to give David a stellar view of his unbelievably perky ass. David had to grab the railing to keep from falling over.

When he turned, he saw Griffin watching him with narrowed eyes. “I can’t believe it! I’m being cuckolded by my best friend! Drake is an asshole.”

***

He found Drake in the crow’s nest after the Nereus had departed Nueva Gerona. The crew was busy preparing the sails on the vessel before entering the protected waters where engines were forbidden. The women scurried around the deck as David watched mesmerized. There was so much about sailing that he didn’t understand. Waving to Captain Rivard and Alison as he passed the bridge, he heard Drake call to him from above and, shielding his eyes from the sun, looked up to see the dude beckoning him from the platform.

David made a face. He wasn’t fond of heights and the thought of scaling the main mast while the boat dipped and pitched with the swells didn’t appeal to him. Nonetheless, he reached out to grasp the rungs and soon was scaling the mast. Only by refusing to look down was he able to make it to the top.

Drake took his hand and pulled him up when he reached the platform, saying, “It’s pretty high up, isn’t it? Look out at the sea!” David was too busy looking at the full pouch of his friend’s thong, something that didn’t escape Drake’s notice. He grinned and pushed down the bill of David’s baseball cap, laughing as he settled back against the railing.

Shaking himself and lifting his cap so he could see, David forced himself to take in the vista stretching out below. The boat was tacking along the coast of the island and the waters were magnificent blue against the verdant green of the mangroves. Farther inland, steep, scrubby hills rose up dramatically. The pitching of the boat was magnified up in the crow’s nest and he had to grab onto the railing to catch his balance. Soon, he was shoulder to shoulder with Drake who was watching him with obvious pleasure.

“I don’t know why I hated you so much,” he murmured as David looked down, feeling both shy and aroused by his proximity to the sexy man. “I guess I was just crazy.”

Then he was in Drake’s arms and kissing Drake’s lips. Drake pulled him in close and cupped the back of his head, leaning forward and nibbling on his ear as he breathed, “You’re so sexy, David.” 

David started to respond but then remembered Rivard’s warning and his own experience with Drake when he became aroused. Very carefully, he managed to extricate himself from his embrace without being too abrupt. When Drake gave him a disappointed and questioning look, he took his face in his hands, saying gently, “Drake, I really want you but the last time we did this, you…changed and ended up hurting me. I think something happens when you’re turned on.”

Drake folded his arms and regarded him for a long moment. David drank in his simmering sexiness like a fine wine, savoring his beefy arms and legs, thick torso, garish tattoos, and pierced nipples. His cock was all but bursting out of the flimsy pouch of his thong, pushing the material outward until the fat base of his shaved cock was visible.

Finally, Drake announced, “Let’s try an experiment, Ok?”

David glanced up at his face and was taken aback by his haunting good looks. He hadn’t allowed himself to study the man for very long before now and realized that his previous dislike of him had colored his perception. The truth was that Drake Rubio was quite stunning. Noticing that Drake was watching him with bemusement, he gave him a small smile before replying, “Yeah, Ok. I’m game.”

“Good. Now c’mere.” David stepped forward and Drake’s arms were wrapped around him again. Drake kissed his nose before explaining, “We’ll go slow and you will let me know if I start to do…anything that hurts. If I do, I’ll stop.”

David furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure that will work.”

“We’ll find out.”

He sealed David’s mouth with a kiss, giving him the softest, most delectable kiss of David’s life. Compared to the rough sex he’d engaged in recently, David was left amazed by this new side of Drake. When his new lover pulled away and saw the expression on David’s face, he laughed. “Surprised? I’ve been waiting to kiss you back like that ever since Key West.”

David responded by kissing him again and they melted into each other, lips touching tenderly for a long time before David pulled away, asking, “What about Rivard? Is he gonna be jealous?”

In answer, Drake moved David’s hands down to his buttocks, inviting him to explore. David needed no encouragement and took the opportunity to tease the string of Drake’s thong, pulling it up and down until the friction of the string against his tender asshole was too much and Drake let out a long, low moan.

“Fuuuuuuuuuck! That’s fucking amazing, dude!” he breathed. “Why the fuck did I used to think thongs were faggy? They’re fucking incredible! And look!” He paused to push David far enough away to give him a clear view of the burgeoning pouch of his thong. He was hard as a rock. “I’m fucking on fire here and not going batshit crazy!”

David was too overwhelmed with lust to contemplate this. He filed it away for later and focused on devouring Drake’s mouth and tongue. Half-crazed and not giving a shit if the crew could see them, he pushed his lover up against the railing and wrestled his cock free of his shorts with the intent of thrusting it into Drake’s inviting hole when he realized something.

The bolt.

The bolt was still lodged firmly through his foreskin, effectively preventing him from fucking. He growled in frustration, wishing fervently he’d allowed Rivard to remove it earlier when he’d offered. Drake’s head was thrown back and his eyes were closed as he gripped the railing and spread his legs, inviting David to penetrate him. He cracked an eyelid at David’s growl, though, and gave him a questioning look.

“What’s wrong, bro? My hole is all yours!”

David fingered the bolt unhappily, saying, “I know! I fucking know!”

“Then what…?”

At that moment, his gaze fell down to David’s crotch and his face when white. Then red. And then he smiled broadly, asking, “I did that? I fucking did that you?”

David grimaced, nodding.

“That’s fucking hot!”

“Drake!”

His lover dipped his shaggy head before giving David an impish look, saying, “I’m sorry, bro, but that is fucking perfect. I mean, look, I got these stupid tattoos and big fat rings in my tits. It’s only fitting that you got that bolt in your ‘skin.” He paused, reaching out to lift David’s dripping cock, inspecting the heavy bolt, grinning proudly the whole time. David was about to protest when Drake pulled on his foreskin, stretching out the hole of his new piercing before slipping the bolt through with a quick flick of his wrist. David screamed in pain but breathed a sigh of relief a moment later when he realized he was free of the ugly hunk of metal. There was, however, still a gaping hole in his foreskin.

“Thanks,” he said, meaning it.

“No prob, man,” Drake said, “but it’s going back in when we’re done. I only took it out because I’m not gonna let you fuck me with that thing attached to your dick!”

David glowered at him and Drake laughed, grabbing his dick and pushing his foreskin back. In a flash, he turned around, whipped off his thong, and gripped the railing, sticking his magnificent ass in the air and imploring David to fuck him.

David did.

Several times.

Finally, exhausted and happy, they collapsed on the deck of the crow’s nest and spent the rest of the afternoon cuddling as the tropical sun kissed their brown skin. I’m home, David thought as he dozed off. I’m finally home.

***

“Sheeeee-iiiiit!” Griffin exclaimed when David tracked him down in their cabin later. “You’re fucking black as an African!”

David looked down at his newly bronzed skin and grinned. It was true. He was really brown. He knew his mother’s side of the family had a lot of African blood but hadn’t noticed it in himself before now. Sure, there was his naturally kinky hair, full lips, and rounded nose but he’d been such a bookworm as a kid that he’d barely gone outside long enough to tan, despite the fact he lived in subtropical Florida. On the rare occasions he did go to the beach, his mother had always insisted on slathering him with sunblock. His brother, Gage, had been more outdoorsy but he’d taken after his father and had been pretty white. David liked being dark, he realized then as he admired his brown skin. It made him feel like a true Cuban.

Griffin was watching him with a bemused and worried expression. “I’m not gonna ask what you did because I can smell that fucker all over you. You know how much it bothers me to see you with him. You’re my fucking cub after all!”

David smiled. “Cub? Griffin, you know that I’m not your cub. Where did you get that idea?”

“Um, did you forget whose cock was buried inside you all last night? Don’t I mean anything to you?”

Realizing that there was true pain hidden beneath Griffin’s joking words, David sobered. Pacing up to the big man, he took him in his arms and hugged him tightly. Or at least tried to. Griffin was now so massive that he couldn’t get his arms all of the way around him.

“Griffin, you mean a lot to me. You really do.”

“Then why are you fucking my best friend?”

David pressed his cheek against the big man’s chest. “Because Drake means a lot to me, too.”

“You can’t have us both, David,” Griffin said seriously. “I don’t work that way.”

“Griffin, until last night, you were fucking me and engaged to Alison,” David pointed out. “Why was it Ok then but not now? That’s a double standard!”

“That was different,” Griffin growled. “Alison and I had an arrangement. It was all above boards.”

“Well, how about if you and I have an arrangement, too? We’ll be together but give each other permission to be with others at times.”

Griffin’s face had gone red and David was startled to see tears in the corner of his eyes. He blinked them away, protesting, “I don’t wanna share you with anyone, David! I think I’m falling in love with you!”

Touched, David murmured, “Oh, Griffin! You’re really a big softie, aren’t you? You are someone I could see myself falling in love with but I’m not sure if you and I are really cut out for each other. This may just be a temporary thing.”

The big man deflated at these words but he didn’t pull away when David stood up on his tiptoes to give him a tender kiss. Soon, they were pressing against each other and shrugging out of their clothes. Before David knew it, Griffin’s enormous tool was buried deep inside him and the huge brute was drilling into him fiercely as he chewed the pillow in the vain attempt to stifle his screams. Afterward, they collapsed on the floor because there wasn’t room for them to lie side by side on the narrow bed. They were sweaty and out of breath but suffused with a delicious, postcoital contentment.

Griffin pulled David’s head into the cleft of his armpit and slapped his belly fondly. “Sunshine, I don’t know what I’d do without you and your magic asshole. You make me feel whole and alive. You make me feel like a man and a grizzly at the same time!”

David chuckled. “You are a beast, I’ll give you that. You’ll have to be more gentle or you’ll split my magic asshole down the middle.” He was about to continue when he was struck with a thought. “You know what? You may be onto something. When Drake and I fu–”

“Watch it!” Griffin warned, chest tightening.

“Oops, sorry! I mean, when Drake and I were together just now, he didn’t go crazy like he has every other time we’ve been…together.”

“And exactly how many times have you two been together, Sunshine?” Griffin’s voice was hard.

“Shhhh, big guy, we’re not talking about that right now.” He held his breath and then exhaled when he felt Griffin relax. “I bring it up because I think my asshole does more than stop your transformation. I think it counteracts the effects of Rivard’s control over Drake.”

Griffin took a breath and then asked, “How so?”

“Well, this morning when Drake was f–”

“Ok! Ok! I don’t wanna hear about it! Let’s just stop talking about this, Ok?”

David smiled to himself. “Ok. I’ll drop it but not before I share my theory. I think whatever Devin did to me when he, ahem, mated with me has bigger effects that I realized. Last night when Rivard threatened to kill me, he accused me of being a monster, said he could tell I wasn’t human. I didn’t know what he meant but now I’m starting to get it. Maybe I’m a mutant just like you and Devin but the mutation shows up differently in me? Maybe my ‘magic’ asshole is the reason that Drake didn’t go crazy just now when we…”

“That’s enough!” Griffin snorted. “I’ve heard enough nonsense! Let’s just lie here and take a nap. Us bears need a lot of sleep, you know.”

***

Rivard stalked his prey like a lion, eventually surprising Drake from behind as he climbed down from the mainsail. His skin, Rivard noticed, was tanned deep brown, contrasting perfectly with the tiny pink thong. Drake’s ass seemed even riper and fuller than he remembered and he felt his cock harden.

“Kid,” he breathed in Drake’s ear as he wrapped his arms around him from behind, “let’s go out on the water tonight, just you and me.”

Surprisingly, Drake didn’t tense at Rivard’s touch. Far from it. He melted into Rivard’s arms, turning and pressing against him, a lazy smile on his face. “Mmmm, I’d like that. You know I’ll do anything to spend more time with you.”

Rivard grunted, sniffing Drake’s hair. “Are you Ok, kid? You seem…different. And that smell on you…”

“I’m in love,” Drake said, laughing. “For the first time in my life! Can you believe it?”

“In…love? Seriously?”

“Yeah, stupid. With two people.”

Rivard’s brow furrowed. “Two people?”

“Yeah, two of the sexiest men in the world.”

“What?” Rivard stammered, raising his hand and making the hypnotizing motion that was Drake’s trigger. The boy wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be different! He was supposed to be a Marielito!

Drake watched him, bemused. “What are you doing?”

Rivard stopped, hand frozen. He tried again but Drake only laughed and moved to take Rivard in his arms. The captain sidestepped him, dancing out of his way, trying frantically to figure out why his hypnosis wasn’t working. This wasn’t right. Drake was supposed to be under his control. He had to have control over the boy!

Drake caught him around the waist and hugged him tightly. But this only made things worse for the captain and he pushed the boy away. He walked unsteadily over to the railing and leaned down, wrestling with himself. A moment later, Drake joined him, leaning next to him, his warm shoulder pressed against Rivard’s.

“What’s wrong, Captain?” he asked, his husky voice pitched low. “Was it something I…?”

“Shut up,” Rivard spat. “Shut the fuck up!”

Drake turned to him, face clouding. “What? What’s wrong?” He reached out to put his hand on Rivard’s back but the captain shook it off angrily.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” He straightened up, pulling away from Drake. “I gotta go back to the bridge.”

Drake caught his wrist and he turned, glaring. The boy’s eyebrows were drawn together and he had an unfamiliar expression on his face that startled Rivard. Instead of pulling away, he froze. Drake crept forward and stood before him. His throat moved up and down for a moment before he managed to ask, “You’re not jealous, are you? Because you kn–”

“I’m not fucking jealous! Why would I be? I’m glad that you and David are fucking each other.”

“Then…”

Rivard sliced the air between them with his hand and tried to step away but Drake’s hold only tightened. He found himself staring down at the boy, chest heaving. His face was hot and he couldn’t breathe. After a long time, he managed to croak, “I don’t wanna talk about it, kid. Leave me alone.”

“I’m not gonna leave you alone.”

The words hit Rivard like cold stones. It felt as if Drake had punched him and he doubled over, clutching his stomach. He backed away, wanting to vomit, wanting to get out of there. Drake seemed taken aback at first and he stood there for a long time. Rivard could see the tops of his hairy feet and stubby toes. The boy had the sexiest feet, he caught himself thinking before forcing the thought violently out of his mind. There was an unbelievably long pause as Rivard sank down to his knees and he lowered his head, screwing his eyes shut. He tensed when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and a voice whispering in his ear.

“I’m not leaving you, Captain. I will never leave you.”

***

The Nereus entered the marine reserve at sunset. David and Griffin were watching the glowing orb as it slipped below the horizon, the silhouette of Nueva Gerona reaching out across the sea toward them. They were so preoccupied with admiring the sunset that they didn’t notice the fogbank until it closed around them, obscuring the fading light of the sun.

David shivered, looking around. “That’s odd. It’s chilly. Do you feel that?”

Griffin slung a meaty arm over his shoulders and pulled him close. “Awww, Sunshine! You got my love to keep you warm…and my body. What do you care?”

Laughing, David nestled against him and was about to kiss his armpit when he felt something. Stiffening, he asked, “What is that?”

“I didn’t feel anything.”

David couldn’t put a finger on the sensation. He just knew that he felt queasy. Was it seasickness? He hadn’t felt seasick since the first day on the boat. He stared into the fog, trying to figure out why he was so disoriented. A bright orange buoy flashed by in the surf, followed by a red one. Then there was a light.

“They really don’t want people entering the reserve, do they?” he commented as he noticed the lighted buoy had a large sign with the word ‘danger’ displayed in several languages. Danger? Why would it say ‘danger’? He could understand if it read ‘Protected marine sanctuary, keep out!’ but ‘danger’?

Griffin shrugged. “Guess so.” He paused before adding, “Looks like the fog is breaking up. We’re back in the clear.”

“And not alone.”

David pointed and Griffin turned to follow his finger. There was a little fishing boat bobbing in the surf about a kilometer to the port side. Squinting, he frowned. Was that the same boat with the fisherman and his son that he’d seen earlier back in Nueva Gerona? If so, what were they doing out here? The reserve was supposed to be off limits. Dr. White had said that she’d waited six months to get authorization for the Nereus to visit. 

He was about to say something when Griffin moved excitedly next to him. “Dolphins! Look at the dolphins!”

David forgot about the little fishing boat as he glanced down and saw a pod of dolphins leaping and cavorting in the surf pushed up by the bow of the Nereus. He inhaled sharply, savoring the scene. He’d never been close to dolphins before and he was surprised how large they were. For some reason, he imagined them as much smaller. These beautiful beasts, though, were far larger than he was and it thrilled him. As a researcher, he knew he shouldn’t project human emotions onto animals but, watching the lithe forms darting in and out of the water, it was impossible not to believe they were doing so with joy. And why wouldn’t they? he thought. They were in one of the most protected marine reserves on the planet; they had nothing to fear.

Behind them, the crew was busy unfurling the sails as the ship’s engines died down to a low sputter before going completely silent. David remembered then that the use of engines was banned within the reserve’s boundaries and he turned to admire the women as they climbed the rigging. Within minutes, the sails were fully deployed and billowing in the wind. He took a deep breath. It was probably his imagination but the air smelled fresher now. Looking around, he realized that even the water looked cleaner, greener, and…more, well, watery. There was a crispness to the waves as they broke against the bow of the boat. He smiled to himself. He hadn’t expected to notice such a dramatic difference once they were inside the reserve. Apparently, being protected and isolated really made a difference!

“Something tells me we’re gonna have an adventure, Sunshine,” Griffin said, tugging him in close as they watched the dolphins cavorting below. “A big adventure.”

When David turned back to look out to sea, there was no sign of the little fishing boat.

***

Part 6

Rivard was sullen as they lowered the kayaks into the water off the side of the Nereus. Even though it had been his idea to take Drake out in a kayak to see the reef that night, he regretted the decision almost immediately. Now that his power over the boy had waned, he found himself hating being in Drake’s company. The way he followed him around like a lovesick puppy was enough to make his stomach turn. It was disgusting.

“Hey, sexy,” Drake called out. “Catch me if you can!”

As Rivard gritted his teeth in annoyance, the boy took off in the water, kayak scudding over the tops of the waves. He was heading toward an atoll on the near horizon. Rivard grumbled to himself, fighting the urge to turn around and stay on the Nereus, and repositioned the spearguns on his back so they didn’t get in the way of paddling.

The moon was nearly full and rising to the east as he paddled toward the island, Drake’s silhouette growing progressively smaller. The boy apparently was more skilled at kayaking than Rivard had thought. Yet another reason to dislike him, he thought; Rivard didn’t like anyone who showed up his own skills.

The wind was from the west which made for difficult paddling and Rivard watched with growing resentment as the distance between him and Drake grew. How could the boy be a better kayaker than he was? His mood grew progressively sour the more he had to fight against the waves and, by the time he entered the relative calm of the sheltered bay inside the atoll, his mood had turned very dark.

He was so preoccupied that he almost didn’t notice the little fishing boat moored to the side of the wide channel leading into the bay. He’d nearly passed it before he looked over. Ah, he thought, so Dr. White succeeded in talking the fisherman into entering the reserve after all! He never thought she’d change his mind. It must have cost her a lot of money, even by Cuban standards, because the penalty for entering the reserve was severe. The woman was persistent, he granted her that. Deoxy Corp had obviously hired the right researcher to lead this expedition. Dr. Audrey White had a reputation for getting the impossible done.

He was studying the ship, trying to figure out if the fisherman was on board when he heard Drake’s delighted whoop in the distance. He looked up to see the boy afloat on his kayak in the middle of the wide bay. As he stared, the youth dipped a paddle into the water and the surface erupted in an eldritch blue fire rippling outward from the kayak.

Bioluminescence, Rivard realized as his scientific mind kicked in. It was caused by an unusual concentration of dinoflagellates in the water; the tiny creatures emitted light when disturbed. Despite his mood, he marveled at the beauty of the eerie blue glow, already dissipating as the water calmed. He knew of only five bays in the world that were bioluminescent and this wasn’t supposed to be one of them. The reef is even more special than we thought…

He paddled through the main channel toward Drake, the water erupting into brief, fantastic light shows each time his paddle touched the surface. Pulling up next to him, he saw that the youth’s face was wild and happy in the moonlight as he stripped out of his clothes and jumped into the water. Emerging a moment later, he gave Rivard a sly grin before slowly stroking over to his kayak.

“Kid! Kid! Don’t you dare–”

His voice was cut off as Drake tipped him out of his kayak and he was dumped unceremoniously in the water, emerging moments later sputtering and angry. The tannic water flashed bright blue with his splashing. He was grabbing for his kayak, intent on pulling himself back up, when Drake caught him around the waist and tugged his shorts down. Soon, Rivard was naked (except for his spearguns) and the boy’s lips and body were pressed against him.

“You’re nothing but trouble,” he complained when Drake’s kissing finally relented. “Don’t know why I bothered turning you gay.”

This gave the boy momentary pause. “You…did? But…how?”

Rivard smirked, glad to finally have the upperhand again. “My secret. Turned you into huge gay slut.”

Drake’s face clouded as he struggled to process this. Clearly, the youth hadn’t spent much time thinking about the reasons behind his sudden transformation. Typical arrogant rich kid, Rivard thought, only thinks about himself and his own pleasure.

“I’m not a slut,” Drake protested finally, his body going slack in Rivard’s arms.

“Oh, yeah?” the captain challenged, perking up now that he’d found a wound to poke at. “Sure seem pretty slutty to me.” When the boy tried to push away from him, Rivard held him tighter, feeling his cock stiffen. This precipitated a fight during which the water frothed molten blue around their thrashing bodies. By the time it was over, Rivard had emerged victorious, hauling the struggling boy by the hair to the shore where he forced his legs over his head and violently fucked him.

It was the best fuck of his life!

“You’re an asshole,” Drake whimpered when it over and Rivard had collapsed on top of him. “I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

Rivard couldn’t help grinning. The boy’s words caused an electric burst of lust to course through his body. Soon, he was rock hard again and pummeling Drake’s asshole as the youth cried out beneath him.

God, it was great being hated again!

***

He awoke on the beach an hour or so later, feeling deliciously restored. Languidly, he lifted his head to look around. He expected to discover that Drake had paddled back to the Nereus but the boy’s kayak was resting on the shore nearby. Propping himself up on his elbows, he noticed the wind had shifted to the north, presaging a storm. The moon was low on the eastern horizon and the rich, salty, fishy scent of mangroves filled his nostrils.

Getting up and dusting off his spearguns, he followed the boy’s footprints through the sand. Drake had wandered over the low ridge of white coral dunes to the other side of the atoll. Rivard blinked when he crested the dunes and gazed upon another bay much like the one behind him. The island was a double atoll!

As he gazed over the dense mangrove forest hugging the shore of this new bay, he heard a sound. It was Drake’s voice; the boy sounded agitated. Curious, Rivard jogged down the dune to a little trail through the trees. He inhaled and his mutant senses picked up an unfamiliar odor among layers of more familiar ones. There was the sand, the sea, the mangroves, Drake (such a sultry odor the boy had!), and the unmistakable tang of blood.

Blood?

Human blood.

Rivard picked up the pace, following the scents and the sound of Drake’s increasingly alarmed voice. The ground became progressively muddier and more treacherous with mangrove roots, forcing him to slow down. It was several minutes before Rivard rounded a curve in the trail and found Drake kneeling over the prone body of a man. He stopped short, sniffing the air. His nose told him what his eyes confirmed: The man was dead. Ripped apart from the looks of things.

Drake lifted his head to stare balefully up at Rivard as he knelt beside him. “Those…things… were eating him!”

Rivard lifted his head and sniffed the air again, trying to place the unfamiliar scent. It wasn’t animal and it wasn’t human. His brows lifted and his skin prickled when he finally placed it.

Monster.

It was the smell of monsters.

And not just any monsters…

“You need to get out of here, kid,” Rivard said, putting his hand on Drake’s arm and tugging him up.

The young doctor resisted, complaining, “No! They are after the boy! We have to save him!”

Rivard froze, remembering the little fishing boat. Looking down, he saw the corpse’s face had mostly been torn off but there was enough of it left for him to discern that it belonged to a mature man, probably in his forties. The father. He’d died fighting, his fingers, turned clawlike by rigor mortis, still clung to a crude machete.

He was staring down at the man when he detected another odor, barely perceptible even to his sensitive nose. What was it? It smelled like…

Taking a deep breath, he ordered, “Drake, I need you to get out of here. Go back to the ship. Now!”

Even in the shadows of the mangroves, Rivard could see the doctor’s eyes go round. “B-B-But what about you? W-W-What are you gonna do?”

He squared his shoulders and pulled the silver speargun out of its harness before looking down at the frightened youth. “I am going to fight some monsters, kid. Now go!”

***

Rivard picked his way through the increasingly mucky mangrove swamp, following his nose. The air by now was redolent with the scent of monsters and it thrilled him. Ever since he’d been…turned…as a young man into a mutant freak, he had gotten off on killing monsters. Only in the heat of battle (or in the heat of vicious sex) did he feel truly alive.

But…

But truth be told, he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt before the kill (or sex) nearly as much.

He loved pitting himself against the twisted minds of monsters, tracking them, sniffing them out, and eventually confronting them in battle. Yes, confronting them in a battle that always ended up the same way: With dead monsters.

These particular monsters were stupider than most, he realized quickly. They had probably grown bold in the preserve due to the absence of people. Or maybe they were just hungry for human flesh? He snorted to himself as he realized that it was probably hard to come by out here. These monsters, though, shouldn’t crave human meat, though. No, they should only eat fish…unless, of course, an unsuspecting human had been surreptitiously sprayed with an attractant that lured them to him…

Ah, Dr. White, he thought appreciatively, you’re more devious than I realized! She had, Rivard knew then, taken no chances with the fisherman and his son; she had doused them with a chemical lure.

A cry broke through the stillness of the mangroves as Rivard emerged from the forest. On a narrow strip of beach, the fisherman’s son was fighting for his life as three, huge, scaly brutes surrounded him. He was swinging a machete at the monsters as they shrieked and hissed. The monsters were, Rivard realized, beyond hideous with slimy skin and misshapen skulls topped with bony crests. Their eyes were like saucers and their gaping mouths were filled with needle-like teeth.

The boy saw Rivard and called out in Spanish, screaming for help. Rivard pulled up short and drew his speargun, aiming for the nearest monster. Every instinct screamed at him to shoot but he hesitated, remembering Dr. White’s instructions clearly: ‘We need them to infect the subject, Rivard,’ she’d told him, her eyes serious and her mouth tight. ‘Don’t kill them until they infect the subject.’

The boy screamed again, urging Rivard to shoot but still he hesitated, feeling sweat trickle down his back. As a monster slayer, it was torture for him not to kill the monsters…but he had his orders. Deoxy Corp’s contract was clear; he would not receive one penny of the promised fortune unless the boy was infected. As much as it killed him to hesitate, he couldn’t afford not to…

“What the fuck are you waiting for! Shoot it!”

Rivard cursed when he looked up to see Drake had followed him. The young researcher was waving his arms, face pale with shock and eyes round as he frantically implored him to shoot.

“Shoot it! Fucking shoot it!” he screamed again.

Rivard growled at him to leave, furious that the kid had disobeyed his instructions, but Drake refused to budge. Instead, he lunged at Rivard, trying to wrest the gun from his hands. Rivard was too quick, though, and deftly sidestepped him. Pissed, he lashed out at the young guy, trying to knock him down but Drake dodged out of the way just in time. Rivard was kicking out at him again when Drake surprised him by leaping in front of him. 

To his horror, the youth tackled one of the monsters, throwing it to the ground. The other monsters swiveled, momentarily distracted by this unexpected attacker and the boy took the opportunity to escape, dashing past Rivard and disappearing into the mangroves.

The next few seconds would torment Rivard for the rest of his life. He watched, frozen, as the monsters rounded on Drake, maws opening and closing. They slashed the air with their arms and the captain noticed with an almost detached calm that there were four-inch claws on the end of their webbed fingers. Time slowed down as they closed in on Drake and Rivard knew he had plenty of time to kill them before they reached the young doctor. Plenty of time to send a bolt through each of their chests. Plenty of time and a perfectly unobstructed path…

But he hesitated, finger sticking on the trigger of his gun.

Drake looked up at his assailants, frozen, his mouth hanging open. Rivard felt his chest clench but still he did not shoot.

Not until the closest one’s claws had torn open the boy’s shoulder did Dr. Rivard fire his gun. The creature’s chest exploded with gore as the speartip detonated. The shot was followed by two more and in seconds the beach was soaked in monster blood as the three creatures lay dying beneath the rising moon.

Rivard exhaled, feeling the weight of his decision collapse down on him. He knew that the boy from the fishing boat had been Dr. White’s intended victim but Drake’s ill-timed entrance had ruined that possibility. She would, Rivard knew, be furious with his failure. But, Rivard calculated, presenting her with another infected subject might mollify her…even if it was one of her team of scientists.

Drake Rubio had just unwittingly gone from researcher to research subject.

And Captain Rivard was responsible.

***

Part 7

The kayak trip back to the Nereus took forever. Rivard had to fight against the building waves, his conscience, and the fever that made Drake increasingly delirious. At one point, the boy was convinced he could breathe underwater and tried to jump into the surf. Rivard barely grabbed him and hauled back into the kayak before he disappeared beneath the waves. He scowled and wished he’d thought to bring some rope to truss up the young doctor. He hadn’t exactly planned on that evening’s events, though.

He sighed heavily, fighting to keep control of the small craft, and concentrated on paddling. The ship seemed to only grow farther away the harder he paddled and the waves were growing stronger despite the fact they were behind the reef. Theoretically, at least, the reef should have acted as a barrier…

A light flared up to the north and Rivard turned briefly. Something on the water had caught fire. A boat? A big wave hit the kayak just then and he was forced to turn his attention back to guiding the kayak back to the ship. He would have to investigate the mystery of the fire later.

It took nearly an hour of struggling but Rivard managed to reach to the Nereus. He was about to signal Ali when the ship’s speedboat pulled up alongside, spraying them with salty froth and rocking the little kayak precariously. Inside was Dr. White. She did not look happy.

“Rivard,” she pronounced coldly as she waited for a crewmember above to lower the boat crane, “you fucked this up.”

He winced despite the fact that Dr. Audrey White was a tiny woman. Something about her, though, made up for her lack of physical size; she had always intimidated him. “I know,” he replied, matching her cold tone. “But I got your subject.” He jerked his chin at the nearly unconscious Drake lying across his lap in the kayak. “He’s infected.”

Dr. White’s eyes flashed in the moonlight as her gaze raked across the kayak, taking in the scene with a scowl. Belatedly, Rivard realized that both he and Drake were still naked. In the chaos, he’d completely forgotten to don his shorts. “That was one of my best researchers,” she pointed out, jerking her head at Drake. “You let them infect one of my best researchers–and he’s a senator’s nephew. What the fuck am I going to tell Deoxy Corp, Rivard?”

Rivard dismissed this with a curt gesture as Drake murmured something incoherent on his lap. “Did the best I could,” he stated flatly. “You neglected to inform me of your plans for tonight.”

“Shut it!” the doctor commanded; she was not one to let people to talk back to her. “I don’t have time for this! Why did you let the fisherman’s boy escape?”

“Could’ve killed the monsters or killed him. Chose the monsters.”

“Two fuckups in one night, Rivard,” Dr. White grumbled, shaking her head. “There were to be no witnesses. You’re slipping up. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you’re falling in love.”

Rivard reacted as if stung. “I don’t fucking love Drake! I could never lov–” Drake moaned just then and his eyes fluttered open. Rivard looked down to see a hurt look cross the boy’s face before he closed his eyes again. He grimaced, looking away.

“It doesn’t matter, Rivard,” Dr. White muttered. “I took care of one of your mistakes already.” She jerked her head to the north and Rivard looked over to see the fire he’d noticed earlier. The moonlight was bright enough now that he could see it properly: A burning fishing boat.

“Your work?” he asked, voice expressionless.

She nodded, grabbing the crane and hooking it to the boat. “Yes, he’s dead. No thanks to you.” She tugged on the cables and the crane started hauling the boat out of the water. “Bring Rubio to my lab, Rivard,” she called down as she ascended. “I’ll administer a sedative. I’ve already called for a helicopter transport; it will be here within the hour. Your ass had better be on it when we take off.”

***

David / Griffin

“Look, Sunshine! I think I’ve figured it out!”

David rolled his eyes as Griffin shook his head. In a blur, his features morphed from human to grizzly. One second he was a goofy guy with shaggy auburn hair and a silly grin. And…the next his face had shifted into a snarling, savage predator…who was still undeniably goofy. This was, David realized, mostly because his body hadn’t changed. Griffin looked really dumb with a bear head on his human body.

“It was cool the first hundred times,” David yawned. “But now it’s just a stupid trick.”

An ominous growl emanated from the bear’s head as Griffin fixed him with an angry glare. The next moment, he shook himself and his human face was back. He gave David a lopsided grin, saying, “Awww, ‘just a stupid trick’? Really? Let’s see you transform into a grizzly if it’s just a stupid trick.”

David laughed. “I don’t need to. I’m stunning enough as it is.”

Griffin bore down on him, driving his cock deeper inside as David squirmed in delight. “That you are, Sunshine,” he agreed. “That you are.”

After a good fucking during which David writhed in pleasure beneath the great beast of a man, Griffin pulled out, saying, “Know what? I think your magic butthole did the trick and I can control myself now.”

“Griffin…” David warned but his lover just shook his shaggy head. Turning to the porthole, he gazed out on the nearly full moon as it shone through the clouds of the gathering storm. He sat there motionless as they both waited. David was unconsciously holding his breath but was eventually forced to inhale deeply or pass out. The boat rocked in the growing surf and the wind sighed through the open porthole as they waited.

Nothing happened.

Griffin stayed completely human.

“It worked!” David exclaimed, only belatedly noticing that his lover’s entire body was drenched in sweat and he was quivering from head to toe. Placing a hand on his hairy shoulder, he asked, “But it takes a lot of effort, huh?”

Griffin fixed him with a wide grin, shaking his head and splattering David with sweat droplets. “Yeah, it’s a bit of a slog but I can handle it. I just need more practice…and more time in your hot hole!”

He pounced on top of David, pinning his arms while slinging his legs up and over his head. David’s eyes rolled back in his head as Griffin drove his huge tool deep inside him again. This time, though, their lovemaking was tender. Griffin nibbled his ear playfully as he teased his pucker with the blunt head of his bear cock, pushing it in and pulling it out. David moaned.

They were on the verge of cumming when Alison’s voice blared out of the speaker next to Griffin’s bunk. “Griff? David? You guys awake?” There was a pause before she answered her own question, saying, “What am I thinking? Of course, you are. I need you both to get up here now. Something big is going down.”

***

David / Griffin / Alison

Griffin was gritting his teeth next to him, shaking with the effort of resisting the transformation. David studied him out of the corner of his eye, trying to figure out how long the big guy could hang on before he lost it. He decided they had a couple of minutes, maybe a bit longer. Still, it wouldn’t be very long…

They were standing on the bridge of the ship, holding onto the railings in an effort to stay on their feet. The approaching storm was rolling the ship from side to side, giving David stomach cramps.

“A helicopter just took off,” Alison was saying, oblivious to Griffin’s struggle. “Rivard, Dr. White, and Drake were on it. Drake didn’t look good; he was lying on a stretcher.”

“What?” David exclaimed. “You’re joking!”

Alison shook her head, fixing him with her level gaze. “No joke, David. It was a Deoxy Corp helicopter, too. It barely made it off the helipad in the wind. They flew off to the south.” She turned to Griffin, asking, “Can you find out where they were going, Griff? You’re the IT guy; you can hack into anything, right?”

Griffin held up his hands. “Hey, I’m just the sys admin, not a hacker! I can’t–”

David interrupted him. “But you can access everyone’s email, right?”

“Theoretically,” came Griffin’s tight reply. His face was turning red and his eyes were bloodshot from the effort to stave off the transformation. “I will get my laptop and see what I can dig up but, Sunshine…?”

“Yeah?”

“I’ll need you to bend over and open up your world to me while I search. I can’t hold on for much longer!”

David sighed but duly unfastened the top button of his shorts, grousing, “Geesh, do you want to use my back as a table for your computer while you’re at it?”

Griffin smiled wolfishly as he reached for the door. “That would be great. Now get your hole lubed up. I’ll be back in a jiffy!”

Alison rolled her eyes and turned back to steering the ship.

***

David / Griffin / Alison

“Looks like they’re headed to an island north of Grand Cayman,” Griffin announced about ten minutes later as he balanced a laptop on David’s back, pulsing his cock in his hole for effect.

“Ungh,” David moaned, both enjoying the sensation and getting tired of bending over and grabbing his ankles.

Griffin chuckled, continuing, “I skimmed Dr. White’s emails and it looks like she received permission earlier tonight to take Drake there for…experiments?”

“What?!” David exclaimed. He tried to straighten but Griffin held him down. “Why are they experimenting on him?”

“Hmmm. Dunno. Says something about being infected but I don’t see any details.”

“He and the captain took the kayaks out tonight,” Alison commented. “Drake was fine at the time but he was unconscious when they put him on the helicopter. Maybe something happened while they were out?”

“I wonder if Rivard pulled the same stunt on Drake as he did on me?” David wondered, setting his jaw.

Alison pursed her lips. “Rivard wouldn’t hurt Drake, David. He loves him.”

“Love?” David snorted, feeling ridiculous talking between his legs, and then moaned as Griffin bucked his hips, driving his cock in deeper. “He sure has a fucked up way of showing it.”

“He’s had a hard life,” came her indignant reply. “What if I judged you and Griffin’s version of love by the same metric? You two aren’t exactly poster children for–”

“Ali,” Griffin interrupted. “They’re heading to an island just north of Grand Cayman. Looks like Deoxy Corp has an aquatic research facility there. Can you take us there?”

Before she could answer, David exclaimed, “Grand Cayman! But that’s, like, what? Two hundred miles from here?”

“No, only one-hundred fifty,” Alison mumbled, not bothering to look up from studying an electronic map upon which Grand Cayman was illuminated. “One-hundred fifty nautical miles, that is.”

David stood up abruptly, sending Griffin scrambling to grab his laptop. “Woah, Sunshine!” he protested, “I haven’t cum yet!”

“Griffin,” David warned, “this isn’t about you, Ok? We have to save Drake!” He turned to Alison, complaining, “How the fuck are we gonna save him if he’s over 150 nautical miles away?”

“You could take the speedboat,” she suggested, sounding trite. “And a lot of extra fuel.”

“Take a speedboat in a storm to Grand Cayman? You gotta be fucking joking!”

She spread her hands, saying, “How else are you going to get there in time? You’ll have the wind at your back the whole way…and the storm hasn’t hit yet. If you leave now, you could be there by morning.”

David buttoned up his shorts, aggrieved. “I don’t even fucking know how to drive a speedboat! What if we hit a shoal or sandbar? What is the motor dies? We’ll be fucking screwed!”

Griffin put a heavy hand on his shoulder, causing him to shiver inadvertently. “Don’t worry, Sunshine! With my cock in your ass, you can do anything. Now let’s go!”

***

Rivard / Drake / Dr. White

Dr. White crossed her arms and regarded him stonily. “I don’t know if I can trust you, Rivard, but I have no choice.” 

She turned and looked behind her at Drake; he was lying, bound and sedated, on a lab table behind bulletproof glass. His cell doubled as Deoxy Corp’s biohazard containment laboratory. “Your mutations,” she said, pronouncing the word with distaste, “mean that you’re the only person fit to guard him because you can’t be infected by the contagion.” She held up her hand before he could reply, adding, “But, just in case, I’ve got a retinue of armed guards out here. Do anything stupid and they will kill you without hesitation.” He glowered at her and her eyes narrowed. “Go ahead and hate me,” she taunted. “I don’t fucking care. Just make sure that he stays contained and doesn’t infect anyone. If this pans out, you’ll be a very rich man in a few days. Now get your ass in there…and bring your spearguns.” She raised her eyebrow significantly, adding, “You will need them.”

He squared his shoulders and slung his guns over his shoulder, glaring.

She nodded her head, amused by his attitude. “You can make yourself useful by taking blood samples from him every hour until I return.” She jerked her chin toward a saltwater holding tank in one corner of the containment cell, adding, “And he’ll need to be moved into there as his disease accelerates.” When he remained unmoving, her eyes flicked over to his face briefly. “Rivard,” she said coldly, “even as a senator’s nephew, he will no longer be of value to us once he finishes mutating. His main benefit was serving as a host for the contagion.” She paused before turning to go, saying over her shoulder, “I don’t need to elaborate on what that means, do I?”

Not waiting for his answer, she left. The guards, a couple of hulking brutes in red and black Deoxy Corp uniforms, opened the door of the sterilization chamber and ushered him inside. The sneer on their faces was all too familiar. Dr. Rivard had been regarded as a freak for his whole adult life and had almost grown used to it. Almost.

Stepping inside, he stripped out of his shorts and let his guns slide to the floor before the disinfectant spray misted down on him. He held his breath as it dissipated but even so gagged on the pungent odor. Sometimes having a greatly enhanced sense of smell was liability.

His monster-sensing amulet began thrumming like crazy as he stepped through the door of the antechamber, entering the lab proper. Seeing Drake restrained and convulsing on the table was…strange for him. He had to stand there for a moment, clenching and unclenching his hands, before he shrugged the sensation off and approached the gurney. Knowing that he had an audience, he decided to remain naked. He had nothing to be ashamed of, after all.

“Why?”

Startled, Rivard looked up to see that Drake was awake and watching him with hate-filled eyes. His shoulder was oozing blood where the creature’s claws had slashed him open. Not answering right away, Rivard dabbed some gauze in antiseptic and taped it over the wound even as Drake pulled away, resisting his ministrations. The wound wasn’t serious but would leave a scar…if the boy lived long enough for the wound to heal, of course.

“Why…did…you…” Drake tried say but his voice faded away before he finished. Talking was obviously difficult for him. He lay his head down on the table and sighed heavily.

Rivard took a step closer and gazed down at him. The infection hadn’t taken hold completely yet and Drake still looked pretty much the same. The boy was naked and…stunning. His beefy body was splayed out magnificently. Rivard regarded him almost clinically, taking pleasure out of objectifying his body.

Drake wasn’t a male model by any means. He had too much padding, his legs were too short and wide, and his torso was too broad and undefined. His face was handsome-ish but nothing special. His features were too blocky and muddled for that. And his thick mane of hair was a disaster. The crude tattoos and over-sized piercings didn’t help. Rather than hiding his defects, they exaggerated them.

And yet.

And yet…

Ungh.

Rivard shivered with pleasure as he stared down at him. The way that Drake wore his ordinariness was simply extraordinary. Maybe it was because he was restrained and helpless and completely at his mercy…?

He started to get hard and couldn’t resist swaggering around the room, giving his audience a good view of his erection. Rivard didn’t have a large cock but he didn’t care. He knew how to use it and that was the most important thing. And, shit, did he know how to use it to his advantage! Just ask any of the scores of young men he’d fucked and left behind, battered, bruised and…humiliated. And now there was Drake. Ha! Drake Rubio was further proof that no man could resist him.

“You’re…disgusting.”

Rivard laughed, turning to look down at Drake. He let his gaze travel down the boy’s body. His eyes lingered on the captive researcher’s hardening cock. “I can tell you think I’m disgusting,” he teased, waggling his erection provocatively and smiling when Drake’s cock pulsed. “You find me completely disgusting, don’t you?”

Drake struggled weakly against his restraints. “Fuck you, Rivard,” he murmured. “Fuck…you.” He grimaced then as his cock sprang up, fully erect.

Untying the restraints on Drake’s legs, Rivard lifted them up and over his head, saying, “I have a better idea. How ‘bout if I fuck you instead?”

Drake cried out as Rivard straddled the table and drove his dry cock into his hole. The boy raked his back with his fingers, drawing blood. Rivard grunted as his mind overloaded with pain and pleasure. Blood and bruises, he thought as his body thrummed with desire, blood and bruises make for the best sex imaginable!

***

David / Griffin

There was burning boat off to the north when Alison lowered the crane holding the speedboat down to the water. The boat pitched precariously in the building surf as it slipped into the water and David barely managed to start the ignition and move it away from the Nereus before it collided with the ship. The waves were getting high! Not for the first time, David wondered what the fuck he was getting himself into. He had never even taken so much as a boating safety course before!

“Hey, Sunshine,” Griffin called out, lifting his head into the wind and sniffing. “I smell blood. It’s coming from that boat.”

David momentarily tore his attention away from controlling the speedboat to glance over at the burning vessel. It looked like a small fishing boat. Hmmm…was it the same boat from earlier? It had to be.

“Let’s check it out.”

He turned the boat and gunned the engine, surprised by how agile the craft was. Almost too agile! In just a few seconds, they drew up alongside the boat. As David fought to keep from getting too close, Griffin stripped out of his Speedo and cast a funny look at David over his shoulder before launching himself into the air. In a blur, he morphed from a man to a bear, landing with an enormous belly-smacker on the surface of the water. David shook his head and went back to wrestling with the boat while the huge grizzly swam quickly over to the fishing boat.

Griffin swam back a few minutes later with signed fur and watery eyes. The boat pitched as the giant bear pulled itself onboard and David shielded his face when Griffin shook himself, showering salty water droplets over everything.

“Griffin…” he warned as the bear shifted back into human form. Despite the urgency of the situation, though, David found himself admiring the enormous man. God, Griffin was just so fucking…

“There was a dead boy with a spear through his shoulder,” Griffin announced, reaching for a towel and drying himself off. He needn’t have bothered, though. At that moment, dark clouds obscured the last of sliver of the moon and rain began to pelt down on them.

Ignoring the rain, David scowled. “Rivard. Fuck! That man is evil!”

Griffin nodded, stalking over to take him from behind by the hips. His great hands were hot despite just emerging from the cool water. “Yeah, he’s a bastard alright. We gotta catch up with him fast before he…” His voice trailed off as he lowered David’s shorts and thrust his huge cock into him. David yelped in surprise and gave Griffin a baleful look over his shoulder, causing the man to wince apologetically. “Sorry ‘bout that, Sunshine!” he said. “Your magic butthole was calling to me. Gotta save my strength for rescuing Drake!” 

***

Rivard / Drake

“Wha…what’s…wrong…with…me?”

Drake’s voice was weak and his eyes were glassy. Rivard drove his cock in hard one last time before pulling out. He grimaced when he looked down at himself. He would have to wash up…

“What…is…wrong…?”

“You’re infected with a pathogen that is transforming your body,” Rivard said bluntly, not bothering to look up. He jumped off the table and paced over to a little sink where he commenced washing the blood and shit off his dick.

“What?!”

Rivard glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. Drake was trying to untie his wrists from the bonds but was obviously too weak. “Relax, kid. It’ll be better for you if you just lie back and let it happen. Kinda like me fucking you.”

“You’re…ev–” the boy started to say before he was overcome by a bout of coughing. It went on for a long time with Drake writhing on the gurney and gasping for air. Rivard finally took pity on him and untied his hands. Drake curled up in a little ball on the table, body wracked with spasms. He sobbed pathetically in between coughing fits. Rivard put a hand on his shoulder, scowling when Drake rolled over and regarded him balefully with bloodshot eyes. “Hold me,” he pleaded. “Please hold me.”

“Christ,” Rivard spat, sitting up abruptly and walking away. “You’re ridiculous. Take it like a fucking man already! Do you think anyone held me when I was changing? Do you think I asked to be turned into…” he motioned to his bizarre feline eyes and ghostly pale skin, “a freak?”

Rivard glared down at the boy, expecting him to wither. Incredibly, though, Drake’s gaze softened. His voice was barely more than a whisper but Rivard’s impeccable hearing picked it up clearly. “I’m…sorry…Rivard. I…would…have.”

“Yeah, well, fuck you!”

Drake started to close his eyes but then his eyes went round and he held his hand out to stare at it. Translucent webbing was growing between his fingers. It was very slight but obvious. He rotated his hand and wiggled his fingers, his face going pale. His mouth opened and closed as he struggled to find words.

Rivard grumbled with disgust but nonetheless settled back onto the table and slung an arm across Drake’s shoulders. The boy huddled against him, still staring at his webbed hand.

***

David / Griffin

The perilous boat ride almost did him in. David couldn’t remember being more uncomfortable or afraid. If it weren’t for Griffin’s strong arms holding him up (and his hard cock lodged inside him), he would have fallen apart and given up. He didn’t even know how to drive a speedboat!

The waves were taller than the boat and the wind was horrendous. Rain and wind battered them and, despite being in the tropics, he was cold and shivering. His hands were clenched to the steering wheel, numb and aching. He was exhausted and they still had at least another five hours to go. If they could even find the little island…were they even going in the right direction?

The radio crackled. “Turn toward port, David,” Alison’s voice prompted. She was tracking their progress from aboard the Nereus. 

Cursing at his numb fingers, he grabbed the headset and shouted, “Port? Which direction is fucking ‘port’?”

“East,” came her less than helpful reply.

“Right or left, Alison!” he growled. “Is that right or left?”

“Oh, sorry! Turn left. Not a lot, though. Just about five degrees.”

David gritted his teeth, thinking, ‘Five degrees? How far is fucking five degrees?’

This trip would going down as one of the stupidest things he’d ever done in his life. He swung the wheel to the left as Griffin braced behind him, taking his hips and drilling him harder, a low grunt rumbling up from deep in his chest. David rolled his eyes and accelerated. 

Yeah, this definitely was the dumbest thing he’d ever done in his whole fucking stupid life…

***

Rivard / Drake

“Dry. So…dry.”

Rivard woke, blinking as he realized he was face to face with Drake on the narrow gurney. Drake’s eyes were feverish and his hair was plastered against his head with sweat. He looked beautiful, Rivard realized and then turned away, warring with himself.

“Need…water.”

Nearly tumbling onto the floor, Rivard prepared to launch into another tirade. It galled him to see the boy acting like such a pansy, being so fucking helpless. He was going to die soon anyway, he thought. Why make life easier on him now? It would just prolong his suffering.

Somehow, though, he couldn’t make himself yell at Drake like he wanted to. The unfamiliar sensation in the center of his sternum was back. It felt like his chest was in a vise! He struggled to get himself under control but it was difficult. Seeing Drake in such agony had a strange impact on him and he didn’t know what to do.

“Please…Rivard,” the boy pleaded, fixing him with his soulful, bloodshot eyes. “Help…me.”

Rivard cursed. This was ridiculous! He was ridiculous! What was wrong with him? Since when did he give a fuck what happened to one of his boys? How many had there been before Drake? A dozen? Two dozen? More? He’d lost count. There had been a lot, that was all that mattered. And he’d never felt so much as a twinge when it came time to kick them out of his bed. Shit, he didn’t even know if any of them were still alive. He’d left them in rough shape. Some of them had likely died. Maybe even most of them.

“You’re fucking disgusting,” he growled as he lifted Drake off of the gurney, not sure whether he was talking to the boy or to himself. The boy screamed in pain as his feet touched the floor and Rivard looked down annoyed.

He stopped.

Shit!

The disease was progressing!

Drake’s feet was lengthening and growing thinner. His toes were more than six inches long and about the width of pencils. Webbing, delicate as gossamer, stretched between them. The bones of his feet were so delicate that they couldn’t support his weight any longer. The boy froze before losing himself in a hysterical crying fit, clinging to Rivard and behaving generally like a child. 

He hit him.

Hard.

Across the face. 

Drake’s head snapped back. Blood ran down his chin as he gaped at Rivard, hurt and anger vying for dominance in his murderous gaze.

“Shut the fuck up!” Rivard commanded. “Don’t be a goddamned baby!”

Drake shoved him away, toppling to the floor in the process. Rivard sneered down at him, watching him writhe as he struggled to come to terms with the way his body had changed. He laughed harshly, only barely resisting the urge to kick the shit out of the helpless kid.

“YOU’RE A MONSTER!” Drake yelled, legs askew on the floor. His face was smeared with blood. Rivard noted that, like his feet, the boy’s legs were becoming thinner as well. His knees were disappearing as the joints were absorbed into the elongating bones. It was disconcerting, alien, and…kind of arousing.

“Monster, huh?” he joked, reaching up to clutch his amulet. “Funny you say that. My amulet tells  me that you’re the only monster here. Soon, I’m gonna have to kill you.” He patted his spearguns ominously on his shoulder.

Drake’s face grew pale and he crumpled, all anger and outrage draining out of him. He sagged on the floor, staining it red with his blood, and sobbed. He put his hands over his face but immediately pulled them away again when he realized how much they had changed. His fingers were tipped with sharp claws and the webbing between his digits was nearly fully formed, turning leathery as it hardened.

He stared at his hands, frozen. A high-pitched keening filled the room as he lost it and Rivard had to work hard not to grab and shake him. He let him cry for a few minutes before he couldn’t stand any more of it. Stooping down, he took Drake by the shoulders and lifted him up, thrusting his face forward until only inches separated them.

“For the last time, kid,” he spat. “Shut. The. Fuck. Up.”

Drake’s eyes went round and his lower lip quivered as a tear rolled down his cheek. His nose was leaking blood all down his front. “Why…are…you…so cruel?” he asked in a small voice. “Why, Rivard? I love you. I…love…you.”

Rivard’s eyes grew steely as bitter bile rose in his throat. He saw red. He was about to hurl Drake down, intending to smash his head against the cement tile and be done with him when something stopped him. At the time, he was mystified. It felt like a foreign power suddenly inhabited his body and his muscles wouldn’t obey him. Not until much, much later would he realize that it was not a mysterious, alien forced at all. It was something both more prosaic and more numinous. Something that, until that time in his life, had been in very scarce supply.

He blinked.

And lifted the boy, taking him into his arms, and walking stiffly over to the saltwater tank. With stiff hands and jerky movements, he deposited him in the water. Drake’s expression went from hurt, to perplexed, to relieved in the space of a few moments.

“Thank…you,” he breathed, settling down in the warm water and relaxing against the side of the tub.

“Fuck off,” Rivard growled but his voice lacked conviction. The corner of Drake’s mouth lifted and he slipped beneath the surface of the water.

***

David / Griffin

The rocky island rose out of the sea to the south, awash in the pink light of morning. The storm was behind them and the sea was calm, almost mirror-like. The humid air felt heavenly after the rain and chill of the night. David stared at the rocky outcropping blearily. His eyelids were so heavy that he could barely keep them open. His whole body screamed for sleep.

“You did it, Sunshine!” Griffin said cheerfully behind him, pulling his enormous cock out of his hole with a loud squelch. “And just as the moon is setting!”

David grimaced, almost ashamed to admit that he already missed the big man’s cock inside him. It had been lodged up for so long that it kind of felt like it was part of him. Sighing, he picked up the radio and called Alison.

“Alison, you sure this is the right place?” he asked, wincing as the morning sun hit him full in the face. “It’s just a pile of rocks.”

“Affirmative,” came her surprisingly chipper response. How the woman could be so perky after being up all night was beyond him. “Those are the coordinates that Griffin gave me.”

“Yep, we’re golden,” Griffin confirmed behind him. David turned and saw he was staring into the screen of his laptop. “There’s a Deoxy Corp secured wireless network and…hang on…” he tapped a few keys before smiling broadly. “Wow! It worked! They haven’t updated the password. I’ll just get into their systems and make sure they haven’t detected us yet…and that they don’t!”

David nodded, impressed by Griffin’s tech ability. 

After a few minutes, the big man closed the laptop and yawned loudly. “How ‘bout if you take the boat into that little cove over there and we cuddle up together in the hold? I don’t know about you but I need some sleep.”

“What about Drake?” David rejoined, feeling that despite his fatigue, any delay could cost their friend. “He’s in danger!”

But Griffin was already taking him by the hand and leading him into boat’s tiny cabin. He thought about resisting–Drake probably was in serious jeopardy–but he was exhausted and aching. He had to sleep!

***

Rivard / Drake

Rivard finally gave in and, setting his spearguns against the tub, jumped into the water with Drake. The boy glided around the tank, staying underwater for so long that he started to worry. A few minutes later, though, when Drake emerged next to him, shaking his shaggy hair and exhaling in contentment, Rivard realized he needn’t have been concerned.

Drake had developed gill slits on the side of his neck just below his ears.

“Rivard,” the boy pronounced, looking at him with eyes that seemed strangely luminous. An innocent smile creased his face as he leaned into the captain’s shoulder.

“You doing better?”

“Yes.”

“Decided to stop whining?”

“Yes.”

“What changed? You were crying about turning into a monster a few minutes ago.”

Drake didn’t react to his goading the way he expected. Rather than being indignant, he merely settled back against the tank and eyed Rivard with an unreadable expression. Finally, he said, “Maybe I am not the one who has changed.”

Rivard realized he was smiling and his mouth froze. He hated the effect that Drake was having on him! He took his frustration out on ripping the bandage off the boy’s shoulder. Drake yelped and smacked him. Hard. The sting of the slap thrilled him.

“I think I am finally beginning to understand you, Captain.” Those crazy, luminous eyes lit up. Something about his predatory expression reminded Rivard of the ‘Marielito Drake,’ the criminal sociopath that emerged in the boy after Rivard hypnotized him. He fucking loved that Drake!

“Good,” Rivard grunted, laughing harshly as a sudden burst of lust seared through his body. “Now I’m gonna have to kill you.”

Drake’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t. You love me too much to do that.”

Feeling his shoulders grow hot, Rivard looked away but this only seemed to amuse Drake and soon the boy was wrestling with him, trying to pull him underwater, trying to drown him. He fought back, of course, and the water frothed white as the two men battled each other.

It ended in a draw with both nursing wounds and more than a little blood staining the water pink. Drake was on top of Rivard, his whole body slick and his fat cock throbbing against his thigh. Rivard licked a trickle of blood off his cheek and ran his hands down the boy’s molten hot torso.

He froze when he got to his thighs.

Drake noticed his hesitation and arched his back provocatively, flipping his legs out of the water. “I can barely move them separately,” he commented. “But they’re also–”

“Yeah,” Rivard said, marveling at the fine scales growing out of his skin. He traced his hands over Drake’s generous buttocks down to his legs, inserting his fingers into the gap between them. There wasn’t much of a gap left. Drake’s legs were fusing together. At the same time, they felt loose, supple. Drake twitched and the movement undulated through his body. His legs were sinuous, articulated in a myriad of ways that should not have been humanly possible.

It was fucking hot.

He flipped Drake underneath him in a heartbeat and thrust inside of him, mind exploding as he realized that the boy’s unnatural slickness extended inside his body as well. His butthole was already lubricated! Lubricated just for him. Just for Rivard!

They writhed together as Rivard straddled him, moaning when Drake rotated his conjoined legs between his thighs, rubbing his most sensitive skin with his scales in a way that sent bursts of electricity through his body. Eyes rolling back in his head, he pounded against Drake, bashing him relentlessly into the side of the tub until the boy was screaming out in agony and delight.

Their simultaneous orgasm was tectonic. As the vibrations of their frayed and overused nerve endings gradually dissipated, both men were left with the distinct feeling that, in some insane and perverse way, their lives had just become inextricably linked.

And Rivard knew that he would not leave the island without Drake even if it meant he had to kill every fucking person who got in their way.

***

David / Griffin

The helicopter woke them from their slumber. David’s eyes snapped open and he immediately worried that the people in the aircraft would spot their speedboat.

“Relax, Sunshine,” Griffin murmured, cuddling in closer. “We’re hidden. No one’s gonna see us.”

Ignoring the big man’s protests, David felt compelled to get up and look around. He was relieved a moment later when he realized that Griffin had pulled the boat under the shade of a rocky outcropping and they were bobbing safe and secure in a sheltered cove. He squinted, noticing that the sun was already dipping toward the horizon. A growl from his stomach prompted him to dig around in his backpack for something to eat.

“Hey, Sunshine,” Griffin said, emerging from the cabin to stretch. David watched entranced as his magnificent belly rose and fell over his rapidly hardening cock. “Wanna, you know, fuck before we get busy? We might not live to do it again.”

David gave him a sour look. “Not the way to get me in the mood, big guy! Not the way–”

He never finished.

Griffin had nailed him against the railing and proceeded to rape him vigorously before the words even left his mouth. David gritted his teeth and finally managed to shove Griffin off of him. The big man drew back, disappointed, his huge tool dripping in front of him.

“Griffin!” he said indignantly, pulling his shorts up and tightening his belt. “Drake is in trouble and we’ve already slept way too long.” His goofy lover hung his head, looking sheepish, and David busied himself collecting the gear they would need to sneak into the facility. When he was ready, he asked, “You think you can get us in? That is, assuming we can find a door into the place.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

David nodded. “Good. Let’s get going!”

***

Rivard / Drake

Drake bit his lip, drawing blood. “Mmmm, you taste delicious!” he purred, lapping it up. Rivard grimaced but couldn’t deny the arousal the pain caused. He pulled Drake against him, luxuriating in the boy’s supple lower body. The way his fusing legs writhed against his skin… Ungh!

“Careful, kid,” he cautioned when the boy pulled away to fix him with fevered eyes. “My mutant blood’s toxic. Could poison you.”

“Not the worst way to go, I suppose.”

“You don’t wanna find out. Trust me.”

Drake rolled around on his lap, turning so that Rivard’s cock was nestled in the cleft of the boy’s huge ass. Drake sighed, lifting his feet out of the water and examining them critically. The captain followed his gaze and found himself both admiring the advancing mutations and feeling creeped out at the same time.

Rainbow-colored scales crept down from his waist, growing both more luminous and more pronounced as they traveled toward his feet. The dim light from the lab was scattered and refracted, casting a brilliant sheen of color over the boy’s elongating appendages. His legs were now completely fused above the knee and his toes were nearly unrecognizable, being long, delicate, and skeletal, joined by translucent webbing.

Drake flicked his foot in the water, splashing them with water and laughing. Rivard smacked him on the ass and reached out to grab his cock, withdrawing his hand as if scalded a moment later.

“What the–?”

The boy’s cock and balls had grown.

A lot.

Drake had never been super hung but he was verging on it now. Rivard massaged his hand up and down on his shaft, amazed at the fatness. It was really slippery, too. All of his pubic hair had disappeared and he was smooth as a fish. Even his hefty pair of balls were smooth as a baby…pike?

There were little scales on his balls!

His touch had an instant effect on the boy and Rivard’s pulse began to pound as he felt Drake release his breath in an exhale that built into a low growl. He tried to let go of the unnaturally hot organ throbbing in his hand but Drake’s hand clamped down on his. He wrestled to free it but Drake was too strong. With rising panic, he realized too late that he could no longer overpower the mutating boy. Dr. White had warned him…

“Tell you what,” Drake was saying. His voice was lower by at least an octave. “How ‘bout if we try something different for a change.”

Rivard swallowed.

Before he could move, Drake whirled around and smothered the captain beneath him. Rivard choked on salty water as he fought to free himself but it was no use. Drake flipped him over onto his stomach almost without effort. Rivard’s face bashed against the tub and he tasted blood. Looking over his shoulder, he quailed when he saw the hungry leer etched onto the boy’s face.

Drake forced Rivard’s hips upward, pushing his butt out of the water. With tortuous slowness, he traced a claw down the captain’s alabaster skin, following the furrow down his back into the cleft of his ass. Rivard complained when he teased his virgin pucker with that razor-sharp talon but Drake only laughed.

He’d never been fucked before!

He was Captain Rivard, the consummate top, the alpha male, the toughest–

He never finished the thought. In the space of a moment, Rivard toppled from his high perch as the ultimate male, the rarified dominant top who took without thought, used without regret or remorse. Drake Rubio wrested his vaunted masculine pride away from him, ripped it apart as he ripped into his asshole, and left him whimpering for more.

Actually, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Here’s what really happened:

Drake managed to restrain himself at the last moment, reigning in his overpowering lust and the inhuman fire coursing through his veins. As Rivard quivered pathetically under him, he leaned down and kissed the back of the man’s neck.

“You’re all scarred up, kid,” he joked, mimicking Rivard’s gruff tone. “Want more?”

Rivard whimpered, causing Drake to emit a low, guttural laugh.

Flicking his claws out, Drake raked his talons down Rivard’s back, scoring his already scarred flesh with a long gash. Rivard screamed, savoring the torment, as Drake’s claws paused on the cusp of his ass. Rivard couldn’t help it; he thrust his butt out, all but begging for the boy to take him. It went completely against the grain of his personality but he didn’t care. Drake…made him want it. Something about the kid, something about his rapidly progressing transformation, made Rivard want to be broken in, to be used, to be ravaged.

“Mamet said behind every fear is a wish,” Drake mused, poised over Rivard as the man chewed on his tongue, hungering for what was about to happen. “Seems like the monster slayer wants to be slain by a monster.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Rivard hissed, arching his back. “Just fucking do it already!”

Laughing again, Drake remained unmoving behind him. “What’s the rush, Captain? We have plenty of time. And maybe I’m getting tired of violence. Wouldn’t it be better if we took it slow, merged together like real lovers?”

Rivard choked, ready to explode even though the kid hadn’t even really touched him yet. When Drake lowered himself slowly and carefully on top of him, hugging Rivard’s torso against his own, he let out a long, low moan and exhaled. He felt like a balloon that had just been popped and part of him was disappointed. He really liked it when sex was rough!

“Don’t worry,” Drake reassured. “We’ll get there. But first let me show how good it can be when…”

He didn’t finish the sentence. Letting the words hang unsaid in the air between them, he systematically and slowly worked his way over Rivard’s body, coaxing him to relax and open up, until he lay bare and undefended beneath him. It was mysterious but somehow Drake intuited the precise combination to every one of Rivard’s locks and he seemed to take devious pleasure in releasing them. At the time, Rivard was too overwhelmed by the boy’s seductive ministrations to realize what he was doing but later he would marvel at Drake’s reading of his body. How the kid had learned so much about what made him tick was beyond him. Maybe he was magic? Or maybe he was a true monster: A creature who embodies everything we secretly hate and fear about ourselves and uses this knowledge to vanquish us? If that was the case, then it was an exquisite form of vanquishment.

When it was over and Rivard lay panting beneath Drake as the creature’s tail twined around his body. The boy’s feet and legs had completely disappeared, being absorbed into a sinuous tail that ended with a wide and elegant fan-shaped fin. Drake’s long, fat cock was still pulsing inside him, filling him with his inhuman seed. A single tear trickled down Rivard’s cheek. He wiped it away before Drake noticed.

“See?” the boy teased. “Wasn’t that better than being beaten into submission?”

Rivard cleared his throat, finding it difficult to speak. “No, it was…worse.” He was surprised by how tentative his voice sounded. It wasn’t entirely unwelcome. He was tired, he realized, of always needing to be certain. He sagged down, letting Drake hold him. Yeah, it felt good to be held.

***

David / Griffin

“The moon’s rising. It’s full.”

David glanced over to the east. The dull, orange orb was lifting out of the Caribbean even as the sun set to the west. He shivered, realizing what this meant. “You gonna be Ok?”

“Fuck, yeah! You bet!”

“Really?”

Griffin slapped him playfully on the rump. “You worry too much, Sunshine! Your magic butthole cured me! I’ve got complete control of myself now.”

“Griffin…” David warned but the big guy just laughed.

The big man made a funny bearlike growl and pushed him up the rocky slope. David shook his head and made a mental note to keep an eye on Griffin. The last thing they needed was for him to lose control and transform at a critical moment.

The island was little more than a huge collection of coral limestone boulders. David’s background wasn’t in geology but he found himself studying the rocks curiously as he remembered an article he’d read about similar boulders in the Bahamas. On those islands, geologists had found huge rocks more than sixty feet wide lying atop cliffs and they theorized they had been tossed upon the ridge by super storms thousands of years ago when the ocean levels were higher. Could these rocks have been deposited by a similar storm?

After two hours of searching, during which David was glad of the full moon’s light, they finally located the hidden entrance to the Deoxy Corp underground lab. It was adjacent to the helipad but cleverly camouflaged. When Griffin finally found the concealed keypad, he pulled out his laptop and searched for the combination.

“God, they set the entry code to 1-2-3-4-5. Can you believe that?” he marveled as he tapped in the code and the door opened before them. “It’s almost like they want us to break in!”

“Yeah, that is weird,” David murmured. He grabbed Griffin’s arm before the big man could go inside. “Do you think it’s a trap? I mean, this whole thing has been almost too easy. You’ve been able to gain access to everything without any trouble. Do you really think a secret facility like this would be so unprotected?”

“Awww, Sunshine! You worry too much!” Griffin replied, pushing past him to step into the darkened entryway. “As a sys admin, I can attest that people do that dumbest things when it comes to security. The idiots have no idea we’re here.”

David watched him disappear, feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he wanted to believe Griffin’s assessment but, on the other, this seemed way too easy. In the end, he realized he didn’t have much of a choice. They had to get in somehow and there didn’t appear to be an air duct or water intake pipe like the protagonists always managed to find in those Hollywood action movies.

He followed Griffin inside, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and trying to suppress the shiver of dread he felt as the door slid closed behind them. Griffin flipped on a light switch and they stood in the vestibule blinking. It was little more than an airtight chamber with a round, sealed door on the other end. Griffin paced over and was twirling the door release when David heard a quiet hiss. He looked up to see clouds of gas pouring out of a row of small holes in the ceiling.

“Uh, Griffin,” he warned, pointing up at the ceiling. “What do you think that stuff is?”

Griffin swung around and followed David’s finger, sniffing the air. “Huh? Oh, probably just some sort of…”

He never finished. David watched in disbelief and rising horror as the big man collapsed on the floor. He ran over and was trying to resuscitate him when he was overcome by the gas himself. He was unconscious in a few seconds.

***

Rivard / Drake

“As much as I hate to interrupt this touching display, it’s time to dispose of the subject.”

Rivard and Drake froze in the saltwater tank. They were nestled against each other, having all but forgotten where they were and what Deoxy Corp’s plan was for Drake. The voice was coming from a loudspeaker overhead. It was Dr. White.

When they didn’t move, she continued, “Dr. Rivard, I leave the honor to you. Either kill the monster and collect your bounty…or we will kill you both.”

Rivard’s jaw clenched and he met Drake’s gaze, the slits in his yellow irises narrowing. His response was interrupted by the sound of an alarm. A siren blared through the facility for a few moments before being abruptly cut off. He and Drake exchanged glances for a moment before the loudspeaker crackled and Dr. White’s voice returned.

“Saved by the bell, gentlemen,” she announced. “I see our guests have arrived. I have to leave for a moment but will be back soon to deal with you. In the meantime, my guards will prepare. Rivard, I expect to hear your answer soon. Will you join us or be ‘euthanized’ along with your little pet?”

***

David / Griffin

A whimper awoke David from his induced sleep. He opened his eyes and closed them again, seeing spots. He was lying on a cold, metal table under a bright light.

“Shut up,” he heard a woman saying, “And stay still! I don’t mind jabbing you a dozen times until I find a vein but you might not like it much.”

David groaned and looked over to see Griffin bound to a gurney next to him. The big man’s lower lip was quivering as a woman, dressed in a lab coat and wearing latex gloves and a facemask, prepared to inject him with a needle. He blinked. He recognized the woman in the mask. It was Dr. White.

“Ah, you’re awake…Sunshine,” Dr. White said in a muffled voice, looking at him over the rims of her glasses. “He hasn’t stopped babbling about you since he woke up.”

David swallowed. His throat was dry and his head was pounding. He didn’t know which was worse, seeing Griffin in such a pitiful condition or realizing that his wolf-hybrid lover, Devin, had been right and no one from Deoxy Corp, not even Dr. Audrey White, could be trusted.

He decided to bypass all of the usual mad scientist banter and go right to the heart of the matter. “What is that? What’re you injecting him with?”

“That same thing I will inject you with, David.”

“And that is…?”

“You’ll find out soon. You can thank Captain Rivard for doing a splendid job of infecting Drake Rubio with a powerful contagion. Drake’s sacrifice allowed us to isolate the mutagen. And now your sacrifice will help us to tame it. Your and Griffin’s lives–and unfortunate deaths–will propel science forward, saving millions as sea levels rise in the coming decades.”

David closed his eyes and his head fell back against the table as this news sunk in. Maybe it was the aftereffects of the sleeping gas but he felt strangely calm. His voice was steady as he muttered, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“No, you don’t. And it doesn’t matter.” Dr. White’s voice was so cold, so precise. 

David couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen through the woman before now. Rivard’s betrayal was hardly surprising. The man was without morals or conscience. But Dr. White? She was a brilliant and principled scientist, or least he’d thought she was. How could he have been so naive? Dr. White was the one person on the Nereus he’d trusted that most. Well, besides Griffin, of course.

“The problem that we need to solve,” the doctor continued, “is how to stop the infection before it kills the victim or worse.”

“Worse?”

Dr. White laughed and Griffin whined. The next moment, he yelped and swore out loud. David looked over and saw the doctor emptying the syringe into his arm. Griffin struggled but even the big bear of a man was no match for the steel restraints.

Withdrawing the needle, the doctor explained, “Yes, they either die or…become destructive and uncontrollable, potentially infecting others.” She dropped the syringe in the trash and opened a package containing a new one. “Drake is too far gone to test the intervention we’ve developed and I was worried we’d have to kidnap more subjects. But then you showed up on our doorstep. It was, you have to admit, impeccable timing. The fact that Ms. Cornish just arrived to observe the trials makes your appearance truly fortuitous. Imagine how delighted she will be when she sees her beloved ‘Gage McIntyre Fellow’ on the table as he mutates into a…”

“Indra Cornish is here?” David interrupted, ignoring the unwelcome realization that Deoxy Corp may have planned to experiment on him from the beginning when they asked him to join the expedition. Even more cruel was the fact that the company had sponsored David with a scholarship named in honor of his dead brother, Gage. He gritted his teeth when he realized that, just like Gage, he was going to meet his end at the hands of corrupt Deoxy Corp scientists. He forced himself to set all of that aside for the moment, though, as he demanded, “You’re saying that Indra knows about this experiment of yours?”

Dr. White nodded, inserting the syringe into a vial of crimson liquid. “Yes, our CEO made a special trip down here for this. She is watching you on closed circuit television right now. Be sure to give her a big smile, will you?” 

Pulsing the syringe to expel any air bubbles, she carefully positioned the needle against the inside of his arm. He screamed and struggled to pull away but this only seemed to amuse her. “Come on, David!” she teased. “You’re breaking scientific ground with your sacrifice. Be a man.”

He writhed in the restraints as he felt the needle pierce his skin and Dr. White injected the burning, vile liquid into his veins. Crying out, he turned his head and met Griffin’s tender, haunted gaze. It was the last thing he saw before the blackness closed in on him and he lost consciousness.

***

Part 8

Rivard / Drake

Drake cradled Rivard on his lap as the captain traced the minute scales running up his forearms. He stopped at the boy’s biceps, amazed by how much they had grown. It wasn’t just his cock and balls (and butt) that had enlarged. The boy’s entire body was putting on pounds of muscle. He turned to look up at his face and admired his bull neck and the way his massive traps captured his shoulders. And then there were those delts! Letting his gaze fall, he was somewhat disappointed to see that Drake had lost his adorable paunch around his hips and waist. The extra padding had evaporated, exposing a rugged set of abdominal muscles, rainbow-hued with delicate scales. His bulging pecs and enlarged nipples even made his bleeding-heart chest tattoo and heavy nipple rings look sexy.  

“Hey, stud,” Drake rumbled in his new, deeper voice. “We gotta get outta here.”

Rivard shook himself, reluctantly removing his gaze from his lover’s sensuous body, and absently fingered his monster-sensing amulet, pondering his next move. He was staring into the ruby eyes of the silver wolf pendant when he had an idea.

“I can get us out but you’re not gonna like it,” he whispered. Drake’s eyes lowered to the amulet as Rivard cracked it open to empty a pill into his palm. “It’s called ‘Blink,’” the captain explained, rolling the pill around with his index finger. “It’s a super-concentrated amphetamine.”

Drake’s eyes narrowed. “Won’t that kill you?”

Rivard shook his head, his wet ponytail slapping the back of his neck. “Nah, but it will make me really sick.”

“What does it do?” Drake asked and Rivard shivered with delight at his deep tone. Drake sounded so commanding, so masculine…

Realizing he was getting distracted (and turned on), he cleared his throat, saying, “It will speed up my reflexes and enhance all of my muscles, but only for five seconds. That will be enough time, though, for me to break out of here and kill every person in this facility.”

Drake blinked. “You’re kidding, right? That’s not possible.”

“That’s why they call it ‘Blink,’” Rivard replied. “Blink and you’re dead.”

“I don’t want anyone to die,” Drake said gravely, fixing Rivard with his beautiful, dark eyes. “Enough people have died already.”

Rivard sighed. “They didn’t die, Drake; they were murdered. By Dr. White. And she will murder us, too. What choice do I have?”

“We always have choices, Rivard.” Drake replied, squeezing his huge arms around him and thrusting his slick, bulbous cock deeper into his cleft. Rivard panted, feeling his own cock stiffen. He’d had no idea how much fun it was to be fucked! Why had he waited so long? “Are you listening to me?” Drake prompted, smiling slowly when he noticed Rivard’s neck was flushed. “No one dies.”

“Aw, kid,” he complained, rolling the pill around in his hand again. “I only have five seconds. It takes longer to incapacitate people than to kill ‘em. I might not have enough time…”

Drake shook his head, saying with finality, “No one dies.”

Reluctantly, Rivard nodded and was opening his mouth to speak when he was interrupted by Dr. White’s voice over the loudspeaker.

“Ok, boys,” she drawled. “Time’s up. What’s it gonna be?”

Taking a deep breath, Rivard turned to Drake and winked. The boy watched him solemnly for a moment before nodding almost imperceptibly. Then Rivard’s heart did a little flip when he mouthed the words, “I love you.”

Rivard had to choke back the tears that suddenly overwhelmed him and he shook his head, furious with himself for being such a soft fuck. Extremely conscious of Drake’s studious and amused gaze, he popped the pill in his mouth and swallowed. Pushing himself up off the boy’s wide lap, he reached over the side to grab his spearguns, still lying on the floor against the basin. 

“Here’s your answer,” he started to say but never finished because, at that moment, the pill kicked in. A potent surge of energy gushed through his body that would have killed an elephant, let alone a mere mortal. In Rivard’s mutant body, though, it felt like pure bliss…

***

David / Griffin

Shivering and naked and still half-drugged, David reached up to massage his forehead before he realized what he was doing. His hand was free! He sat up on his elbows and opened his eyes, looking down at himself. The steel restraints that had bound his arms and legs were broken open next to him. Eyebrows lifted, he was reaching out to touch the shattered metal pieces when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Hey.”

“Jesus!” David exclaimed, backing up on the table in shock before he realized it was just Griffin. The huge man had mostly transformed into a grizzly but his human head was still perched atop the great beast’s body. The shackles from his confinement lay at his feet on the floor, broken into a dozen pieces. He looked like a ridiculous Sasquatch. “Shit, Griffin!” David complained. “You scared me!”

The bearman lifted a huge paw and stuck a claw in his ear, rotating it and moaning in pleasure. “Urg, why don’t all guys have bear paws?” he wondered aloud, leaning his head into the claw with relish. “We’d never need cotton swabs!”

“Griffin!”

The huge beast straightened and gave him a hangdog grin. “Uh, sorry. It just feels so fucking good to–”

David growled, interrupting him. “Why didn’t you transform before she injected us with that serum?”

The big man hung his head dejectedly, letting his paw fall to his side. “Because I’m shy,” he said finally in a small voice, his bear shoulders slumping.

David rolled his eyes. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, you big idiot! You could have saved us both! Now we’re gonna transform into god-knows-what kind of monster!” He rubbed his arm where Dr. White had injected him. His flesh was still throbbing.

Griffin took a step toward him, shifting in a blur back to his normal, naked, (and hung) human self. “Sunshine, I didn’t transform because I didn’t need to,” he explained, reaching out to take David in his strong arms. “We’ll be fine.”

David inhaled his rich bear scent before demanding, “How do you know?”

“Because we’re already monsters, silly,” Griffin rumbled, stroking the back of his head with his giant hand. “You can’t turn a monster into a monster.”

“I’m not a monster,” David corrected.

“You’re not?” Griffin challenged lightheartedly. “Then how do you explain your ‘magic asshole’? And you said yourself that Rivard tried to kill you because his necklace-thingy sensed your monsteryness.”

David thought for a second before conceding, “I’d say I’m more of a mutant than a monster, but, yeah, you’re probably right…”

“Mutant? Monster?” Griffin rumbled, holding his hands with the palms facing upward like a balance. “What’s the diff?”

“Whatever,” David said, pushing Griffin away from him and jumping down off the gurney. “We still gotta get outta here in one piece. And save Drake!”

He paced over to a computer terminal displaying what looked to be a grid of live surveillance camera video. Scanning them, he took a sharp breath when he saw a familiar white-haired man reclining in what looked like a huge basin. The captain appeared to be sitting on a huge, dark-haired man’s lap. David furrowed his brow.

“Hey, Griffin,” he called out. “Look at this. Who’s that with Rivard? And what are they doing?”

Griffin leaned over him, resting his fuzzy chin on David’s shoulder. His broad cockhead poked against the cleft of his buttocks, causing David’s pulse to race. How can the bearman be turned on at a time like this? he wondered, shaking his head and trying to ignore the fat member burning like a hot poker against his butt.

“Hmmm,” Griffin mused. He puzzled over the video for a moment before shaking his head and saying, “Yep, that’s gotta be Drake. And what does it look like they’re doing, Sunshine?” To underscore his point, he shoved his fat cockhead against David’s butthole, making him gasp.

David’s head swam for a moment as he tried to master himself. The bearman was like a potent drug…one that he was quickly becoming addicted to. “That can’t be Drake!” he objected. “He’s not that big.”

Griffin squinted at the image again. “That’s definitely him…if he put on like fifty pounds of muscle and grew scales.”

“What?!” David leaned in closer to study the video. It was so grainy that he could barely… 

While he was distracted, Griffin spit in his palm and slathered his tool before rudely shoving his cock inside of him. David’s vision clouded with a lusty haze and his knees went weak. It took everything he had to protest, “Ungh! What the fuck, dude? We have a mission to accomplish here!”

“And I’ve just accomplished mine,” Griffin growled in his ear, thrusting his enormous tool in deeper and making David squirm. Incredibly, it felt like his cock had grown larger since that morning. Was that the effect of the full moon, too?

Despite his best efforts to remain focused, the bearman banged David’s asshole as he braced against the desk and tried hard to stifle his cries. He hated to admit that it felt really good. For a beginner top, Griffin had quickly embraced the art of fucking and learned exactly how to push all of David’s buttons in just the right way. As Griffin squatted down to score a particularly vigorous thrust against his prostate, David’s eye bulged in surprise as the truly incredible transpired: Jizz was rocketing out of his cock without any intervention on his part. Griffin had given him his first hands-free orgasm!

Griffin came a few seconds later and David collapsed on top of the keyboard as the big man’s seed overflowed his hole and trickled down his thighs. They were both sweaty and out of breath. Slowly, David’s head cleared as the bearman’s cock softened inside of him, eventually retracting out of his hole with a soft pop.

He looked back at the monitor and blinked. “Griffin,” he said, “look!”

“Whoa! What…?”

They gazed down at the screen. Rivard was absent from the tub where he’d been only moments before but that wasn’t all.

“What is that?” David asked, trying to make sense of the scene. Drake hadn’t moved from the basin but there was a pile of…something…stacked beside him on the floor. In the video, Drake appeared to be examining the pile with interest.

“Are those bodies?” Griffin wondered aloud. “It looks like a pile of bodies.”

A light went on in David’s head when he realized that Griffin was right. It was a bunch of bodies. “How did they get there?” he asked. “Are they dead?”

Griffin leaned in. “No, they’re moving…sort of. And there isn’t any blood. It looks like five or six security guards. I think they’re tied up.”

David wasn’t listening. He was studying the other videos on the screen and his pulse began to pound in his ears as he realized what he was seeing.

“Griffin,” he said in a low voice. “Look at the other rooms.”

“Ho-lee Shee-it!” the huge man breathed. “It’s the same thing everywhere! They’re all–”

“Tied up,” David finished for him. “Everyone in the entire facility is being held captive.”

Griffin looked at him, his big, dopey eyes going round. “Except us.”

Feeling a chill of premonition, their gazes fell in unison to the square displaying the surveillance video of their examination room. There they were, two naked guys, backs turned to the camera. Griffin’s hairy, bulky body mostly obscured David’s. It was odd seeing themselves on the screen but that wasn’t what made Griffin brace and David freeze in place. No, it was something else entirely.

Or, rather, someone else.

They could see clearly in the little display that someone was standing directly behind them.

***

When they turned, Rivard was there, naked as a babe and gripping his speargun. Beside him slumped a dazed and bleeding Dr. White.

“I see you two have been busy,” he muttered sarcastically before dropping the doctor. He staggered, weaving like a drunkard before losing his balance and toppling to his knees. 

David noticed then that Rivard was bleeding, too. Out of his ears, nose, mouth, and…other orifices. His yellow cat eyes were bloodshot and his pale skin was even ghostlier than usual. His chest heaved as if he had just run a marathon. Moving quickly to his side, David grabbed the captain under the arms and, with Griffin’s help, lifted him onto a gurney. He leaned over him as Griffin restrained Dr. White on the gurney nearby.

Rivard’s eyes were closed, his wolf’s head pendant hanging askew on his neck, but his eyes opened with the sensation of David’s breath on his chest. David lost himself in those eerie, feline eyes, willing himself to be repulsed, wanting to hate the captain or at least distrust him.

But he couldn’t.

He couldn’t!

But why not?

Rivard lifted his hand to cup David’s cheek. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, lifting his head to kiss him before David could pull away. His lips were soft, delicious.

David warred with himself, turning his hatred inward. He hated how much he cared about the captain despite every evil thing the man had done. The way he had broken Drake, controlled, scarred, tattooed, raped, and exploited him. On top of all that, Rivard was a murderer! He was vile. Vile!

And yet…

And yet…

And yet David couldn’t help admiring the man in some perverse way. He lifted his head and let his gaze travel the length of Rivard’s naked body, savoring his etched muscles, the way every tendon was clearly displayed beneath his scarred, alabaster skin. Even though the man’s dick was smaller than average, all but hidden in the concealing hood of his foreskin, it radiated the same intense power and desirability as the rest of him. He was the leanest, sexiest man that David had ever seen. So masculine, so hardened, so–ungh!–mysterious. The man kept his secrets close and refused to reveal more about himself than absolutely necessary but this only made him more appealing.

Why did he care so much for Rivard?

“Like what you see, kid?”

David shook himself, realizing his cock was beginning to stand up. Rivard was watching him with an amused expression on his alien, handsome face. His ghostly white hair, yellow eyes, perfectly symmetrical features were driving David wild. He forced himself to look away, conscious of his arousal. He had to focus on their escape!

Rivard’s big, calloused hand was still on his cheek. It was warm, rough and yet so tender. His heart melted and he couldn’t resist leaning down and returning the captain’s kiss.

Rivard bit him. 

David’s eyes went round with shock as the captain’s teeth clamped down savagely on his lip, drawing blood. He tried to pull away but Rivard quickly moved his hand to the back of his neck and held him in place. David moaned in pain, struggling to get away, but Rivard had him.

Rivard had him and was drinking his blood!

He could feel his tongue lapping at his blood as it trickled into the captains mouth, could hear him swallowing again and again. Finally, just when Griffin had finally registered that something was wrong and was moving to his aid, the captain’s teeth relaxed and he released his lip. David straightened and glared angrily down at Rivard.

“What the fuck was that about?” he spat, pinching his lip between his fingers to staunch the bleeding. “Are you fucking vampire or something?”

Rivard pushed himself up on his elbows and, licking his lips, shook his head. “Nope, not a vampire. I needed your blood, your monster blood, to heal myself. Figured it was easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. Plus, I wanted to see if you’d kiss me back.”

“You’re a fucker,” David said, removing his fingers to nurse his bleeding lip with his tongue. He was somewhat surprised to discover that the wound already was beginning to heal.

“I’m a mutant and a monster slayer,” Rivard corrected. “I didn’t choose to become what I am. Deoxy Corp forced this life on me. Much like they’ve done to you.”

David backed away from him as Griffin puffed up nearby. David knew that he was ready to strike the captain at his command. “Why…why do you say that?” he asked finally.

Rivard gave him a funny, knowing smile. “I did some research on you in the Deoxy Corp system, David, after our…encounter…on that sandbar. I know what happened to your brother and I know who, or what, more specifically, you encountered in Newfoundland three weeks ago. I also know–and everyone at Deoxy Corp now knows, too–what you are.”

“And what is that?” David challenged, his boldness returning now that the shock of being accosted was dissipating.

“A werewolf’s bitch,” answered a steely voice from across the room.

All three men jumped at the sound, their heads swiveling. It was Dr. White. She had regained consciousness while they were talking and was regarding them with barely concealed hatred.

David was the first to recover. “Devin is not a werewolf,” he stated emphatically. “He’s a human/wolf hybrid. Turned into one by a Deoxy Corp scientist, in fact.”

Dr. White shook her head. She was disheveled and battered but seemed unbowed despite being chained to a table. “That was unintentional. He was contaminated by our research subject.”

“Research subject?” David demanded, voice rising with incredulity. “Research subject! You mean Gage? He was never your subject! He was my brother. My brother has a name, Dr. White. My brother was a human being before your scientists destroyed him.”

“Immaterial,” Dr. White scoffed.

David realized he was clenching his fists and forced himself to relax. His neck grew hot when he realized that Rivard was studying him closely and smiling to himself. Before David could say anything, though, Griffin interrupted.

“David,” he pleaded, wringing his hands plaintively. “Can I? Can I please? I promise that she’ll suffer and bleed a lot!”

He looked over at the big man, not understanding at first what he was asking. While he hesitated, Griffin acted. David blinked and huge, shaggy grizzly materialized where his lover had been. It bare its fangs and towered ominously over Dr. White. The doctor screamed and even Rivard started in surprise at the bear’s sudden appearance.

“Griffin, no!” David shouted and the bear froze, its gaping maw only inches from the doctor’s throat. The enormous beast’s eyes swiveled to David, begging him for permission to kill. David shook his head and the bear sighed before settling reluctantly back on its haunches.

“Shit,” Rivard muttered. “A pair of fucking monsters living right under my nose. What the fuck good am I anyway?”

***

“We have to figure out what to do with her…and with Drake.”

Rivard was sitting up on the table, fingering his amulet pensively and casting occasional wary glances at the bear crouched beside Dr. White. The doctor had fallen silent, regarding the would-be predator with terror. David crossed his arms and noticed that Rivard hadn’t lied about needing his blood to heal. He was looking much more robust than just a few minutes ago.

“With her?” David asked. “What about with Deoxy Corp? What’re we gonna do about them? The whole fucking corporation is corrupt. Do you know how–?”

“It’s not all corrupt, kid,” Rivard said, cutting him off. “At least the woman at the top is good.”

David turned to him, demanding, “Indra Cornish? The CEO? How do you know? Dr. White said that she flew down here to watch the experiments on Drake and us.”

“Maybe,” Rivard answered. “But I don’t think she was onboard with it. I don’t think that she realized what was really happening here. Did she, Audrey?”

Dr. White scowled, refusing to look at them.

“Why do you say that?” David queried. “How do you know she isn’t in favor of…whatever the fuck Dr. White is doing here?”

Rivard didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pushed himself off the gurney, landing lithely on his feet. He stretched and winked at David when he caught him checking out his ripped physique. David colored and looked away. “I broke into every room in this facility,” Rivard said finally. “And tied everyone up.”

“How did you do that, by the way?” David asked.

Rivard held up his hand, silencing him. “I’ll get to that later. Right now, I want to point out that there was one room I broke into where a person was already tied up.”

“Huh? Really? Who was it? And why were they tied up?”

“Shit, would you shut the fuck up for a sec and let me finish?” Rivard demanded and David grinned sheepishly. “If I’m not mistaken, the captive was Indra Cornish. I’m assuming she was tied up because she objected to Dr. White’s experiments.” The doctor glowered at this but remained silent. Rivard seemed to take pleasure out her intransigence as he concluded, “I say we go up there and ask her. I’m sure we’ll get more information out of her than Dr. Bear Bait here.”

David regarded him skeptically for a moment before remembering something: He’d completely forgotten about Drake! “Before I go anywhere, Rivard,” he said firmly, “I need to know if Drake is Ok.”

Rivard gave him a funny look before saying, “He’s fine for the moment, kid.”

“For the moment? What does that mean?”

“Anyone ever tell you how tedious your constant demands are?” Rivard challenged, slinging his spearguns over his shoulder and pacing to the door. “Come on. We’ll see to Drake after we get some answers from Dr. Cornish.”

***

Part 9

They found Dr. Indra Cornish in a small lab on the third floor. Chained to a stool, she maintained her composure admirably when the three naked men entered. The door was smashed open, just like every other door they passed on their way. David shook his head at the tidal wave of destruction that Rivard had wreaked in a single, five-second episode. If he hadn’t witnessed it, he never would have believed that it was humanly possible. Clearly, Rivard was not someone you fucked with lightly.

“Either you guys have come to rescue me,” Indra remarked drolly, her rich voice modulated by her Jamaican accent, “or this is the set up for a really bad porno.” 

She was a striking woman in her fifties with greying hair that she kept natural, tying her billowing curls back with a simple ribbon. Dressed stylishly in a navy blue business suit, David’s gaze was drawn to her feet and he smiled when he saw she was wearing a pair of hiking boots. While he’d never met her in person, he had spoken with her a few times on the phone and he’d been impressed by her straightforward demeanor. Indra Cornish, he guessed, was accustomed to being in difficult situations.

While Griffin (in human form once again) grabbed some lab coats for modesty, Rivard executed a mock bow. “M’lady,” he said, extending his hand to untie her bonds. “Might I have this dance?”

“A gentleman and a predator,” Indra murmured, taking in his feline eyes and unnaturally pale skin. “I’d be honored.”

Rivard winked before gritting his teeth and rending the steel chains holding her. They fell to the floor in pieces. David and Griffin exchanged glances and Indra swallowed. Kneeling, the captain helped her to her feet, offering his arm for support.

“Doctor,” David began hesitantly, “I have some questions, if it’s Ok with you.”

Dr. Cornish eyed him warily for a moment before her face brightened. “Ah, you’re David Aguilar, aren’t you? Gage McIntyre’s brother?”

He nodded. “Yep, that’s me.”

She nodded before looking up at him sharply. “May I ask what brings you here? Were you–?”

Buttoning the too-small lab coat that Griffin handed him as best he could, David cut her off, saying, “We’ll get to that later. First, I need some answers.”

If she was taken aback by his directness, she didn’t show it. Smiling politely, she lifted her shoulders, saying, “Well, then, in that case I shall do my best to give you all the information you require.”

They had a long conversation during which Dr. Cornish did much to reassure David that she was committed to changing the corrupt and immoral culture of her company. Interestingly, she did this less through her words than through unspoken queues; she exuded a steadfast confidence and trustworthiness. After five minutes in her presence, David knew there was no way she would lie to them, that she was a woman committed to truth, transparency, and science for the good of humanity…as well as the profit of her company because, well, she was a capitalist after all.

Rivard was correct that she did not approve of Dr. White’s experiments. She had flown down to the secret laboratory after being alerted by a group of concerned scientists and confronted Dr. White. They had quarreled not long before David and Griffin arrived and a security guard had bound her on Dr. White’s command while she saw to Rivard and Drake.

“Deoxy Corp hired me, David,” Indra concluded, “to clean up the corporation after the travesty that led to the murder of your brother and the deaths of the former CEO and an important researcher. It hasn’t been easy and there is much work still to do but I am making progress. Eliminating Dr. White is another step in the right direction.”

“Actually,” Rivard offered from the across the room, “I’m as much to blame as she is.” Indra turned to him, brow furrowed. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, the captain had been silent throughout their discussion until now. He had declined the lab coat that Griffin gave him, preferring to remain naked. The captain, David was discovering, was a bit of an exhibitionist. “You see,” Rivard continued, looking down at the floor, ”I helped her.”

“What do you mean?” Dr. Cornish queried. “Were you responsible kidnapping Dr. Rubio? If so, you may have created an international incident by abducting the nephew of a U.S. senator. Deoxy Corp might be a Canadian company but we have labs and offices all over the United States. Senator Rubio could make life very…difficult for us once he finds out what has happened to Drake.”

David cleared his throat, feeling his distrust and hatred of Rivard come back with a vengeance. “What did you do to Drake this time?” he demanded. “Weren’t you content with making him into a dumbed-down, sociopathic sex slave?”

Dr. Cornish set her jaw and Rivard winced, saying lamely, “He’s, uh, no longer sociopathic and might still be smart enough to do, er, simple research.”

“Rivard,” Cornish interjected. “What did you do to Dr. Rubio?”

The captain’s face turned briefly pink, surprising David. He’d never known Rivard to exhibit any sign of embarrassment before. “I’m not proud of it,” he admitted finally. “I…you see, I had a deal with Deoxy Corp that went back decades. In exchange for turning me into a mutant freak, they allowed me to…take…certain guys. I could, you know, use them however I wanted and the company would pay off their families and, well, dispose of the leftovers.”

The room went silent. David was too shocked to do anything but stare at Rivard. The captain wouldn’t look at him. His face was closed as he studied the pale green tiles in the floor. A low growl emanated from deep in Griffin’s chest and David put his hand on his shoulder, silencing him. The bearman was too big to squeeze into a lab coat and had opted instead to tie it around his broad waist. For some reason, though, this only seemed to draw more attention to his hulking, hairy body.

Dr. Cornish was the first to recover from the shock of Rivard’s admission. “I see,” she said slowly. “I wasn’t aware of this…deal. Clearly, it doesn’t pass muster with the laws of any country I’m aware of. You realize, I assume, that I have to remove you from your post as captain of the Nereus and terminate your employment with Deoxy Corp? There may be legal ramifications as well.”

Rivard didn’t look up. His throat moved up and down for a moment before he said, “I understand.”

David was clenching his fists and forced himself to relax. At that moment, Rivard lifted his head and met his gaze; he looked miserable. David wanted to scowl but schooled his features into a neutral expression.

“Good,” Indra said. “Now would someone please explain to me what Dr. White was up to here?”

 “I can,” Rivard volunteered, lookin back at the floor. “The reef off of the Isla de Juventud is within the range of a nearly extinct species of glaucoid, or merman. The Soviets learned of the monsters from the communist regime in the early 1960’s and made a deal with Castro to use the reef as a sort of laboratory. They captured a number of the creatures in the hope of training them to gather intelligence about the U.S. government’s nuclear submarine program.”

Dr. Cornish massaged her temples, groaning. When Rivard looked over at her, she waved him on. “Continue, Doctor. I’m just wondering for the millionth time why I agreed to take this job.”

He raised an eyebrow, resuming, “The program was a bust. The glaucoids were too aggressive and ended up infecting a number of scientists with a mutagen. The Soviets pulled the plug on the whole thing when the infected scientists began to transform into monsters and attack their comrades. Since then, the reef has been off limits. The monsters tend to avoid people anyway, which probably explains why they haven’t gone extinct yet.”

“And that must have been why Dr. White invited me here,” Dr. Cornish said in a dull tone. She settled back onto the stool, looking ill. “She had me tied up before I got the full story. I objected as soon as she revealed that she’d infected an innocent person with a highly contagious mutagen. She said that she was going to infect me next!”

Rivard nodded. “Yeah, that’s our Audrey alright. Never lets anyone get in the way of her plans.”

David didn’t hear him; his vision had gone red as soon as he pieced everything together. “Are you saying that Drake is turning into a fucking glaucoid?” he demanded, marching up to Rivard and shaking him by the shoulders. Rivard didn’t try to pull away from him. Instead, he hung his head and let David shake him. After he had rattled him violently for a long time, David thrust his face into the captain’s, spitting, “And you call me a monster! What the fuck did you do to him?”

Griffin intervened then, taking David in his arms and pulling him away. He hugged him briefly before asking, “Is there anything we can do for Drake? Can we, you know, maybe counteract the mutation?”

Rivard didn’t answer right away. At first David thought it was because he was reluctant to do so but then he saw Rivard’s chest heave and knew that the usually tough man was battling for self-control. In spite of his anger, David was disarmed…slightly. He knew Rivard well enough by then to know that emotional outbursts were not part of his usual repertoire. 

The captain’s voice shook when he finally regained his self-control. “Dr. White paid a fisherman and his son to enter the reserve. Her plan was to infect them and have me collect them for containment here. That plan…didn’t work out and Drake became infected instead.”

“What happened?” Cornish demanded. Her voice was steely.

“They died,” Rivard said simply. “The monsters killed the father and the son escaped, only to be killed by Dr. White.” Lifting his hands, he added, “Drake got infected when he tried to save the boy from the monsters.”

David relaxed slightly. If Rivard was to be believed, at least he wasn’t responsible for murdering the boy that Griffin had discovered on the burning boat the night before. If Rivard wasn’t lying… Somehow, he doubted that the captain had told them the full truth.

Dr. Cornish held up her hand. “Ok, I got it. We’ll fill out a complete report later. Right now, I’m curious why you weren’t infected by the mutagen?” She watched Rivard with a keen expression and David knew that she was just as suspicious as he was about the captain’s truthfulness. Before Rivard could answer, though, she answered her own question. “Ah, I see, your own mutations give you immunity, don’t they? Very clever. Maybe Deoxy Corp has a use for you after all, Dr. Rivard.”

Rivard didn’t react to this. Instead, he continued, “Dr. White planned to euthanize the infected men and culture the mutagen from their tissues. Once infected, you see, people go crazy and die. She still hasn’t figured out how to stop the progression of the disease. I think that she was going to experiment on David and Griffin here to see if she could slow the progression of the mutations.”

Yet again, David was unable to believe the casual way Rivard dropped these bombshells. Was he saying that Drake was going to die? He went rigid in Griffin’s arms, face darkening. Before he could accost Rivard again, though, Griffin squeezed him against his chest, saying,  “Um, Dr. White’s way ahead of you there. She already injected me and Sunshine before you found us.” Dr. Cornish inhaled sharply with this news and Griffin added, “But don’t worry, doctor. We’re not contagious; we’re mutants just like Ol’ Cat Eyes over there.”

Dr. Cornish was preparing to respond when David cut in, turning to glare at Rivard, “What the fuck are you saying, Rivard? What is going on with Drake? You said that he was Ok! You’re such a fucking asshole!” The captain looked away as David spun around to Dr. Cornish, saying, “We’ll get back to this later. Right now, we have to help Drake!”

***

The basin was empty when they entered the containment lab. Low moaning emanated from the mound of immobilized security guards but David ignored them as he rushed up to the tub. Dr. Cornish had stayed behind to observe from the safety of the control room, leaving the three mutants to investigate the lab.

“What the fuck happened to him?” he demanded, staring at the murky water. “Did they take him away already?”

“No, kid,” Rivard growled, “he’s a fish now, remember? He’s just underwater.” Scowling, David hit him hard on the arm and the captain laughed as he rubbed the spot, saying, “Ha! Now you’re speaking my language! Hit me again!”

“Fuck you! You’re a fucking monster!”

“In bed, maybe,” Rivard replied, still laughing. “In real life, though, I kill them.”

David clenched his teeth and ignored him. Instead, he squinted down into the swirling water. Was Drake in there? He couldn’t see. Finally, not knowing what he might find in there, he steeled himself and stuck his hand inside, swishing it around.

Nothing.

He stuck his arm in further, groping around, but still felt nothing. Griffin came to his aid and lifted him up so he could stick his whole arm inside. He waved it around, feeling increasing frantic when he didn’t touch anything.

He was turning to Rivard, convinced that the captain had lied to him, when something grabbed his arm and hauled him headfirst into the salty water. Gasping in surprise, he swallowed water, gagged, and swallowed more water. As he fought to regain the surface, something held him down, forcing him to the bottom of the tub. Sharp claws dug into his back as he screamed, inadvertently swallowing more water. His vision went dark and he started to lose consciousness.

As he was fading, soft lips covered his own. Instinctively, he twisted his head but couldn’t free himself. A moment later, his assailant sucked the water out of his mouth and lungs…and then, incredibly, pushed in fresh air in its place.

David inhaled and relaxed, feeling his panic recede as his mind finally began working again.

It was Drake, of course. 

He was exchanging air with David through his gills…and clawing off his clothing. He shredded the lab coat, flinging it away as he pressed his slick body against him. David’s eyes opened briefly when he felt the incredible length and girth of the merman’s cock sliding against his stomach. Drake inserted his tongue, teasing David, as he moved his victim’s hands down to his thick buttocks. They mashed together, bodies writhing. David’s brain struggled to comprehend all of the ways that Drake’s body had changed. He was so much bigger, more muscular, slipperier, and…  Drake took advantage of his distraction and moved his new, muscular tail between David’s legs and curled it up and over his shoulders. David’s mind blanked when Drake massaged the top of his head with his tail fin.

How…was…this…possible?

He didn’t have long to ponder the question because at that moment, someone grabbed him by the neck and started hauling him up to the surface. He cried out as he was torn apart from Drake and tried to grab onto him but he wasn’t strong enough. He was pulled inexorably upward.

When he emerged, angry and sputtering, he found himself in Griffin’s grasp. The huge man lifted him until they were face to face, his mouth was contorted in a snarl. “And just what the fuck do you think you were doing down there, Sunshine?” he demanded.

“Yeah,” Rivard echoed next to him. Out of the corner of his eye, David saw that the captain was holding Drake by the neck as well. “What the fuck were you two doing?”

“David was saving my life,” Drake said defiantly. David’s body thrilled with delight at the sound of his deep, commanding voice.

“What the fuck kind of bullshit story is that?” Rivard groused. “You think I’m a fucking idiot?”

“No, not an idiot,” Drake replied, carefully reaching up to push the captain’s hands off of him. “Just oblivious.” He lifted his beautiful, shaggy head and sniffed the air. “Can’t you smell him?”

“Huh?” Rivard asked. “What the f–” he stopped before he finished, though, flaring his nostrils and inhaling deeply. His body froze as he turned to stare at David. “Holy fuck,” he breathed. “He’s–!”

“I’m what?” David asked, his voice sounding small. 

Griffin, too, had paused to wuffle the air, a slow smile creasing his goofy, scruffy face. “It’s yer ‘magic asshole,’ Sunshine,” the bearman answered finally. “It’s fucking irresistible to us mutants.”

“It’s even better than that,” Drake said in a funny, strangled voice. “He’s what I need to cure my infection.”

David flushed dark red as he felt the eyes of all three mutants land on him. When he looked up, he saw they were studying him with avid expressions of lust. “Uh, guys…” he started to say but never finished. They pounced on him, pulling him underwater and savaging his body.

The aquatic orgie that followed was the most bizarre event of David’s life. The men fought for possession of his body, resorting to violence in order to get a piece of him. Griffin transformed into a bear and proceeded to maul Rivard and Drake. Drake used his fishy lower body and long claws to his advantage, pulling the bear underwater in the attempt to drown him. Rivard, the expert monster slayer, played every trick in his devious playbook, pitting the fishman and the bearman against each other in order to gain access to David’s asshole.

After initially trying to resist, David finally just gave in and let himself be ravaged. He quickly lost track of who was doing what to him and eventually passed out from breathing in too much water. He awoke sometime later with Drake’s mouth sealed to his own as the merman forced clean, fresh air into his lungs. Warm arms lifted him to the surface and Drake’s lips peeled away from his as he opened his eyes.

The water in the basin was stained red with blood and Rivard, Griffin (back in human form), and Drake’s bodies were lanced with gashes and angry welts. Part of Griffin’s left ear was missing and Rivard’s cheek was marred by a long cut. The three men didn’t seem bothered by their wounds, though, and were hanging off of each other like best buds. Their devious smiles sent a shiver down David’s back.

“It was a draw, Sunshine,” Griffin explained, lifting his huge arms and settling them over Rivard and Drake’s shoulders. “We decided that we’re gonna let you choose who goes first.”

“How magnanimous of you,” David muttered, rubbing his aching shoulders and sensing into his body. He felt like he’d been hit by a truck but everything seemed to be in place. He took a deep breath before offering, “I’ll let you share me but only if you promise to nice! I’m tired to rough sex.”

The guys nodded and exchanged glances before Drake took the initiative and swam up to him. “I hate to force myself on you but my body is still transforming and I need you to help me before I end up with a fish head.”

David blinked, examining the man’s changes up close for the first time. Drake’s round and bearded face was more or less the same but rainbow scales now covered most of his arms and torso, though his pecs and chest were still covered in human skin. David’s eyes narrowed in appreciation of the body mods that Rivard had forced on him: The tattoos and nipple rings stood out in pleasing contrast to the creeping, multihued scales on his sides and arms. As he stared, Drake blinked…from the corner of his eyes. He had grown nictitating membranes under his eyelids!

“You are one fucking sexy beast,” David breathed, reaching out to enfold Drake in his arms. The fishman nestled against him and David was struck once again by the immense muscles bulging under his slick, scaly skin. Every part of the man’s body had enlarged, especially his cock which now rivaled Griffin’s in length…and girth. Drake wormed his long, sensuous tail between his thighs as David cupped his hands around those bodacious ass cheeks. His cock stiffened. He couldn’t wait to top that ass! Sadly, though, he would have to wait; Drake needed the use of his ‘magic asshole.’

“Uh, can you guys hurry it up?” Griffin prompted, crossing his arms and looking unhappy. Beside him, Rivard looked equally perturbed.

“You don’t have to wait!” Drake called out. “I’m gonna fuck David’s ass but, last time I checked, I still had a hole in back!”

With that, he flipped David around and thrust inside him, his fishy cock sliding easily inside of him. David moaned loudly as Drake’s claws shredded his chest. (The merman was careful to not inflict any lasting damage, though.) Soon, Drake was gasping as well as Griffin entered him from behind, stretching his hole with his bear cock. Not to be left out, Rivard took a deep breath and disappeared underwater. David’s eyes rolled back in his head a moment later when the captain’s mouth fastened onto his cock while at the same time he grabbed–and yanked hard on–his balls. Rivard, it seemed, was unable to enjoy sex without inflicting pain.

When it was over, they lay in a tight ball, clinging to Drake as he gently rotated his tail, keeping them afloat. David lifted his head sleepily and found himself staring into Drake’s big, brown eyes. “You did it, David,” he whispered. “I’ve stopped changing. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” David quipped, “thank my magic asshole.” Drake laughed and David lifted his chin to kiss him as Rivard and Griffin hugged him from either side. They stayed like that, kissing softly and enjoying the firm pressure of each other’s bodies, until David felt compelled to ask, “What will we do now, Drake?”

The merman’s face clouded and he shook his head. “I can’t think about that. It’s all too new.”

***

Part 10

At the reef near Isla de Juventud off Cuba two days later, David paddled to the atoll where the whole nightmare had begun. He’d read Rivard’s statement about the incident leading to Drake’s infection with the mutagen and wanted to visit the spot where it’d happened. He didn’t know if he’d find anything but needed to investigate the place because he didn’t trust Rivard’s account.

The night air was warm and a soft wind blew in from the south. Gentle waves to lapped against the side of his kayak. To the east, the moon was rising off the water. It was just past full which meant that Griffin was sleeping better at night. The big man had been asleep when David had crept away to go exploring. He sighed, savoring the solitude and feeling the tension drain out of his body. So much had happened! Too much, really. His mind was swimming with it all.

He’d decided to stay on board the Nereus and finish the expedition after Dr. Cornish pleaded with him to reconsider. Dr. White was in custody and would be prosecuted, Indra assured him, and she was bringing on a new lead researcher, Jerome Gutierrez, the famed Namibian oceanographer. David had held out until he’d met the (very handsome) Dr. Gutierrez and then signed back on immediately. Of course, by doing so, he’d had to endure Griffin’s teasing about being easily seduced by a pretty face and a thick butt. Smiling to himself, David shrugged. The sight of Jerome in a Speedo was worth it!

After drifting lazily in the waves for a few minutes, he resumed paddling and soon entered the little inlet leading to the atoll’s enclosed bay. Nothing prepared him for the ethereal beauty of the bay’s bioluminescence and he stopped in awe at the blue fire dripping off of his paddle. A thrill ran up his spine and he gazed over the water in disbelief. Even though the scientific part of his mind knew that dinoflagellates were the cause of the electric glow, it didn’t detract from the otherworldly beauty of the moment. Once again, he breathed in deeply, appreciating the wonder of his ancestral home. Cuba was a place of infinite wonder.

He padded slowly toward shore, mesmerized by the ripples of blue light in the wake of his boat. He felt like he had entered a different realm and that anything was possible. A moment later, he laughed softly. Certainly his incredible experiences of the past month had shown one thing to be true without a doubt: Anything was indeed possible.

Reaching the shore, he pulled the kayak onto the beach before slumping onto the sand. He was still experiencing the strange after effects of Dr. White’s serum. Even though his body was fighting off the mutagen successfully, it still left him feeling tired out. His heart was pounding from the slight exertion of paddling a half mile and he had to catch his breath. 

He must have dozed off because when he awoke again, the moon was already high in the sky. Something warm was pressed against his thigh and he turned, giving a start.

“Sorry,” Drake rumbled. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

The fishman had dragged himself up onto the beach and was sitting tail-to-thigh against him. He sat with his arms wrapped around his tail much like a normal person would hold their knees. His splendid tailfin lay flipped out in front of him in the sand, casting dazzling rainbows in the moonlight. David noticed that his fish skin had dried out but, rather than being tacky and covered with sand, it was sleek and smooth against his thigh, reminding David of snakeskin. Drake didn’t seem bothered by being on land…something that struck David as unexpected.

“It’s Ok, man,” he replied finally, shaking himself. Seeing a real, live merman was just so damned incredible! “I didn’t expect you to swim back here so soon.”

Drake lifted his chin, favoring David with a wide smile. “I made good time. I hitched a ride with a pod of dolphins.”

David’s skin prickled as he continued to marvel at his friend’s changes. Drake was both alien and alluring with his huge muscles and long, scaly tail. The bold tattoos of thorny vines twining up his arms and his neck made him look badass. And those claws on his webbed hands! Shit, extra badass! He had to look away to keep from getting turned on. The fishman smiled at his scrutiny, reaching out to lay a companionable arm over his shoulder. He absently stroked David’s bicep with a claw, arousing David further.

“Te amo, David.”

He turned and met Drake’s luminous eyes. The merman was staring at him so openly, so vulnerably that a tear formed in the corner of his eye. He paused for a long time, savoring the magic of the moment, savoring his affection for the merman, savoring everything about him. Finally, he took a deep breath, saying, “And I love you, too.”

Drake looked out on the bay silently before adding, “That makes me very happy.”

They made love slowly, almost tentatively. Drake’s form was new to both of them and they took their time exploring his body, learning the art of arousal when one had a fishtail, body scales, and sharp claws. There was a moment of confusion when David pushed Drake backward onto the sand and gazed down his naked body.

“Whoa, what happened to your…you know?” he flushed, not wanting to offend Drake and also feeling a little disoriented. “Did it turn into a cloaca?”

Drake looked down at himself and laughed. “A ‘cloaca’? What the fuck? No, idiota, I’m still a man! My dick’s in a pouch now, just like a whale or a dolphin.”

David swallowed, staring at the area of Drake’s crotch. Of course, without legs, he didn’t really possess a crotch like before. There was a slight bulge where David guessed his cock should be but, instead of a male appendage, Drake now sported a long slit.

“Looks like a pussy to me,” David murmured, reaching down to poke at it.

“Ouch! You fucker!” Drake protested, batting his hand away. “Here. Let me show you.”

He reached down and pressed gently on bulge. There was a wet slurping sound and a slimy cock of prodigious proportions popped out, fully erect and leaking pre. Drake gazed at it proudly, thrusting it upward.

David ogled, feeling both repulsed and turned on. Opening and closing his mouth, he asked finally, “What about your balls? Are they gone?”

Drake glared at him angrily. “No, fucker, they’re not gone! What is wrong with you? Don’t you know anything? Look.” He fished around with a finger inside his genital slit, tongue sliding unconsciously out of the corner of his mouth. After a moment, he pulled out a pendulous pair of balls. They slapped wetly against his scaly crotch, slathered in goo much like his cock.

David stared. Yes, there was no doubt about it, Drake still had all of his male equipment! It was changed, though, and no longer closely resembled a man’s penis and testicles. For one thing, his skin ‘down there’ was green and–David soon discovered–was covered with minute scales. His foreskin had disappeared and, instead of a blunt cockhead, it had a long, tapering tip. He swallowed, realizing it looked like a stiff tentacle.

Drake watched his queasy expression with amusement. “Trust me, you’ll thank me when I fuck ya with it.”

And he did.

He thanked Drake loudly and frequently, finally screaming his gratitude at the top of his lungs when the merman’s freakish ‘tentacle cock’ pulsed in orgasm, releasing a thousand bursts of electricity. It pierced David’s butthole with little lightning bolts of pure pleasure. Every nerve in his body thrummed with ecstasy, eliciting an instantaneous ejaculation. Crouched on all fours, David looked down between his legs as hot ropes of cum blasted out of his cock, plastering his face and filling his mouth. He collapsed onto the sand, chest heaving, as his mind tried to wrap itself around the unbelievability of that orgasmic experience.

“You Ok, dude?” Drake folded down on top of him, thrusting his hips deeply, thrusting his still-hard organ deeply into David’s hole.

Spitting sand out of his mouth, David gasped for breath. When he opened his eyes, little rainbows haloed everything, casting prisms of light across the sand, the bay, and the sky. He whimpered, feeling his cock pulse. He didn’t ever want this moment to end.

Drake laughed, kissing his ear and pushing harder, grinding David into the sand. He wrapped his beefy arms around his torso and pushed, pushed, pushed. David thought he would die of ecstasy. It was almost too much. The throbbing, scintillating pleasure built and built and built.

They remained entwined for more than an hour with Drake treating David to an endless series of orgasms, each more delectable than the last. When the merman’s cock finally slid out of his hole, he cried out. He never wanted to separate from Drake. He wanted him to stay inside him forever!

“Aw, bebe,” Drake teased, flicking a claw over David’s swollen asshole, “you need a break! I think my cum is addictive.” There was a slurping sound as his mutant cock and balls were sucked back into his genital slit.

“That’s not it,” David complained, feeling tears gathering in his eyes. “I’m sad that I can’t stay with you. I want to join you in the sea!”

This was met with silence. Finally, Drake reached down and cradled him in his arms. He held him tightly for a long time before whispering, “I would like that. I really would. But you’re already taken.”

“Who? Griffin?” David asked, sniffling pathetically. “I love him but…”

“No,” Drake interrupted. “Someone else. Someone I’ve never met but whose scent is all over you.” To underscore his point, he nuzzled David’s head with his nose, inhaling deeply.

David thought for a moment. “Oh, you mean Devin.” Incredibly, with everything that had happened, he’d nearly forgotten about the wolf hybrid. The memories of his brief time with him flooded back in a rush, though, and he realized he missed the sexy wolfman madly.

“Don’t know his name,” Drake murmured, shaking his head. “Just know his mark is all over you.”

“I wish…”

“Shhh, bebe. Let’s just enjoy the night together.”

***

Alison took over as captain of the Nereus but Deoxy Corp asked Rivard to stay onboard to administer the project that Dr. White had started. Despite his unsavory past, Rivard’s resistance to mutagens made him indispensable. And it didn’t hurt that he was serious about making up for his misdeeds. The company’s legal department was kept busy for months working out a lengthy list of settlements resulting from his crimes. But they were ultimately successful, managing to negotiate a suspended sentence after he consented to appear in court and sign a full confession. Rivard emerged from the whole ordeal a humbled and changed man.

Dr. Cornish gave the greenlight to Dr. White’s project after careful consideration. While the now-imprisoned researcher’s methods and ethics were flawed, the premise behind her research was sound: Sea-level rise was a huge problem facing humanity and all solutions had to be on the table. Offering willing and informed volunteers the opportunity (for a price, of course) to transform into aquatic lifeforms was just such a solution. With the combination of the mutagens isolated from Drake and David’s bodies, such treatments were now feasible and Deoxy Corp began wrangling the necessary patents and permits to go public with the program.

There was no shortage of people willing to pay the $50,000 treatment fee.

When Deoxy Corp posted a press release on their website marketing the program, their server overloaded and crashed within an hour. With over ten million applicants, the team in charge of vetting participants could not keep up and they had to implement a lottery system. The first five subjects arrived on the Nereus a month later.

David was so busy with his fishery research that he barely noticed the arrival of the soon-to-be mermen. He nodded with approval, though, when he saw the recruits filtering into the mess hall one night at dinner.

Drake will be delighted with his new playmates, he thought to himself, exchanging a knowing glance with Rivard. The captain was standing behind the group, smiling like the cat who had just eaten the canary. David narrowed his eyes, suspecting that the captain had stacked the lottery in his favor: Every guy was hotter than the next. Shaking his head, he had to admit that he was looking forward to seeing this bevy of beauties transforming in the glass mutation chambers. His cock grew hard at the thought.

One of the lingering drawbacks to the program was that the mutagens had unpredictable effects on females. After a mass of tentacles sprouted from the heads of two women, Deoxy Corp halted the clinical trials on females. Because the progression of mutations in men was predictable and stable, the corporation decided to focus their efforts exclusively on them for now. So far, the only side effect for men was that they became homosexual. Oddly, though, this didn’t diminish interest in the program among heterosexual men. The prospect of turning into a studly muscle god with a fishtail apparently far outweighed the inconvenience of turning gay.

After six months, David’s fellowship was up and he left the Nereus and a very sad Griffin behind. Saying goodbye to the huge bearman was even more painful than parting with Drake. Drake, at least, had Rivard and a teeming population of merman to play with. Griffin, however, had only David and it hurt like hell to walk away from their companionable and loving relationship.

“Griffin.”

The big man was clinging to him and David could feel hot tears dropping on his head. He felt like a total shit. How could he leave such a loving and wonderful man? If it weren’t for Devin, he would have married Griffin without hesitation.

But Devin was his and he was Devin’s.

They had mated and, once an alpha claims you, nothing save death can break the bond. He was Devin’s bitch. His alpha bitch.

“Oh, Griffin.”

“Sunshine, you are my sunshine,” Griffin sobbed, waxing poetic in his grief. “Your sunlight outshines the moon. You saved my life and gave me the best gift in the whole world.” 

With that, he transformed into a grizzly, his huge paws wrapping around David’s shoulders and his hot, fragrant breath puffing down on his head. David sank into his thick fur, clenching great handfuls of it in his fingers. When they finally drew apart, he felt his heart breaking. 

“You will find your cub,” he whispered as he turned and left their cabin. “I promise, you will find your cub.”

***

Epilogue: In the Wilds of the Canadian Rockies

Devin was sitting on a tree limb over the river, waiting for him. Dressed only in a tattered pair of cargo shorts, his wolf legs dangled into the clear, cool water. Even though David knew that the hybrid’s acute senses had picked up his approach long before he emerged from the forest, Devin appeared to be lost in thought. 

He paused, drinking in the luscious sight of him. Devin–his alpha!–was so handsome! His blond hair was trimmed in a stylish cut that accentuated his chiseled features and pointy ears. His torso rippled with muscles…under a profusion of dense, yellow hair. His long, bushy tail curled up behind him, all lustrous, sable hair tipped with blonde highlights.

And then there were those paws! Christ, they were bigger than hubcaps and tipped with the longest, sharpest claws. 

Ungh! 

A thrill ran through his body as Devin lifted his head and sniffed the air, his ice-blue eyes zeroing in on David’s. He smiled wolfishly before leaping up and closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.

A ripping sound and then David was looking down dazedly to see the tatters of his clothing drifting to the ground as Devin stepped out of his shorts. His huge, slick doggy dick was already fully engorged and slipping out of its hairy sheath.

“You ready to mate, pup?” 

In answer, David sank down to his knees and held his hands up like a begging dog. Devin smirked as he reached down to lift David’s chin. He was about to say something when he wrinkled his brow and leaned down to sniff him carefully. David froze as Devin straightened and regarded him for a few moments before stating in a puzzled voice, “You smell like…bear, cat, and…fish?” His eyes narrowed. “David, what–or who, rather–did you do while you were in Cuba?”

“Uh, well, um, you know,” he stammered, looking awkwardly to the side.

Devin stood there with his arms crossed for a long time, making David squirm, before finally bursting into laughter. David hesitated before joining in. When Devin stopped to catch his breath, he exclaimed, “Fuck it! I don’t care what you did! I’ve missed you too much!”

David’s cock pulsed almost painfully and he glanced down at it before looking back up at Devin. “And I’ve missed you.”

With that, Devin scooped him up in his arms and skewered him on his wolf cock. David felt his hole expand to take it in as if it was the most natural thing in the world. As if this was what he was made for. And then those funny, new muscles that he’d grown after mating with the hybrid the first time took over and clamped down. Those muscles that only worked when he was with his alpha. Those muscles that made him irrevocably Devin’s bitch. Those muscles that merged the two of them together, body and soul.

They were knotted.