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  • The Morgan Lore – 3

    Chapter 3 – The Council running the Town

    When they got home, Rory helped Chris out of the pickup truck, Chris’s arm over his shoulder.  They started for the front door.  They had just gone up the steps when the first car arrived, parking behind their father’s black ford pickup.  Rory helped Chris sit on the first step when a second and third car appeared.

    “The Council,” Chris murmured.  “Guess word about Dr. Ilaria is out.”

    “You have to admit it’s pretty weird for her to have moved in to town without anyone knowing.”

    “Someone knew,” Chris said, his gaze narrowed as he watched the town’s council members walk up to their father and greet him.  “Dad must have called them when we were in the hospital.”

    Rory got up and bent down to help Chris up.  They entered their family home and headed to the living room.  Rory settled Chris on a comfortable blue couch just as council members filed in.

    “Rory.”

    The Ashland University’s Chancellor greeted, moving to sit in the armchair closest to Chris.

    “Mr. Lechter,” Chris greeted with a nod.

    Ashland High School’s Principal, Rick Raine, tossed Rory’s hair making him duck.

    “Chris, if it weren’t for you getting hurt, this wouldn’t have come to our attention.”

    “Principal Rick,” Rory said in greeting.

    “You’ve shot up during the holidays, Rory.  What is your father feeding you?”

    “Too much meat is what,” Chris said with a short laugh.  “I think we are the only people that barbecue every day.”

    “Is that a complaint?” Connor asked, coming into the room followed by two women.

    “Nope,” Chris said, bending over his injured thigh with avid interest.

    Rory bit his lip to hold back a laugh.  Their food options were an everyday argument between Connor and Chris.  Chris wanted real meals, while Connor wondered what was wrong with beef, pork, or even chicken cooked over an open fire.

    “Rory, how are you?”

    Rory looked up to find one of the women smiling at him.

    Linda Bennet managed the town’s only grocery store.  The perfect cover, Rory thought.  The amount of gossip that passed through her store was enough to sink the town.  It was a good thing Linda knew how to keep secrets.

    “Doing fine, Linda,” Rory said with a shy smile.

    “You’re blushing.”

    Chris winked at him, and he looked away.  It was hard not to.  Linda was one beautiful woman.  Her curves perfect, her red hair long and wavy.  She could put any top model to shame.  Her husband tended to be an overprotective bastard, and Rory couldn’t blame him one bit.

    Rory perched on a stool his gaze on the last member of the town’s council.  Lisbeth Jones.  Short, haughty, and the woman who controlled the town as Portento’s Mayor.

    “Nothing changes in this house, Connor,” Lisbeth said, perching on the second armchair next to Lechter.

    Rory did not miss his father’s shrug.  Lisbeth whined about the lack of change in the house every time she came to visit.  Which was every week.  Which made her a nagging crazy woman in love with Connor, who pretended not to see it.

    Rory shifted on the stool, getting comfortable.

    “So, Dr. Ilaria Takeda,” Connor said, leaning on the back of Lisbeth’s armchair.  “Anyone know about her?”

    “Nothing at all,” Lechter sighed.  “I was shocked when Connor called to ask.”

    “Mayor?” Principal Rick prompted.

    Lisbeth shook her head with a frown.

    “Any new projects in town?” Connor asked, touching her shoulder.

    Lisbeth leaned into the touch.

    “We all approved the projects running at the moment last year, including the Biosense deal to expand the hospital.”

    “I still don’t approve of having Biosense building an entire facility in our town,” Linda sighed.  “They have a chunk of the north forest cordoned off.  They don’t allow anyone unauthorized inside.  Who knows what they are doing there.”

    “The town needed the capital injection,” Lisbeth defended.  “Linda, we’ve been over this.  We can’t keep fighting progress otherwise we’ll stunt our people.”

    Linda gave an impatient sound and waved her hands in frustration.

    “I ran Doctor Ilaria’s name through the system on our way back from the hospital,” Connor said.  “Ilaria Takeda’s address places her inside the Biosense radius.  She could be new staff.”

    “This presents a new challenge,” Rick said with a sigh.  “We can’t have Biosense bringing in staff without informing us.”

    “Their staff is on a revolving schedule, two weeks here, and the rest wherever their other facilities are located.  We have not had a problem before.  Linda does supply drop-offs for most of them.  They live in an isolated bubble, it’s hard to get them out of their houses.  She knows this is true,” Lisbeth said.

    “So, what’s different with Ilaria?” Lechter asked.  “She got a job at the hospital, and wants to enroll her son into the local high school.”

    “She said she had two,” Rory said.  “Two sons.”

    “Right, so one might be enrolling into Ashland U,” Lechter said, sitting back with a huff.   “How does such a thing happen without the council’s knowledge?”

    Silence filled the room, and then Chris tossed a throw pillow into the air.

    “One of us is keeping a secret,” Chris said.

    Linda shook her head.

    “Nonsense.  The community is happy.  Our families interconnected.  We would all know if something was up.  Why would anyone make a deal with outsiders?”

    “As Lisbeth said, the world is changing out there.  There are those who want more than the community offers,” Principal Rick said.  “More—

    “Then they are idiots,” Lechter cut in.  “They don’t know how vicious it can get outside Portento borders.  The hate, the greed that grows when humans learn our kind exists.”

    “Lechter,” Linda soothed, standing up to move to his side.

    “I’ve lived through it, so I know.  We need to find out who is working with the humans fast.  Or we’re going to be dealing with the worst,” Lechter said, his lips set in a hard line.  “No one can know the truth about Portento.  A town of werewolves is too enticing.”

    “It is weird that Chris ended up having Dr. Ilaria taking care of him at the hospital,” Rory said.  “I mean, this person must have known she was on duty in the emergency room.  Question is, how did they know Chris would end up in an accident?”

    Connor pushed off the armchair, his gaze on Chris, as he demanded.

    “Why were you racing Dolon?”

    Chris sat up with a frown.

    “You think Dolon is involved?  That’s impossible.  He is not that smart.”

    “Chris, this is serious,” Rory insisted.

    “Fine, he found me hanging out with Hank, and Frank at the Green Onion café.  Dolon said some stupid shit, and I lost my head and challenged him.”

    “What stupid shit?” Linda asked.

    “I don’t want to say it here.”

    “What was it about?” Connor insisted.

    Chris closed his eyes, and then dropped his head back on the couch.

    “It was about Rory, okay.  Dolon is a fucking homophobe.  I put him in his place.”

    Rory stared at his brother in shock.  Did that mean that every time Chris had fought Dolon it was about him?

    “Chris.”

    “Don’t start, Rory.”

    Chris lifted his head to scowl at him.

    “Thanks,” Rory said with a small smile.

    “Gosh, you two are so cute,” Linda giggled.

    “I wonder if someone egged Dolon into pushing Chris into a fight,” Principal Rick said.  “Anyone who knows the Morgan brothers will understand what works if you want to push them to the limit.  No offense Chris, Rory.  You two have a short fuse.”

    Rory wasn’t going to argue there.  He didn’t care if anyone called him a fag to his face, but touch Chris, and that was the end of the line.  Dolon now had to deal with him when he got out of hospital.  The crash with Chris had broken Dolon’s femur.  Too bad for him, because he was going back in for broken ribs and a cracked skull once Rory was done with him.

    “What do we do now?” Linda asked.

    “Find out more about Dr. Ilaria,” Lisbeth said.  “Connor, that’s your mandate as Alpha.  The Council will leave you to it.  Meanwhile, I’ll reach out to my contacts at Biosense and ask about their new staff.”

    “What about this Dr. Ilaria’s kids joining school?” Linda asked.

    “Let them,” Principal Rick smiled.  “It’s the best way to keep a close eye on them.  Rory can help me with that, and as for Ashland University, maybe Chris can do it?”

    “Come on, I was going to take a gap year,” Chris complained.

    “You need to be part of the student body to move around the university grounds without suspicion,” Lechter said.  “That means enrolling into a few courses.  It won’t hurt you.”

    “Whatever.”  Chris sighed, knowing the decision was made.

    “Well, looks like we’re in for an interesting new year,” Linda said, with a sudden grin.  “The town’s been quiet anyway.  Dr. Ilaria might swing by the grocery store for supplies.  I’ll make friends with her.  Maybe invite her to the new year’s bonfire.”

    “No way,” Rory protested.  “What if they see something they shouldn’t?  You know how people get when they get drunk.”

    “Rory is right,” Connor said.

    “Fine, we can do a luncheon thing, at the town hall,” Linda said.  “I mean, it’s good for everyone to know that we have humans living among us.  Just in case—you know, someone pounces on them by mistake.”

    Chris chuckled, gaining a smack on his head from Principal Rick.

    “I’ll leave you to plan it, Linda,” Connor said.  “Let’s keep in touch, and if anyone discovers more, call the rest of us.”

    “Yes Alpha,” they all answered.

    “Great, well, we have chicken in the freezer.” Connor nodded toward the kitchen.  “It’s almost lunch, and the rest of the family is on the way in from work, or college for Matt and Topher.  We can have a lunch barbecue.”

    Chris groaned, and rolled around on the couch.

    Linda stood, and stretched her arms above her head.

    “I’ll make lasagna, Chris.  Wouldn’t want you to lose your head over the constant barbecues.”

    Chris perked up, and got up from the couch, his leg clearly feeling better, when he hurried after Linda.

    Rory remained sitting on the stool as the rest of the council followed Chris and Linda to the kitchen.

    Connor swept fingers through his hair and sat on the closest armchair.

    “You have a job to do,” Connor broke the silence.

    Rory sat up on the stool, and nodded.

    “Yes, Sir.”

    “We need as much information as we can get.  Dr. Ilaria seemed harmless in the hospital, but we can’t be sure.  Don’t take chances.”

    “I’ll be careful.”

    “Take Topher and Matt with you.”

    Rory thought about the scent of mandarin oranges lingering on Dr. Ilaria.  The memory of it filled his thoughts, making him want to find it, and take a deeper whiff.  There was something so enticing about that scent—

    “Rory?”

    “Yeah,” he shook his head, and met his father’s gaze.

    “We need to be careful with this.  Lechter is always on edge when humans are involved.  If we don’t handle this right, lives could be lost, placing our way of life on the line.  I don’t want trouble descending on us.”

    “I understand, Dad.”

    “Good, soon as Topher and Matt come back, after lunch you guys set off.”

    Rory watched his father leave the living room, heading to the kitchen.  He let out a long sigh.  There was always something going on it seemed.

    ***

    ←Chapter 2

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  • Crown Prince Yoshi – 1

    Yoshi Taimeng sat with his head leaned back, his eyes closed.  Two hours stifled in the royal coach was exhausting him.  He was bored, three more hours and he was going to get comatose.  He wished he were on his horse, riding hard.

    “Your highness,” a soft voice cut into his thoughts.

    He raised his head to look at the younger man seated across him.  Sando Kari, his chamberlain, held out a gold-coated bottle.  “Water, your highness, you must stay hydrated.”

    Yoshi took the bottle and sipped the water.  With his free hand, he reached out to pull back the yellow silk curtains to look out the window.  They were crossing the vast Imperial Lands headed for the Furian forest.  Long red grass covered the open fields, the wind teasing the long blades, their color bright in the mid-morning sun.  There was no civilization in sight; there were no rules or obligations in this place.  Yoshi’s lips twitched into a smile.  He dropped the curtain and turned to Sando.  He gave the bottle back and reached for the red silk belt at his waist.

    “I want to ride Senbon.”

    “Your Highness,” Sando gasped his eyes wide in protest.  “You mustn’t, if the Empress was to discover that-”

    “My mother is not here.  We’ll keep it between us and the royal guards won’t know.  I have a plan.”

    He pulled off the belt and removed the richly embroidered red silk tunic he wore.  Sando’s eyes were wide with shock.  Yoshi ignored the reaction and pounded on the top of the coach signaling for the convoy to stop.  A royal guard rode up to the window and asked quietly through the curtain.

    “Is Your Highness alright?”

    “Send me one of the serfs.”  Yoshi sat back in his seat and grinned at Sando who was ready to fall off his seat.  “Relax, no one will ever know.”

    “Please put your clothes back on, Your Highness.”  Sando picked up the red tunic and held it out.  “You don’t want the serf to carry tales.  Please stop undressing, Your Highness.”

    There was a soft knock on the coach door, and Sando sighed when Yoshi regally ordered him to open the door.  The large coach allowed for comfortable wide benches on each side.  There was a wide space between the benches.  Sando gave him a suffering glance before he ushered in a young man in beige robes made of linen and a matching wrap on his head.  The serf kept his head bowed low and didn’t speak as he stood before Yoshi.

    “Pay your respects,” Sando ordered him.  The young man gasped and as impossible as it seemed he bent his head even lower.  Sando closed the coach door and turned to Yoshi with a raised brow.

    Yoshi smiled at him before he ordered. “Strip, Serf.”

    “Your Highness,” Sando said in alarm.  It was forbidden for any clothing other than the robes made at the palace to touch the prince’s body.  For him to think of exchanging clothes with a serf—

    Sando shuddered.  “What are you doing?”

    The serf did as asked no doubt worried he might lose his head if he disobeyed.  Yoshi was glad for it.  He grabbed his tunic from the bench where Sando had left it and gave it to the serf.

    “Wear it and hand me your clothes.”

    Sando moved fast and took the beige uniform hostage a horrified expression on his face.  He shook his head when Yoshi glared at him.

    “You can’t wear these clothes, Your Highness.  It is forbidden.  Please, wear your own.  I will get Senbon for you.  I can take the Empress’s punishment.”

    Yoshi gave a long exasperated sigh and reached for Sando’s royal blue robes.  He smiled into the younger man’s eyes, distracting him.  Sando blushed and his grip on the serf’s clothing slackened.  Yoshi took them and quickly ducked his head under the tunic.  In minutes, he was dressed as the serf while the serf uncomfortably wore his rich clothing.

    Yoshi pulled off the gold clip that held his hair up on his head.  The long black strands fell around his shoulders tumbling down his back.  He ran fingers through his scalp to ease the pressure on his head with a small moan.  Once finished, he turned his back to Sando who braided his hair neatly.  Sando twisted his hair into a knot in the back of his head and then tied the turban the serf had used.

    “Sando, ask for Senbon.  Tell the royal guard that I’ve ordered the serf to ride the horse for exercise.”

    “Yes, Your Highness.”  Sando left the coach and he turned to the serf.

    “What’s your name?” he asked of the man now seated in his place his head held down.

    “Ting, Your Highness,” the serf replied in a low hesitant tone.

    “Ting,” Yoshi repeated quietly.  “I will take your place for a while.”

    He reached for a small onyx box from a bag on the floor and pulled out a fake gold ring that he handed to the serf. “Take this, Ting.  The Royal Guards get curious.  It should protect you until I’ve had my ride.  I will be back before you know it.”

    “Yes, Your Highness.”  The serf took the ring and placed it on his right index finger.  It was common knowledge which finger he wore his ring.  As a result, his mother had taken other measures in case she needed to identify him.  He smiled at the thought; it was their secret, only Sando knew the truth of the phoenix on his back.  Sando knocked on the door and Yoshi left the coach without a backward glance at the serf.

    “Follow me,” Sando said once he stepped out of the coach.

    Yoshi hid a smile as he lowered his head so that none of the royal guards would know who he was.  The brown trousers he wore were long.  He was glad for it, as he realized that he’d forgotten to change his fine black boots.  Sando suddenly stopped and nodded to a white stallion.

    “This is Senbon, His Highness’s stallion.  Ride him well, be kind to him.”  Sando was certainly playing his part very well.  Yoshi bowed slightly to Sando as was expected.  He took the horse’s reins.  The stallion shifted and he murmured a few words to keep him calm.  Senbon relaxed and he smiled.  He couldn’t fool the horse, the magnificent animal was well aware of whom his master was.

    The moment he was on the saddle, he urged the horse forward.  He turned to see Sando order the head Royal guard to start the convoy again.  Satisfied that his temporary escape seemed successful, Yoshi crouched low over Senbon and murmured.  “Run, Senbon.”

    The great white stallion responded, galloping in swift strides across the open plains of the Imperial Lands.  Senbon quickly ate up the distance, his hooves cutting a path through the long red grass.  He rushed towards the Furian forest.  The wind on his face, Yoshi felt free, ready to face anything.  His heart thundered in his chest, his body flowed into Senbon’s movements.  He lost himself in the exhilarating ride.  It was hard to get a chance like this at home.  There were so many rules guarding his life at the palace, he never got to really live.

    Senbon suddenly swerved to the left, the movement hard and jerky.  A loud whipping sound filled the air and Yoshi ducked lower over the horse just as an object whizzed by his ear.  He gripped Senbon’s reins securely, forcing him to slow down.  He looked over his shoulder in time to see Sando riding toward him.

    Sando waved his arms at him, and he frowned.  His chamberlain was going to ruin his plan if he kept that up.  If Sando panicked, the royal guards would too.  He brought the stallion to a stop and frowned as something glinted in the sky.  The stallion shifted and he gasped as he realized it was an arrow.

    Senbon moved just as the powerful iron-tipped arrow sank into the ground where he’d stood. Yoshi urged Senbon into motion.  They had to get to the edge of the forest.  Senbon could make the distance, but Sando—

    He turned to make sure that Sando was still behind him.  The chestnut Sando was using wasn’t fast enough.  The arrows were too close.

    Yoshi turned Senbon around and raced toward his chamberlain.  Sando started yelling his voice inaudible.  When he reached Sando, Yoshi held out his hand to the younger man.

    “You’re crazy, your highness.  We’re under attack, you must get away.”  Sando was hysterical as he reached for Yoshi’s hand.

    “Let the chestnut go,” he ordered.

    He gave Sando a powerful tag that had him tumbling off his horse.  Sando gripped his right shoulder and managed to get on Senbon.  Yoshi urged the stallion into a hard gallop toward the forest.  The chestnut tried to keep up, but couldn’t.

    “Who is it?” he demanded when Sando clutched his waist tightly.

    “They are wearing red hoods over their heads all I could see were very dark eyes.  They are in black clothing and very skilled with their swords.  We didn’t see them coming, one minute we were traveling slowly, the next they were upon us.  They went straight for the serf in the coach, Your Highness.  I took off the moment the royal guards started losing the fight.  We have to get you to safety.”

    “Did they ask questions?”

    Five minutes to the forest line, he glanced over his shoulder and saw two riders coming at them.  They were fast, eating up the distance.  He urged Senbon into a faster pace, the stallion responded even with Sando’s extra weight.  It wouldn’t last long enough though.

    “They didn’t,” Sando said.

    Yoshi fought fear and concentrated on the forest line.  He had no idea what they were going to do once they got there.  All he knew was that they had to get to the forest.  No questions meant assassins.  Assassins with orders not to leave anyone standing, he shuddered.

    “We must make it to the forest.”

    He felt Sando shift behind him.

    “They’re getting closer, Your Highness.  Senbon is getting tired.  You’ll make it alone if you let me get off.”

    “We’ll make it.”  Yoshi snapped his eyes focused on the tree line.

    These assassins had murdered the serf thinking it was the Prince.

    An assassination attempt on his life, he frowned.

    His mother’s paranoia lately started making sense.  She’d sent him away from the palace saying he was safer with the royal guards. His mother—

    Panic seized him.

    “We have to go back to the palace.”

    “We need to get away from the riders who are coming toward us first.”  Sando pointed out, as the tree line finally got close enough.  “We will seek help from the Furian clan before we even think of returning to Lexin city.”

    Yoshi looked back this time to check the progress of the riders.  Senbon was slowing down; he caught a glimpse of dark red fabric flapping not too far behind them.  The riders caught up just as they reached the forest.  He guided Senbon into a non-existent path in the overgrown forest.

    Sando dragged a sword from the sheath tied to his waist and deflected an arrow.  Yoshi frowned and guided the stallion through thick bushes.

    It had been a long while since he’d been in the Furian forest.  He’d come when he’d been ten years old.  His mother had brought him along on her visit to the Furian leader, Princess Naria of the Furian. The clan sisters had met them at the entrance to the forest.  This time, he was entering their forest uninvited.

    “Your Highness,” Sando gasped behind him.  “We must find a place to hide, they’re relentless.”

    “I’m hoping the clan sisters have sensed our presence,” Yoshi said, looking around the forest.  “The sisters might attack us as well, but at least they always take their trespassers alive.”

    “Watch out!” Sando gripped his arm tight just as a figure in deep red skirts appeared riding on a black horse.  She rode toward them her silver sword pointed at Yoshi’s heart.

    Senbon swerved hard, and Yoshi gripped his reins as they veered into a steep grassy patch.  Behind him, the sound of arrows launching into the air filled his ears.  He gasped when Senbon jerked to an abrupt stop to keep from falling down a rocky ridge.  His heart pounding, Yoshi turned to find the figure in deep red skirts, face covered with black fabric standing over the two assassin riders her sword dripping with blood.  The arrows were in pieces around the assassin bodies, their horses paced behind her.

    Sando handed him the sword he held.  Yoshi gripped the familiar gold handle and focused on the woman.  She looked like she was waiting for him to get ready for her attack.  He blew out a shaky breath and watched as that bloody sword rose.  He loosened his grip on his sword, keeping his body relaxed ready to counter the attack but it never came.

    The woman dropped to one knee, the black cloth over her face came off to reveal a beautiful young face with short red hair and lime-colored eyes.  She bowed her head and lay her sword down on the green grass.

    “I declare my allegiance to you, Prince Yoshi of Amana, heir to the throne,” she said with a hard tone.

    He blinked when he realized he wasn’t going to be fighting.  He turned to look at Sando and shrugged when his chamberlain looked as confused as he was.

    “Who are you?” Yoshi asked remaining on Senbon.  The stallion shifted under him and moved away from the edge of the rocky ridge.

    “I am Telia of Furian.  The Princess sent me to guard you on your journey.  I’m sorry I’m late.”

    “She sent you to guard me?” Yoshi frowned.

    Sando jumped off the horse and rubbed his backside.  Yoshi hid his amusement at the little gesture and decided Sando needed more practice riding horses.

    “She’s on our side.  We should be happy, Your Highness.  This one is dangerous with her sword,” Sando said pointing to the two dead men.

    “Check those two, find out who they are.” Yoshi ordered his gaze on the Furian clan sister still kneeling on the ground.  “Why would your Princess send you to guard me?”

    “The House of Meng plots treason against the ruling Empress and her heir.” Telia looked up to meet his gaze.  “I’m to protect you until you are declared Crown Prince.”

    “What?” Sando gasped staring at Telia in shock.

    Yoshi got off Senbon, his grip on his sword getting tighter at the thought of his mother in the palace.  If they had tried to kill him, they were definitely trying to murder the Empress.  “I must get back to the palace, now.”

    “If she’s right, then you’re not safe at the palace.  We must find a place to stay while we gather more information.”  Sando countered.  “They are planned and we’re not.  We need allies.”

    “But my mother,” Yoshi said his voice laced with worry he couldn’t hide.  “She’s alone at the palace.”

    “The Empress has her guards.  They will protect her.”  Sando turned to Telia.  “Where can we find safety?”

    “You find safety.”  Yoshi turned toward Senbon.  “I’m going back to the city to help my mother.”

    “Your Highness,” Sando said in frustration.

    “You’re of no use to her dead,” Telia called out to him with a challenging tone.  “The only way you can help the Empress is to gain as many allies as you can to help you regain power.”

    “Who are you to speak to me like that?”  Yoshi turned to glare at her.  “Your kind only knows how to murder.  You know nothing of a bond between a son and his mother.”

    Telia picked up her sword and pointed it at him.  She remained kneeling, obviously still waiting for his acceptance of her allegiance.

    “You are dressed as a serf.  I can only imagine you had a double take your place.  I assume they killed the man and took the identification ring he was wearing.  They will take that to the Empress as evidence that you’re dead.  If you return to the palace, Your Highness, you’ll find everyone mourning you.  You’ll be considered an impostor.”

    Yoshi glared at her.  She was deliberately trying to annoy him.  This was a delaying tactic.  Maybe she was working with the assassins.  No one would believe that serf was the true prince.  His mother would know him.  One look at that serf and she would know he was alive.  The ring was also fake he didn’t see how their claim would work.  He paced to Senbon and grabbed the reins.  He had to return to the palace to keep his mother was safe.

    “They will not let her identify you.  A body dressed in the Prince’s clothes and also wearing your identification ring, that’s all they want.  They will hand her the ring, and declare you dead.  They’ll force the Empress into declaring the heir to the House of Meng as the Crown Prince or her life is forfeit.  No one will object.”  Telia called to him as she dropped her sword and shrugged.  “The way I see it, if you’re returning to the palace, you’re going to need more than that stallion and a chamberlain who can’t fight.”

    Sando, who’d been uncovering the assassin’s faces, gasped.  “Your Highness, these are royal guards.  I recognize them.”

    He frowned and let go of Senbon’s reins.  He hurried to Sando and stared at the familiar faces of the Imperial royal guard.

    “They take care of my uncle’s family.  Both of them belong to Saki Meng’s guard.”

    “You can’t go back.”  Sando straightened up shaking his head.  “We need help.  Treason doesn’t even begin to cover this.  The Empire is in danger.”

    “This is why I have to go back.”  Yoshi kicked one of the dead assassins and headed for his horse.  “That idiot, Saki, he can’t even tie his belt without help.  What are they thinking?”

    “If you leave the Furian Forest, you’ll be dead by midnight,” Telia informed him in a quite tone.  “You must believe me, Your Highness.”

    “Prince Yoshi.”  Sando moved away from the assassins and came to stop him from mounting Senbon.  “Please, listen to her.  Let’s wait until we get more information.  Your mother has time.  It will take them at least a week to declare the new heir.  They have to keep the Empress alive that long because she’s the only who can declare a Crown Prince.

    Yoshi leaned his head on Senbon and fought the urge to ride him back out to the Imperial Lands headed for the city.  The thought of his mother looking at that fake ring and thinking him dead…it killed him.

    “If Saki is the reason why they’re doing this, I’ll abdicate the throne, and demand my mother’s life.”

    “I know a safe place.”  Telia called to them.  “There’s a small village close to Fier where we can stay.  It will take us a couple hours to get there.”

    “Let’s go with this woman, Telia.” Sando urged him.  “She’s a good fighter, and if we can convince the Princess to send you an army full of fighters like her, rescuing your mother should be easy.”

    “What about the convoy and the trip to Fier?” Yoshi rubbed his eyes.  “If I don’t arrive there on time, the rebellion will keep going.”

    “Your Highness,” Sando said his tone gentle.  “We left the peace agreement documents in the coach.  I’m very sure they were destroyed in the attack.”

    Yoshi lifted his head from Senbon and turned to look at Telia.  “I want an audience with the Princess of your clan.”

    “She’s at battle, defending the villages on the north side of the forest.  The rebels have been attacking innocent villagers for four days now.  An audience with her is impossible.  Not with your life in danger, Your Highness.”

    “I thought the Imperial Army was sent to help her two days ago?” Yoshi frowned.  He’d been in that meeting.  “She should have relief by now.”

    “They hadn’t arrived when I left for this mission yesterday.”  Telia’s forehead creased with worry.

    Fear swept through Yoshi as he suddenly realized he didn’t know what was going on.  What would delay the Imperial Army?  They’d had explicit orders to head straight to the North of the Furian forest.

    He frowned at Telia.  “Quit that kneeling.  Call me Yoshi from now on.  We’ll go with you to this village.  I need more information on the rebels, and the missing army.  I have a feeling the answers are connected to the assassins.”

    Sando breathed in relief and headed for the two horses munching on grass near the assassins.  He got on one and grabbed the reins to the other.  Yoshi got on Senbon and they waited for Telia to mount her horse.

    She led the way out of the clearing.

    “How did you know who I was?” Yoshi asked as they picked their way through the forest.

    “Your horse,” Telia said quietly.  She turned and flashed him her first genuine smile.  “I was there when you visited with your mother eleven years ago.  My mother gave Senbon to you.  Senbon’s mother was my horse.”

    ****

    yoshi2

  • The Morgan Lore – 2

    Chapter 2 – The Scent of Change, Strangers descend on Portento

    Shooting nails into the doorframe to secure it in place, Rory felt a sense of unease probe at him.  The shift was subtle, almost non-existent, but Rory knew trouble was coming.  Turning off the nail gun, he stored his tools in the carrier at his feet.  Rory snapped the tool box closed and stretched his arms above his head to ease the tension in his shoulders.

    “Rory!”

    Rory jerked into motion, rushing out of the section of the house they were extending.  Outside, the morning sun danced over the trees to light their large front yard.  Connor Morgan stood on the gravel drive, hands at his hips.

    “Dad?”

    “Go find a shirt, we have to get to town.  Chris was racing that Dolon kid on his motorcycle and they crashed.  They were raced to the hospital.”

    “Shit.”

    Rory went running to the main doors of their house.  He took the stairs two at a time until he reached his suite.  Going into the bathroom, he splashed water on his face at the sink, washed his pits and his arms.  Splashed water on his chest and grabbed a towel.  Wiping himself with negligent jerks, he rolled on some deodorant, and hurried out of the bathroom.  He grabbed a clean t-shirt from the closet, adjusting his jeans, he removed his work boots, jamming his feet into sneakers.  He was out of his room in three minutes, and racing downstairs to his father’s pickup truck.

    The car was already running.  Once in the cab, his father took off down the drive, speeding down the dirt road through the forest, heading to the main road.

    “I don’t understand why Chris has to constantly get himself in trouble.  This is the second time this month.  Do you know what’s going on with him, Rory?”

    Rory didn’t know.  About three months ago, Chris’s girlfriend walked out on him.  She got on a plane and flew out to L.A. saying she wanted to be in the movies.  Chris was devastated.  His grief so tangible, it was hard to be in the same room with him.

    “Do you think Lori was his mate?” Rory asked.  “I mean, she’s—

    “No.  If she was, and she walked away from him, Chris would be under anesthesia, and not running around like a mad man.”

    “Well, then I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Rory said, shrugging his shoulders.

    His father drove too fast.  They got to town faster than was legal.  Luckily, Connor was the town sheriff, no one would bother ask him questions.  Finding a parking spot close to the entrance, Connor and Rory walked into the only hospital in their town.  The nurse on duty waved at Connor, and directed them to the second floor.

    They heard Chris’s laugh before they saw him.  A woman was talking to him, her words heavy with accent.  Italian?  Or maybe Spanish?  Rory couldn’t place it.  The scent of citrus and bay leaves mixed in with disinfectant, and Rory glanced at his Dad.

    “You’re very healthy,” the Italian woman was saying.  “You are lucky.  Surviving such a terrible accident is no easy feat.  I can only imagine how your parents would have taken the news if things went the other way.”

    “Not well,” Chris said.  “Luckily, I’m agile.”

    “Agile is an interesting way to put it.” She laughed, the sound musical.  “I would say you are blessed.  Many people would have broken arms, legs and head injuries.  Chris, you must stop racing through life so reckless.  I’m a great doctor, but even I cannot bring back the dead.  Promise to be careful?”

    “With that smile, I’d promise the world to you, Doctor Ilaria.”

    “Such a Casanova,” the doctor said, her tone amused.

    Connor pulled the curtain open, to find Chris lying back on the hospital bed, and the doctor applying ointment on the angry scrape on Chris’s left thigh and knee.

    “Yes, how may I help you?” the Doctor asked, when she saw them.

    “I’m Connor Morgan, his father.”

    “Oh, yes, good you have come.  I’m almost finished.  Chris has deep abrasions on his left knee, and thigh.  We have cleaned the wounds and treated them.  Your son was very lucky.”

    “He really is,” Connor said, glaring at Chris.  “Thank you so much Doctor…”

    “Ilaria.”

    She removed her gloves and held out her hand, her smile wide and beautiful.

    “Ilaria Takeda,” she said, shaking Connor’s hand.

    She turned to Rory, and when he took her hand, the scent of citrus filled his nose, coupled with soft tones of the most enticing scent in the world.  Holding her hand, Rory took a step closer, moving around the bed.

    What was it?  That maddening scent, so fresh, so….mandarins!  Fresh mandarin oranges, the kind that had you gulping up a whole mandarin in one second.  The scent disappeared and he leaned even closer, making Ilaria’s eyes widen.

    “Rory.”

    His father’s voice pulled him back from the precipice, and Rory let go of Ilaria’s hand.  A frown dancing on his forehead, he took a step back from Ilaria and gave her a sheepish smile.

    “Sorry, your perfume smells really good.”

    Ilaria’s brow lifted in surprise, and then she shook her head and took Chris’s records from the end of the bed.

    “Teenagers, sorry, about them,” Connor said with a sigh.

    “I have two at home, I know how it is,” Ilaria said.

    She returned the clipboard to the end of the bed and smiled at Chris.

    “I think you can go home.  If your father comes with me to the front desk, we can get you on your way.  Remember, no more accidents.”

    “But I like seeing you Doc,” Chris complained.

    She chuckled and started to walk away.

    Rory moved to stop her, curious about that scent.

    “Doctor Takeda—

    “Please, call me Dr. Ilaria,” she said.  “Dr. Takeda is my husband.”

    “Are you new in town?” Rory asked.

    “How did you know?”

    “Small town,” Connor said his tone full of assurance.  “Everyone knows everyone.”

    “I can’t wait to be the one that tells the next new person that,” Ilaria said with a laugh.

    Rory bit his lip.  He wondered if it would be all right to tell her that new people moving into Portento was a rarity.

    “Speaking of which,” Ilaria said, her brown gaze meeting Rory’s blue.  “Please tell me you go to Ashland High.”

    “I do,” Rory nodded.

    “He’s a senior,” Connor said.  “Chris graduated last year.  Why?”

    “I have a son going into eleventh grade.  He will be new and I was hoping…”

    “Rory will look out for him,” Chris interrupted her.  “Right, Rory?  Doc has been so good to me.  We should repay that favor.  What’s your son’s name?”

    “Milan,” Ilaria said with a wide proud smile.  “He’s fragile, but very stubborn.  It will be nice to know he has someone he can ask questions.”

    Milan, nice name.

    “Yeah, sure, no problem,” Rory agreed.

    “Thank you. Mr. Morgan, if you would come with me.  We can get Chris sorted out.”

    Rory watched his father walking beside the short doctor.  He looked animated, far from the gruff man he usually was.  Ilaria’s laugh was charming, and it had Connor smiling.  It was nice to see that.

    “If only she was single,” Chris said from the bed.

    Rory sighed, and turned to look at his older brother.

    “Why the hell were you racing Dolon?”

    “Don’t start lecturing me.”

    “Why not?” Rory scowled.  “It was your leg this time, who knows what will happen to you next time?  If you smash your brains out, no one can put them back in to that empty head.”

    “Dr. Ilaria looks capable,” Chris said with a sheepish grin.

    “Be serious, Christopher.”

    Rory sat on the edge of the bed, careful to choose the right side.  Chris’s thigh looked very angry, even as the skin knitted in the healing process.

    “Don’t wrinkle your nose at my leg.  It was much worse,” Chris said.  “The healing process kicked in before the paramedics showed up.  I don’t know how I ended up under the care of Dr. Ilaria.  It’s a good thing it wasn’t so deep when she was working on it.”

    “Scrapes are easy to deal, she won’t know the difference.  Best to keep out of her sights for the next month or so.  She’ll expect to see scabs if you meet her next week.”

    “You’re right.”  Chris looked toward the door.  “How do you think she moved into Portento?”

    “Who knows,” Rory shook his head.  “I’m sure Dad will get right on that mystery.  Meanwhile, he’s freaking out about you.  Is this about Lori?”

    “Fuck Lori.  Dolon said some shit I didn’t like, so I challenged him.  Don’t ask me the details, he got what he deserves.”

    “Chris.”

    “I’m a Morgan first.  Trust me, Rory.  If I challenge a bastard, it is for a good reason.  Don’t push it.”

    Rory sighed, knowing there was no way Chris was going to tell him.  He patted Chris’s right leg.

    “Alright, but maybe you should talk to Dad.  Before he starts thinking you are losing it.”

    “I’ll find the time,” Chris said.  “So, excited to meet this Milan kid?”

    “Why?”

    “I saw you leaning into the Doc.  You must have scented something good.  Must be from the Doctor’s family.  A lingering scent from someone close to her.”

    “Whatever.”

    Chris shook his head.

    “I can’t wait for you to find your one, Rory.  I really can’t.”

    “What is that supposed to mean?”

    “I’m just saying,” Chris said with a shrug.  He touched the edges of his bloody shorts.  “Help me up.  I need to piss, and my leg is killing me.”

    “You can always do it in the bottle.”

    Rory got up when Chris scowled at him.

    “Will you help me hold it?”

    “Fuck no you’d enjoy it too much.”

    Chris laughed, and shook his head.

    “Just help me up, will you?”

    ***

    ←Chapter 1

    tml

  • Seiryu Spirit- 10

    Secrets in the Beautiful Sukiyama Estate

    The Sukiyama Estate’s one strong and true defense was its ability to hide from the nakedshutterstock_722719306-1440x960 eye.  A parting gift from the mistress of the estate.  No one could explain the phenomena, well, no one outside the direct family.

    Ogun stared at the mass of trees that shrouded the tarmac road leading into the estate.  His fingers caressing the steering wheel of the black van he drove.  His gaze shifted to the rear view mirror where Koji sat staring at the canvas he had not let go since he left Daye’s club.

    Beside Koji was Andre, whose attention was on Tomoyo and Leon.  Tomoyo held two identical syringes.  The contents of which acted like a sedative.  Thanks to the strange protection on the estate, Andre and Leon would not be able to enter the Sukiyama Estate without suffering extreme nausea and severe hallucination.  Once inside the estate, the symptoms disappeared, but as long as one was outside, the hallucinations and nausea turned a normal person into a mad man.

    The first time was the worst.  After years of trial and error, Saya finally decided that drugging strangers was the way to go.  When they woke up in the safety of the main house, they all acted as though the lingering nausea was a symptom of the drug.

    Ogun studied Leon who wore a skeptic expression as he stared at the syringes Tomoyo held.  Poor bastards didn’t know what they were getting into here.

    “Will you trust us?” Tomoyo asked Andre and Leon.  “This is the only way in.  We’re concerned about security.  There are those who will seek you out for answers even though you think you don’t know them.  For that, we must protect the location of our home.  Please understand.”

    Andre turned to look at Koji.

    Ogun had noted the man kept doing that.  Too often.  That gaze full of longing.  Ogun understood that kind of longing, had seen it in Tomoyo’s eyes when she looked at the boss.

    When Koji didn’t speak, nor make any effort to justify the syringes, Andre met Leon’s gaze, gave a nod and extended his left arm to Tomoyo.

    Tomoyo was quick.  She injected the sedative into Andre without a second thought.  Turning to Leon after, and doing the same.  Stowing the metallic syringes into their carrier, she settled back in her seat and met Ogun’s gaze.

    “This is going to be a nightmare,” Ogun said to her, aware that Koji paid no mind to the consequences.  “Tama-sama will not be happy.”

    “He needs something new to be angry about,” Koji responded this time, meeting Ogun’s gaze.  Ogun shuddered when Koji smiled.  “This will teach him to keep me locked up too long.  When you call him, tell him I’ve lost my mind.”

    “Koji.” Tomoyo chided.

    Koji shrugged and turned to look at Andre and Leon who were now unconscious.

    Ogun was surprised when Koji reached out and took Andre’s hand.

    “Let’s go, Ogun,” Tomoyo urged from the back.

    Ogun drew his gaze away from where Koji still held Andre’s hand and focused on driving into the estate.

    ***

    “Koji returns today,” Saya said, her tone conversational.

    Her fingers worked fast, braiding long hair into a thick braid.  When she finished, she placed the braid on the pillow, her fingers trailing over cool pale skin.  The woman lying on the comfortable hospital bed remained asleep.  Eyes closed, with only her chest moving to show she still breathed.

    Saya wished for a glimpse of expression on the very beautiful face lying so still.

    “Koji has grown up so fast.  I worry he won’t soon forgive my many transgressions against his family.”

    Saya sighed and stood from the edge of the bed, adjusting the covers with a last pat on a green duvet, she met the longtime doctor’s gaze.  He stood at the foot of the bed watching their mutual patient.

    “Let me know if anything changes,” Saya reminded him.

    “You know I will.”

    Saya nodded.

    “Don’t worry about Koji.” The doctor smiled at her.  “He wants answers.  You should consider giving them to him.”

    Saya wished it was that easy.  Giving the doctor a small nod, Saya left the basement level of the guest house, making sure the doors were locked, and stopped to take in a deep breath.

    Her most favorite season was spring.  The flowers bloomed.  The air was fresh, and life seemed to gain a new sparkle.

    Adjusting the key around her neck, she folded her hands behind her back and started the stroll back to the main house.  Her thoughts on the occupants who lived there.  This home she now called hers in place of her very best friend.  The children she now viewed as hers.

    Tama was busy, immersed in Sukiyama business.  She worried that he couldn’t see more than the quiet power he now held.  He lived and breathed his obsession to protect his family’s estate and Koji.  So deep was he in his quest, Tama ignored Tomoyo who only saw him.  What a mess that was.  And here she had thought she would be planning a wedding soon.  Ha!

    Tomoyo spent most of her time throwing all her unrequited love and care into the two brothers and this estate.  Her gratitude turned to deep love.  Tomoyo truly saw the brothers as her only family.  Seeing it all, Saya wanted to give Tomoyo the wedding she deserved.  See her named a Sukiyama.  Saya sighed at the thought of having to wait longer for this plan to come true.

    Then there was Koji.

    The special child with a gift that was quickly reaching its peak.  Koji’s twenty-first birthday was fast approaching.  She remembered Misato’s warning well.  Koji was to find a partner to help him carry the burden of his gift.  Someone as special as he was.

    Saya scoffed.

    How Koji was going to achieve that she had no idea.  What with Tama keeping him under lock and key for what seemed like the rest of his life.  Koji himself seemed clueless about making bonds, building trust.  She had yet to see him trust anyone enough to love them, except for the one time he was in school and kissed a boy.

    Saya chuckled.

    Poor Koji passed out for three days over a simple kiss.  Gosh, how she wished this would get easier.  Love wasn’t something one ordered on Amazon Japan.  If it was, she would have already ordered three boxes just for the three stubborn children living under one roof.

    Shaking her head, Saya chose to take a path that would lead her to the front of the house.  The gardens were waking up, and she wanted to see how the summer roses were faring.  Saya couldn’t help the smile as she made a turn into the front yard and saw a black van driving up the drive.

    Forgetting the flowers, she changed direction to meet the van at the front entrance.  Koji and Tomoyo were home and she had missed them so much.  Ogun stopped the van at the main doors.

    Saya frowned when two of his men came hurrying out of the house.  Worried that Koji was hurt, Saya broke into a short run.

    “Ogun?”

    Saya stopped as she watched Ogun’s men remove two men she did not recognize from the van, and hurry into the house.

    “Saya-san,” Ogun said, as he came out of the driver’s side.  “I can explain—”

    Saya held up her hand stopping Ogun, she moved to the open van door and peered into find Koji watching her.

    “Care to explain?” she asked.

    “Yes.”  Koji smiled at her.  “This is a wonderful afternoon to explain things.  Let’s go inside, I have questions.”

    “You have questions?” Saya asked in disbelief.

    Koji moved her out of the way and jumped out of the van.  He didn’t wait for her to ask as he headed straight into the house.

    “Koji Sukiyama!”

    He didn’t stop, forcing her to turn to Ogun and Tomoyo for explanations.

    “He insisted,” Tomoyo said, when she got out of the van.  She looked tired, a frown creasing her brow.  “Koji hasn’t spoken much since we raided Daye’s club and the lab next door.  Something is bothering him.”

    “Well, two strangers in the house are bothering me.  Your reports did not include their names.” Saya pointed in the direction security had headed.  “Who are they?  Why are they here of all places?”

    “They’re involved with Daye Chang, and the case in Kyoto,” Ogun offered.  “Koji promised help.  We couldn’t say no.”

    Saya narrowed her gaze at that.  Koji had never promised to help an outsider before.  Interactions with anyone not living in the estate were difficult for him.  She arranged all such cases.  She met Tomoyo’s gaze and read amusement.

    “What am I missing?”

    “You’ll see,” Tomoyo said, walking into the house with a small grin.

    ***

    Koji took the painting to the main living room, spreading it out with care on the large table by the windows.  He used flower vases from around the stands closest to him to anchor the painting.  Then he took a step back and stared at his mother.  She would have to know the painter to sit for this.  She looked relaxed, happy…Koji frowned.

    It irked him hearing Takino Yuki call her the love of his life.

    “Koji.”

    Saya entered the living room, clearly upset about Andre and Leon.  Tomoyo followed her in.

    “Are you going to explain yourself?” Saya asked, when she reached him.

    “Why would Takino Yuki have our mother’s painting?” Koji pointed to the canvas on the table.

    Saya gripped his left arm in surprise.

    “Where did you get this?”

    “Takino’s office,” Koji answered, studying her.

    Saya’s shock was evident.  Saya was great at poker faces, but the surprise in her eyes was evident.  She gripped his arm tight.

    “Koji.”

    “I want the truth.”

    “Can’t you wait for your brother?”

    “No.  All he does is lie,” Koji shook his head.  “Why would a man who loved my mother kill her?’

    “It’s complicated—

    “Simplify it!”

    Koji shook off Saya’s hold and moved closer to the painting.

    “If this Takino Yuki loved my mother, why would he come here to murder them in cold blood?  Why did he do it?”

    “I can’t explain the mind of a mad man, Koji.”

    Koji scoffed and looked at Tomoyo.

    “I was eight when she died.  An eight year old should have a million memories of a mother who took care of him, day and night.  Remember her touch, her smile, her laugh,” Koji chuckled.  “Her scolding tone…I have none.  Does that make sense?  What kind of son does that make me?”

    “Isn’t that what you’re really angry about?” Saya asked.  “The fact that you can’t remember her?  So, you run around the country hoping to find clues about who she was, hoping it will make you remember.  You get angry at me and Tama for not telling truths we don’t know.”

    “Truth you don’t know,” Koji scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.  “I know you best, Saya-sensei.  Your ability to hide the truth rivals my own for finding it.  You have kept Tama’s memories hidden from me.  Don’t think I don’t know.”

    Saya stared at him, not saying a word.  She knew he was right.

    Koji returned his gaze to the canvas, his mother smiling at him…no, she was smiling at the painter.

    “Do you know who made this?” he asked.  “You can at least tell me that, can’t you?”

    Saya moved closer to the table, shifting the vase on the left bottom corner of the canvas.  She turned it over, and Koji stared at the name signed there.

    “Syaon,” he murmured.

    “Your father,” Saya said.  “Before he married your mother.  He changed his painting signature after the wedding to Sukiyama.  Koji—,”

    “Have a long talk with Tama.  I want the truth, otherwise, I’ll—

    Koji broke off trying to think of what he could do that would shake them up.  When he couldn’t find anything to say, he shook his head.

    “The two who came with us are my guests.  I’m allowed that much, aren’t I?  Don’t touch them.  I’m going to think of what I’ll do if you don’t tell me the truth soon.”

    Koji left the living room fighting off a wave of frustration.  He wanted to tell Saya that he felt as though his mother was alive, but that would only make Saya more worried about him.  Shaking his head, he headed upstairs to his suite to think of a punishment.

    ****

    Andre woke up to the sound of music, and soft humming to the rhythm.  He lay on a very comfortable chaise, staring at a very high ceiling in a bright sunny room.  Andre shifted to ease his muscles, turning to his left on the chaise, he took in a breath at the sight before him.

    The room was an art room, windows taking up one side, showing off a Japanese garden beyond.  Light poured in, gracing the surfaces and the hundreds of canvases resting on stands, on the wall, and on shelves.  The floors were hardwood, a large work table laden with a wild collection of painting supplies stood to one side.  At the end of the worktable by the windows stood Koji standing before a large canvas.  His right hand swiping a brush over the surface, deep in concentration.  The afternoon sunlight playing with his wild hair, leaving gold hues on the crown of Koji’s head.

    Koji perched on a stool, the white t-shirt he wore paint-stained.  His jeans ripped with use, feet bare, toes curled on the floor.

    Andre watched him, unable to look away.  Folding his arms across his chest, Andre imagined Koji painting at the Villa Lacome.  Mornings in the sunroom were the brightest, Koji would love the light streaming in there.  He would have to get Leon to purchase all the supplies Koji needed.  Andre blinked at that last thought.  He wanted Koji at Villa Lacome.

    Sitting up, Andre moved his feet to the floor, drawing Koji’s attention.

    “You’re awake.  I thought you might sleep the afternoon away.”  Koji placed his brush in a container on the table next to him and turned to face him.  “How do you feel?”

    Andre frowned.  “Woozy, but it’s lifting away.”

    “No nausea?” Koji asked, studying him intently.

    “No.”

    Koji nodded, remaining perched on the stool, his gaze on Andre.  They stared at each other for a minute, then two.

    “I like you.”  Andre stated.

    Koji chuckled, his gaze breaking away to stare at his hands.

    “I’m drawn to you too,” Koji said, his tone full of wonder.  “I don’t know if I can explain the reasons right now.  I think, you would think me crazy if I did.”

    “I’m crazy too for liking you,” Andre said, sitting back on the lounge chair.  “Leon tells me you and I are impossible.”

    “Why is he such a pessimist?”

    Andre chuckled.

    “I’ll have to ask him.”

    Koji nodded, and pushed off his stool.  He walked the not so short distance between them and came to stand before Andre.  Andre looked up at him, raising his left brow in question.

    “I want to explore something,” Koji said, biting his bottom lip.

    Andre took Koji’s left hand, running his thumb over paint-stained knuckles.  Koji’s answering smile sent a thrill through Andre.  Then Koji moved to straddle Andre’s lap, and Andre took in a deep breath, loving Koji’s weight on him, his hands moved to steady Koji.

    When Koji was settled, their faces were inches apart.  Andre found he could not look away from curious blue eyes, his breath coming a bit too fast.  Koji traced fingers on both sides of Andre face, touching but not, an electric current followed Koji’s caress.

    Andre reached up and pressed Koji’s palms to his jaw not caring if he got paint-stained too.  Koji’s gaze riveted on the streaks his fingers left on Andre’s face, a small smile curving his lips, drawing Andre’s gaze.  Wanting to taste that smile, Andre tightened his arms around Koji, moving him closer, so that he could press his lips against Koji’s smile.  The effect left them both gasping.  Koji closed his eyes, biting his inner lip when Andre moved away to escape the intensity.  Seeing Koji biting his lip, Andre decided he wanted more, and took.  Taking Koji’s lips in a gentle kiss, that turned hard and needy when Koji responded by opening his mouth allowing Andre access.

    Koji’s fingers slid into Andre’s hair, bunching it when Andre invaded his mouth, his tongue exploring Koji’s warmth, taking in his sweet taste.  His erection filled, hard and needy, his hands holding Koji tight as he took, loving Koji’s needy moan, when he broke their kiss for a second.

    Koji tightened his grip in Andre’s hair and pulled him in for more.  Andre smiled, sliding his hands under Koji’s t-shirt to caress his back, moaning with approval when Koji arched into him, breaking their kiss with a harsh moan, trembling.

    “Is it always like this?” Koji asked, closing his eyes when Andre pressed his lips on Koji’s neck sucking on delicate skin.

    “With the right man,” Andre murmured against Koji’s skin, blowing on the red mark he had pulled up on Koji’s skin.

    “I never knew,” Koji murmured, meeting Andre’s gaze.  “I think I might like you a little more now.  Can we do this often?”

    Andre chuckled, the offer so tempting he felt like stripping Koji right here and taking him until they both couldn’t move.

    “Koji.  I’m going to turn into a beast because of you.”

    “Is that a good thing for me?” Koji asked, studying him, his gaze expectant.

    Andre suddenly realized he might be Koji’s first, and the idea excited him, even more.

    “We’ll need to get to know each other more to find out,” Andre said.

    Koji combed his fingers through Andre’s hair, his gaze on the soft strands, then he met Andre’s gaze.

    “Then let’s get to know each other,” Koji murmured.

    Andre smiled, and wrapped his arms around Koji holding him tight, feeling carefree for the first time in years.  When Koji sighed and rested his head on Andre’s shoulder, Andre closed his eyes and decided to ignore Leon’s warnings.  He wanted this.

    ***

    Saya stepped back from the art room door, her gaze on Koji who sat on the man Ogun called Andre Lacome.  She had come looking for Koji to talk about Misato’s painting.  Now all she could do was stare.  Koji couldn’t stand touching strangers.  Not for anything, the overload of information was too much to him.  Unless…

    Saya gasped, sliding the door closed quietly.  She hurried away reaching for her cell phone to call Tama back home.

    ***

    ←Previous Post

  • The Legendary Master’s Wife – Insane Commitment BL stories

    The Legendary Master’s Wife

    by Yin Ya

    Description:

    After an explosion, You XiaoMo finds that he is now a probationary disciple of the TianXin sect. However, he is one with dubious potential, so just when he starts to adapt to his new circumstances, he receives a piece of bad news. If he is unable to produce the required result after half a year to become an official disciple of the TianXin sect, he would be driven out of the sect.

    While You XiaoMo is going all out to make medicines and earn money, he runs into Ling Xiao. To his horror, he later discovers that Ling Xiao is really someone cloaked in human skin.

    Thoughts:

    In a moment of boredom, I started reading this story.  I found it by luck, browsing through recommendations, I just happened to click on the title because it sounded interesting.  That was last year, around May or June 2017.  I tell you that because I read over two hundred chapters in the space of one week and thought I was catching an obsession.  Which I have, I think, I’m still reading it up to now, that should say something.

    The Legendary Master’s Wife is not a quick story.  It is a commitment type of story.  I love it because You Xiao Mo starts out weak and unknowing, and slowly grows into a strong character with each chapter.  I clearly speak like someone who has made a major commitment, but I can’t help it.  Xiao Mo meets Ling Xiao a man with deep secrets and their relationship starts in a strange series of events that leave Ling Xiao constantly nagging Xiao Mo out of his comfort zone, and into a very passionate relationship.  The characters have grown with each saga they meet.  The different worlds they visit, and I think of this story as an everyday kind of story.

    Be Warned, this novel is +700 chapters.  But it is worth it, though once you catch up with translations, you might need to wait daily for your dose of Xiao Mo and Ling Xiao.

    The first chunk of this fascinating story was translated by:

    1. S3ri – Chapters 1 – 185

    The rest is translated by this amazing website run by Exiled Rebels Scanlations

    Read their translation Here: The Legendary Master’s Wife

  • Counterfeit Bride – Fun Gender-bender Boy’s Love stories

    Counterfeit Bride

    Description:

    A young man is being forced to cross-dress as a bride to replace his young lady who refused to marry since she already had her own lover.
    And the groom had prepared a surprise for the supposed bride, yet he was the one who got the surprise for the bride he had imagined was not as his imagined before, —personality wise.
    So, the life of the counterfeit bride and ‘her’ groom began.
    With both party having their own secret, how would their life like?

    Thoughts:

    I love a great gender-bender story.  Most of the ones I’ve read/watched and loved are ladies pretending to be men, and the man later discovers the ‘he’ is actually a she.  They make for great love stories.  So, in Counterfeit Bride, ‘She’ turns out to be a ‘He’ and a great plot twist ensues.  I guarantee this will make you laugh and root for the main character.  It is a fast read with entertaining scenes.

    Read Translation Here:

    Counterfeit Bride

  • HIStory: Obsessed – Crazy-fun BL stories

    HIStory: Obsessed

    Description:

    A part of the HIStory webseries follows the story of Shao Yi Chen, a man who dies in an accident involving his boyfriend, Jiang Jing Teng. Shao Yi Chen is reborn and sent back 9 years. To save his future self he avoids Jiang Jing Teng and avoids his feelings for him. Problem is Shao Yi Chen has loved Jiang Jiang Teng for a long time and has written about him in his diary. While destroying the diary, Jiang Jing Teng discovers a few pages. Causing Jiang Jing Teng to become curious about Shao Yi Chen. Will he resist the love of the handsome man Jiang Jing Teng and save his future self, or will he fall for the same man twice and risk his life?

     

    Thoughts:

    First, HIStory is a series of boy’s love stories from Taiwan.  There are about five of them at the moment, each with only 4 episodes each.  Out of the five, my most favorite is Obsessed.  Yi Chen works at ignoring his attraction to Jing Teng after a heartbreak that led to his death.   He reincarnates and decides that in his new life he will ignore his attraction to Jing Teng. The two actors in this particular episodes have great chemistry.  While the story could be longer, more developed,  I love the execution of their parts.  It leaves you with this great satisfaction.  Not to forget Jing Teng’s convincing kisses.  This was a great watch!

    Watch it Here:

    HIStory: Obsessed (Fansubs)  – The eng sub is basic, but good enough.

  • Till Death Do Us Part – Epic Boys Love Stories

    Till Death Do Us Part

    by  Tangstory

    Description:

    Set in early-20th century China, this story takes off in the port city of Tientsin (Tianjin) that is divided into lands called concessions and owned by several foreign powers. Shen Liangsheng is a charismatic and cunning playboy, a son of a rich businessman, who has profits as his top priority. He meets Ch’in Ching, an average school teacher who appears mild but actually holds a patriotic heart for his home. The two cross paths and sparks fly. But will their love hold strong through the imminent forces that will tear the country apart…?

     

    Thoughts: 

    The first time I read this story, I felt shaken and felt like I had read a life-changing type of story.  These two characters face good times, hard times and have a love that left them so isolated and yet together, it is breathtaking.  The author explores history on such a personal level, by the time you reach the end, your heart is full, and there is so much, so much in their life together, that the words love don’t need to be said.  They are felt.

    Read the translation here. 

    Till Death Do Us Part.

  • 2 Moons the series – Cutest Boy’s Love Series Ever!

    I’m in love with this show! 

    Cute, easy to watch, and the best feels.  If you are having a seriously bad day, check out 2 Moons and P’Pha and Wayo will lift you right up!

    2 Moons The Series (Thai BL Series)

    No. of Episodes: 12 Episodes

    Description:

    Wayo Panitchayasawad (Yo) is a freshman at a university that his long time love, Phana Kongthanin (Pha), is a second-year student at. Pha is extremely popular and the Campus Moon of last year but does not seem like the attention. When Yo gets the opportunity to become the Moon of his facility, he realizes he gets to see Pha more. Although, their relationship starts quite rough since Pha seems to pick on Yo. ~~ Adapted from the BL Novel “Two Moon” by Chiffon_cake.

    Thoughts:

    I started watching this on LineTV, and gosh was it cute.  I mean, the plot is not overreaching.  Carefully crafted to follow Wayo as he enters his first year of college.  You get to know about his long time one-sided love for P’Pha.  The story that unfolds from there is beautiful in its simplicity.  I kept watching every time a new episode came out.  I’m kinda still hoping they will have a second season.  Wayo’s love is so one-track minded that you can’t help but hope he wins P’Pha’s heart.

    One thing I love about these types of stories is how positive the series is potrayed.  Love between two guys is so easily accepted and beautifully rendered that I’m always left so excited watching it.  If you want to constantly have a wide smile (the cute scenes between Pha and Yo are enough to get you grinning) from episode to episode, and meeting the most supportive best friend in history.  Check 2 Moons The Series Out!

    Watch it Here:

    2 Moons The Series (Thai BL that is subbed by fans)

  • Together With Me – Lovely BL stories

    Together With Me

    Series Episodes: 13 Episodes

    Description:

    Thai BL Series that has a strong BL couple.  Together with Me is a story focused on Korn and Knock and how they met and all the obstacles they go through before they officially became a couple.

    Thoughts:

    So, it is always so hard to find a show with two gay main characters meant to be endgame.  Usually, there is a pile of other characters in the story, and the Boy’s Love story is a side story.  With Together with Me, you are placed upfront and center with a story focused on Korn and Knock, two men who fall in love with each other and face a series of challenges before they become a couple.  I love their chemistry.  I love how easy it is to see them together, and wish it for them.  This is a great show to watch.  English Subtitles included.

    Watch it here:

    Together With Me (The subs here are fan made)