LIGHT MY FIRE

Craig moved away from the bed. A second scream

turned him in the direction of the victim, who now lay on a
stretcher, surrounded by the EMTs.
Whats happening? another man asked.
Craig wasnt certain, but it couldnt be good. I never see
them still alive. It would be beside the point since the demons
are eating their souls. This time it wasnt successful. And
maybe that was the key to finding a way to stem the flood of
chaos. How had this one survived when so many others had
not?
Are you sure the demons gone? one man asked and
ducked.
Im certain its not in the room with us, but it could still
be close.
What the fuck is stuffed inside this guys penis?
Craig closed the distance fast and bent to closer examine
the gold speck hed seen earlier in the victims slit. Maybe this
was what he was looking for. A talisman something.
Demons were curious creatures in that they attached
themselves to peculiar physical objects. Its as if they need to
connect themselves to humans with a man-made object,
something tangible. If we knew the answers to why they do
what they do, wed be able to rid ourselves of their presence.
The victim lifted his hand to touch Craig shoulder. I tried
to cut it off.

He cut his own cock? one of the medical techs squeaked.

What kind of guy would do something like that?
Craig moved closer. The kind who knows he has a
demons talisman shoved inside him. If thats what I think it
ishes good as dead.

ALSO BY LEE AVALONE

Sex Scene: Take One

LIGHT MY FIRE
BY
LEE AVALONE

AMBER Q UILL PRESS, LLC

http://www.AmberQuill.com

LIGHT MY F IRE
AN AMBER QUILL PRESS BOOK
This book is a work of fiction.
All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of
the authors imagination, or have been used fictitiously.
Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales,
or events is entirely coincidental.
Amber Quill Press, LLC
http://www.AmberQuill.com
All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be transmitted or
reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission
in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief
excerpts used for the purposes of review.
Copyright 2008 by Lee Avalone
ISBN 978-1-60272-309-2
Cover Art 2008 Trace Edward Zaber

Layout and Formatting provided by: Elemental Alchemy

PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To new beginningsin stories and life, I dedicate

this to those taking on lifes next big challenge, whatever it
may be. May DWB in Soho live on in our hearts forever!

LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 1
The body, bloody and beaten over every inch, hung from
the wall with arms spread in a macabre configuration of the
crucifix. Not only was it clich, it pissed Craig off. His chosen
profession as demon hunter brought him to the fiery gates of
hell on more than one occasion and this was one of them.
Demon manifestation at its very worst, this makeshift
theatric sacrifice made his stomach pitch. Craigs humanity
hadnt been so desensitized by all the carnage over the past
couple of years that this horrific scene meant so little. It
affected him. The mans almost severed dick waved with the
hot breeze of the window fan blowing on it. The flow of air
sent the smell of decomposition in the opposite direction from
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LIGHT MY FIRE

where Craig stood in the doorway to the fourth-floor walkup

in a seedy neighborhood of Chicago. Instead the aromas
wafting from the pizzeria below made it almost welcoming.
However, as Craig stepped deeper into the room, an
underlying current of fire and brimstone hung like a shroud in
the single room efficiency.
Smells. Most of the time, the smells bothered him worse
than the visual experience of these brutal slayings. The
slayings had become all too commonplace over the last few
months. The escalation of violent acts perpetrated by demons
on the weak willed of mankind had reached an all-time high.
Here in Chicago a special taskforce had been instituted to stem
the tide of brutality and so far theyd had little success.
Craig reached into his pocket for his cell to call for the
coroner and a bus to transport the body, when a moan almost
made him drop the phone. No wonder there was no stench of
decomp. The victim was still alive. No way!
Poor fuck.
This is Lieutenant Craig Faulk, with the CDDC, Chicago
Department of Demon Control. I got a live one and need
medics, ASAP at 135 Cater, fourth floor, first door to the
right.
Demon attack again? The operators voice changed from
calm to rushed and nervous. Demon attacks had the whole city
living in terror, ever since the previous year when the gates of
hell had been officially opened, no ribbon-cutting, but open
nevertheless. No one individual or department of many such
folks could stem the flow of evil for long.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

You got it and I imagine you know the drill by now. Im

going to see what I can do for this guy. Give me an ETA.
But theyre never alive.
I dont have time to argue here.
I already have someone on the way. Maybe three minutes
out. Stay on the line and Ill keep you apprised.
Three minutes, Craig repeated and then snapped the cell
shut, before he pigeon-toed through the puddles of coagulated
blood on well-worn wood floor in his new ostrich leather
boots. If blood seeped into the quill holes in the leather, it
would be a bitch to get them clean. The second the thought
occurred to him, he experienced a stab of guilt. He was
worried about his boots while this poor schmuck hung on the
wall like a bloody discarded rag. When he drew close, the
victim stank of human waste and puke. A yellow stream of
bile ran out of the corner of his mouth and over his chest to a
puddle of vomit at his feet.
The naked man was slight of frame, but his muscles were
well defined, like a runner or maybe a biker. Looks like you
couldnt run fast enough to get away from this one, buddy.
The man raised his shaggy head, his long, matted blond
hair falling across his face. But what struck Craig in the gut
with a force unlike anything hed felt for a long time, were his
eyesfilled with pain, but still striking. Blue-green, almost
turquoise, even in misery, they were beautiful. When he
closed them a second later, Craig breathed easier.
Craig didnt like it. He had no business giving this guy a
second thought. This guy had one foot in the grave and the
3

LIGHT MY FIRE

other in a puddle of stinking puke. Help is on the way. Hold

on, buddy. Craig didnt want to risk moving the man for fear
of doing him more harm.
::Pray for me.::
The situation just went from bad to worse in a blink since
the dude hadnt spoken out loud, but the words were clear in
Craigs brain. This guys soul wanted to communicate. The
demon hadnt eaten it. However, demon hunters werent the
best people to go to for spiritual help. Most of the time Craig
had the sinking suspicion one day his fire would be lit and
hed end up in hell, too, with the rest of the unrepentant hellraisers. As much as he detested demons, they rubbed off on
him. He became a little less of a believer in the power of good
versus evil with each passing day and every grotesque murder
of the innocent.
The wail of a siren in the distance gave him hope help
would soon arrive. Craig had seen many a cock, but this poor
suckers near-dismembered piece had him wanting to grab his
own crotch and hang on tight.
He retraced his steps, then swiveled to the left toward the
window to turn off the fan. It couldnt help to have his nearsevered penis flailing like a flag in the breeze. As Craig
twisted back, a flash of gold caught his eye, and he shuddered.
Had something been rammed up there, too? Why the sexual
mutilation on top of a beating severe enough to cause death?
What had this guy done to warrant this kind of abuse?
Holy hell! I hate these calls.
Craig looked in the direction of the deep male voice to see
4

LIGHT MY FIRE

a burly, uniformed Chicago cop with a face as green as the

plant on a stand near the victim.
Hes still alive, Craig said.
Holy
Craig shook his head. Theres nothing holy about this.
Another effect resulting from deteriorating quality of life
people no longer sat on the fence. Now it was full-on war of
good versus evil, only those who claimed to be good often
didnt have a clue.
Right behind the Chicago cop walked three paramedics,
and the relief Craig experienced was palpable. These cases
usually didnt rattle him, since hed long ago lost count of the
bodies. Then again, the victims normally werent alive. There
had been only one in the past, and that person had lived only
for a few minutes. So far, this one had the record.
Craig had work to do. If the demon who did this left
evidence to facilitate his speedy discovery, he needed to find
it. Not that hed had much success in the past, but finding this
evil fuck seemed even more necessary with a live victim. It
could mean hed still be targeted.
With someone there to care for the casualty, Craig got
down to business. The psychic vibes were strong in the room
now that he wasnt concentrating on helping someone who
more than likely wouldnt make it anyway. He moved over to
the blood soaked bed and tried not think about what had
happened there.
Psychic vibes, dank and intense, floated about the bed like
smoke. Although no one else could see, he did. It was his gift.
5

LIGHT MY FIRE

One hed willingly give up for a more normal life any day of
the week. He didnt have that option.
Sometime his psychic manifestation was visual and other
times olfactory. And on occasion, not often, if a soul reached
outhe could hear a persons inner thoughts.
Craig reached to pull back the sheet. The moment his
fingers grazed the surface an otherworldly scream echoed
through the room.
What the fuck! a male voice said.
Craig moved away from the bed. A second scream turned
him in the direction of the victim, who now lay on a stretcher,
surrounded by the EMTs.
Whats happening? another man asked.
Craig wasnt certain, but it couldnt be good. I never see
them still alive. It would be beside the point since the demons
are eating their souls. This time it wasnt successful. And
maybe that was the key to finding a way to stem the flood of
chaos. How had this one survived when so many others had
not?
Are you sure the demons gone? one man asked and
ducked.
Im certain its not in the room with us, but it could still
be close.
What the fuck is stuffed inside this guys penis?
Craig closed the distance fast and bent to closer examine
the gold speck hed seen earlier in the victims slit. Maybe this
was what he was looking for. A talismansomething.
Demons were curious creatures in that they attached
6

LIGHT MY FIRE

themselves to peculiar physical objects. Its as if they need to

connect themselves to humans with a man-made object,
something tangible. If we knew the answers to why they do
what they do, wed be able to rid ourselves of their presence.
The victim lifted his hand to touch Craig shoulder. I tried
to cut it off.
He cut his own cock? one of the medical techs squeaked.
What kind of guy would do something like that?
Craig moved closer. The kind who knows he has a
demons talisman shoved inside him. If thats what I think it
ishes good as dead.
What is it? one of the paramedics asked and jerked back.
This demon shit is His mouth snapped shut and he took
another step backward. The crusty old guy obviously didnt
like dealing with demons. Well, who did?
Craig had an idea what might be inside the victims slit,
but didnt know for certain. Can you get it out of there?
Im not a homophobe, one of them admitted, but I dont
know
Allow me, another said. Just another day in the life for
me.
Craig took a second look at the EMT. Gay, huh? And
good-looking, too.
The one whod already proven to be unreliable gave an
angry growl. You dont have to sound so goddamned proud
of it.
Are you saying I should be ashamed?
This wasnt the time to have a discussion about sexuality.
7

LIGHT MY FIRE

Another timeCraig would give them an earful, and an assfull to the cute EMT whod just come out in front of him.
Craig took the head of the mans sizeable cock between his
fingers and felt around the circumference of his cock-head.
And he didnt like what he quickly concluded. You got any
tweezers?
This is ridiculous, the homophobe said. We need to get
this guy to the hospital right now. Who gives a fuck what hes
got rammed up his cock.
I do. And so should you if it brings you in contact with
the demon who did this. I just finished telling you they attach
themselves to objects.
I found them. You want me to try?
Since youre the medical professional, I think you should.
Although I dont have any problem holding a mans junk.
For crissakes. You two jerk-offs are turning my
stomach.
The crusty bastards bulging stomach would do more than
turn if he didnt shut up. It was about to become acquainted
with Craigs fist. If what he believed was in this poor guys
penis, everyone would soon be queasy and it would have
nothing to do with homophobic willies.
The victims eyes opened again and he stared at Craig. The
psychic and sexual vibes Craig had experienced earlier
returned in full force as he looked at the mans haunting
turquoise eyes. A long fringe of brown-blond lashes framed
themwhat wasnt caked with blood.
Its a crucifixa fucking cross.
8

LIGHT MY FIRE

I didnt know something like that would fit in there. I

thought you said this thing might be a demons talisman. I
thought a cross would stop them, not be used to help them.
The homophobe made the sign of the cross.
What better object to use than something people trust and
believe in, Craig told them.
Between milking it out with his fingers and tweezing, the
paramedic got it. About an inch in length and maybe a halfinch wide, it could have been worse. This thing is hot as
hell.
Words he so didnt want to hear. Craig grabbed the
crucifix and prepared for the worst, or so he thought. When in
the next instant they were surrounded by flames, a bad
situation became fatal.
Move it!
Craig grabbed hold of the stretcher and lunged toward the
door.

LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 2
You have a visitor. The female voice awakened Steven
with a startand then he remembered. It hadnt been a
nightmare and wouldve been better if it had. His reality was
far worse than any nightmare, and Steven would never be the
same.
He opened his eyes to see his savior, the man capable of
transforming his worst horrors into dreams. He stood way over
six feet, even larger than Steven remembered in his paininduced semi-consciousness state. No wonder the big man had
been able to not only save Steven, but get everyone to safety
when the fire started.
You came. Thank you. I dont even know your name.
10

LIGHT MY FIRE

His champion pulled the wide-brimmed, black western hat

from his head and then swept his a hand through his hair, more
a gesture of nervousness than grooming since his short dark
hair curled back off his face. Everything about him was
darkhair, eyes, and even his tanned skin.
Lieutenant Craig Faulk. He pulled a badge from his
jacket pocket and took a few steps closer. Near enough Steven
could see his eyes were very dark blue. CDDC, Chicago
Department of Demon Control.
Craig Faulk. Lieutenant Craig Faulk. Steven mentally
repeated the name while he admired his visitor. The glossy
black sportscoat Craig wore over washed-out blue jeans had a
western yolk and made him infinitely fuckable, the kind of
man who turned heads, both mens and womens. Steven
knew if he could see to the mans feet, hed find cowboy
boots.
Are you a real cowboy?
Craig gave a lopsided grin and it transformed his face from
handsome into downright devastating, and it gave Steven a
lump in his throat. The tanned skin crinkled at his eyes and,
have mercy, the man had dimples. Steven had already been in
love with him before hed discovered Craig was an Adonis.
But this handsome lieutenant had too much on the ball to ever
get mixed up with someone like Stevenif he were gayand
what was the chance of that? Ordinarily, Steven would say
slim to none, but there were rumors about the demon
hunters
In Chicago? I used to be, but not anymore. I grew up in
11

LIGHT MY FIRE

Montana and then followed the rodeo circuit until an injury

forced me into retirement.
Did you ride bulls? His balls tightened and for a second
he imagined his cock responded to the idea. No way. The
doctors were optimistic maybe one day theyd get his cock to
work, but it couldnt be this easy to regain his manhood.
On occasion, but mostly I rode broncs, did some
bulldogging, and my partner and I were National calf-roping
champions three years in a row.
His partner? Just in cowboying, or in life?
Now I hunt demons.
Hunt them? Stevens stomach rolled and gooseflesh
showed on the surface of his arms crossed over his chest. The
idea of going out his way to come in contact with demons
made him ill. He relived the attack moment by moment and
had thought of little else. Thats why you came to my
rescue.
One of my informers told me about a demon attack and I
went to your apartment expecting to find you dead.
When I invited him inthe demon, I didnt know who or
what he was. Id met him earlier at a club. I had no idea.
The lieutenant pulled a small leather notepad with pen
attached from his pocket. CF was embossed on the corner. It
wasnt the kind of thing a person bought for himself. Steven
bet someone special had given it to him.
You met him earlier? Craig asked. What club? How?
Did he come on to you or were you introduced?
He said hed had his eye on me for a while. Why me?
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LIGHT MY FIRE

Demons take joy in torturing the weak.

Is it true most of the squad hunting demons are gay?
Steven asked the question in retaliation. He didnt believe the
rumors and hated to be called weak, even when he knew it to
be true. Hed heard it his entire life, starting with his mother.
Hed had a good relationship with her until she joined a cult
and became a religious fanatic. Then everything changed. She
became abusive and, when he acted out, shed tried to beat his
normal teenage rebelliousness out of him. Shed leave welts as
big as his fingers across his buttocks and the back of his legs
in her self-righteous rages.
And all of his lovers had called him waiflike and
submissive, which he hated. You dont know me well enough
to say Im weak.
Trust me, anyone who can survive what you did isnt a
lightweight. Id never call you weak. I believe you appeared
fragile to your attacker And yes, its true about the squad.
We have a unique advantage in hunting demons.
Steven gave a nod. What advantage?
If I spoke openly about it, then the benefit would be lost.
Of course. Im sorry. About the man
Demon.
I met the mdemon at a club earlier that night when
were introduced by a mutual friend.
A friend or a lover? Ive been doing some investigation
on you
And have come to the conclusion Im a slut, Steven
talked over top of the handsome cowboy. Steven Richter, slut
13

LIGHT MY FIRE

extraordinaire. There was no safe road this conversation

could take that wouldnt leave him looking cheap and easy.
Steven preformed sex acts for money on occasion. Lately the
occasions were more often than not.
The gorgeous hunk stopped short of rolling his midnight
blue eyes. I need a name and an address for this friend of
yours who introduced you.
Here it camethe condemnation, and no way could this
macho beefcake begin to understand even if he was gay. I
know him by Carlos. And he frequents the Buzz Club.
Ive heard of it.
Not your type of hangout.
I dont have a type of hangout. I dont drink, dance, or
frequent clubs of any sort and I bore the shit out of anyone
foolish enough to get close to me. But this isnt about me, is
it? Could you give me a description? Something to lead me in
the right direction?
Maybe I could take you there.
You arent in any shape to go clubbing.
Theyre releasing me today.
The handsome, cowboy demon hunter shook his head and
sighed. No insurance, huh?
Im a dancer.
Hunh.
You got something against dancers or gays? Stevens
words came out petulant and whiney. He so didnt want to do
this. This guy had saved his life and he didnt deserve a drama
queen.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

Lets try this. Craig pulled something out of the inside

pocket of his stylish western sportscoat. The tight jeans under
the jacket were almost more than Steven could bear. This man
was perfection wrapped up like chocolate cake and caviar.
He held up a glass vile holding a gold cross, probably the
same one that had been rammed up his cock. A closer look
and Steven could see it was surrounded by water. Is that the
one that was inside me?
How did that work out? The operationwas it a
success?
Steven knew what he wanted to know. No man, gay or
straight, wanted to think of what it would be like to live
without a penis. I had my first successful piss this morning.
Thats why theyre releasing me. They say Im cured. I guess
it looked worse than it really was.
It looked damned near cut off.
Maybe Ill get lucky. Those words have new meaning.
Cowboy, Craig frowned. I can only imagine. Now about
this Craig held the vile closer. Steven reached for it. When
their fingers touched, a current traveled through the tips of his
fingers and up his arm. For the briefest moment, Steven
believed the source was sexual until pain sizzled along his
nerve endings and blackness crept into his mind.

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LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 3
Craig awakened as a mouth clamped over his cock. He
opened his eyes to see his legs stretched out in front of him,
still fully clothed. This wasnt real, but the sensations were.
Steven Richter lay in the bed next to where Craig had been
sitting since the man lost consciousness.
And now
The mouth, warm and velvety soft, began to suck his
cockhead, just the right amount of pressure to make Craig last
a good long time. He hadnt let himself go, drift in pleasure,
for such a long time. Why not? Steven was dreaming this and
hed never know that Craig was fully aware of what was
happening. Why not sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride?
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LIGHT MY FIRE

A hand wrapped around the base of his cock and another

fondled his balls, rolling them with a gentle touch and skill to
make Craig remember this event. Craig breathed deeper,
filling his lungs, while his head lolled back. The tingling at the
back of skull traveled all the way down his spine and then
spread around and down to seize his balls. Each suck, no
matter how gentle, produced a tightening that wouldnt be
denied for long.
When next Craig was being swallowed, the urge to fuck
went into overdrive. He humped into the invisible face with
his hands gripping the arms of the chair until his knuckles
turned white. When a finger slid into his ass, he almost
exploded. Only sheer will staid the sweet inevitable. The
finger pulled back to rim him, then penetrated a second time.
As the finger fucked harder, Craig began to sweat. Each graze
against his sweet spot sent him higher, tighter, and more near
explosion without going over than hed ever remembered
being. The pleasure and the need to cling to it, to control it,
became torture.
In a blink, both the hands and mouth were gone. Craig
lifted his gaze to find Steven staring at himwide awake.
Frustrated didnt begin to describe what Craig felt right then.
His balls would be blue in another second. Fuck!
What?
Craig pulled himself from the chair to walk stiff-legged
into the bathroom. Unzipping his jeans, he took hold of his
cock and fucked his hand. A ribbon of cum shot across the
shower and onto the smooth white surface of the plastic wall,
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LIGHT MY FIRE

and then another ribbon followed, then another. Craig grunted

his satisfaction loud enough to be heard in the next room.
While ordinarily he wouldve worried about a lack of restraint,
his sexual frustration took precedence.
After he cleaned up his jism, he walked back into the room
and was greeted by a turquoise stare of terror.
Demon.
Between him and the bed where Steven struggled to get to
his feet was a demon in human form. The smell of brimstone
hung in the air. Craig turned the ring on his finger and
concentrated. The air heated and crackled with energy. The
demon jerked around with supernatural speed.
Too late.
A pinpoint beam of light shot from the ring and caught the
beast as he started to transform. His dragon-like mouth with
rows of sharp, protruding teeth opened wide in a high-pitched
scream.
It was going to get ugly real quick.
One. Two. Craig began a mental count as he moved around
the room, keeping the beam on the demon whose human arms
became like a prehistoric caricature with long sharp claws.
One swipe could slash a mans throat to shreds.
Three. Four.
Craig held the ring steady and prayed the power would
outlast the number of souls the demon possessed.
Five. Six. Seven.
The room grew dark with supernatural power of the worst
sortblack and dank. Piecing shards of power stung him as
18

LIGHT MY FIRE

they pelted him in every direction. This had to be hitting

Steven, too, but he hadnt uttered a whimper.
Eight.
Craigs hand began to shake, but the demon took a step
back and gave him hope. And the evil spirit stopped
metamorphosing into his full demon form, where hed be
many more times powerful.
Nine.
The pain became almost intolerable. If not for the wail the
demon continued to emit, Craig might not have been able to
work through the pain and keep the laser-like beam on the
horrendous form.
A hand touched his shoulder.
Steven.
Ten.
A calm flowed through Stevens touch and washed over
Craig to block the pain. His hand stopped shaking and the
demon howled still louder. He continued to count until he
reached twenty-nine, longer than he believed possible. Chains
of fire materialized, surrounding the demon. Like a lasso, they
encircled it and drew tight. In an almost blinding flash of light,
the demon disappeared.
The calming effect of Stevens hand changed character and
flashed to sexual. Craig turned and the frail man collapsed into
his arms in a dead faint again. Craig carried him to the bed as
easily if he carried a small child. But instead of putting Steven
down, Craig took the liberty of holding him tight against his
body.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

His long golden hair fell about his face, half covering it.
His flawless porcelain skin would make him sought after in
the degraded profession hed chosen. His weight told Craig he
was stronger than he looked. Hed have to be strong to do
what hed done back there, trying to come to Craigs support.
And he had.
Now he looked like a sleeping angel. Only he wasnt an
angel, not even close. His full lips were made for kissing,
almost pouting as he slept peacefully. The light stubble on his
chin and over his upper lip was not quite as pale as his hair.
Protective urges rose and then were pushed aside by the urge
to fuck. Craig dropped him like a hot potato. No way did he
need this kind of complication.
This was about surviving a close brush with death, not
about desire.
*

Steven awakened to find the handsome cowboy gone, or so

he thought. When Craig ambled out of the bathroom zipping
his tight jeans, his eyes were just naturally drawn to his crotch.
And just like each time he awakened, the memories flooded
back, only this time a new one joined the crowd inside his
head. There had been a demon in his hospital room.
A demon.
We sent him back to Tartarus to await his eternal
judgment. That one wont be bothering you again.
I dont think it was the same one.
What the fuck?
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LIGHT MY FIRE

The one who tortured me turned into his otherworldly

form, too. They looked nothing alike. Its like Im on a
fucking demonic hit list. This is the third time Ive
encountered one in less than a week.
The handsome lieutenants face looked like hed been
smacked. What happened the first time?
Steven took a deep breath. He so didnt want to relive the
event. The one who tortured me fought with the first one at
the Club Buzz earlier. I didnt have a clue, because I thought
maybe someone had slipped me a hallucinogen. He bragged
about it later.
Then we need to get you out of here. You need protection
until we can figure out what you have that they want. Craig
frowned and seemed uneasy. Did you have sex with either of
them?
Im sure you know about me. Im a whore.
Thats what Ive heard.
Very diplomatic. Dont call someone a whore if youre
seeking information. Then on the other hand, this polite
cowboy didnt seem the type to sling insults, even if they were
deserved. I dreamed about you. I dreamed you wanted me to
kiss you.
The cowboy turned red and made Steven sorry hed said it.
Im not telling you this because I want to kiss you. Dreams
cant be controlled as far as I know. I told you because it
reminded me of the other one, the demon. Only he did want
to kiss this cowboy and the idea didnt please Steven any more
than it did Craig. I dont kiss the guys I fuck for money
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LIGHT MY FIRE

ever. The first guy at the bar, the one I later learned was a
demon, asked me to kiss him. He told me hed give me a
grand for a kiss. And he had onea thousand-dollar bill. I
didnt think it was real or I mightve done it. I didnt believe
someone would offer me that kind of money just for a kiss.
And I told him so.
I pissed him offno beyond pissed. What Id said
infuriated him and I made myself scarce. I knew he was evil, I
just didnt realize how much so. Later, the second one told me
hed fought for me and won.
I wonder if this has happened before, Craig said. How
many of our victims had more than one demonic encounter
before they ended up dead? This could be the key to slowing
down the carnage, at the very least.
Then you think its going to keep happening. For
whatever reason, I have a target on my backside.
What about the guys you fuck for fun?
What about them?
Do you kiss them?
Since I started thisbecame a whore, I havent been with
anyone just for fun. Its not like I could fall for anyone who
paid for me.

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LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 4
Pay for sex
While hed never had to paywhy not go for it? Craig
decided hed go insane if he had to be with Steven twentyfour-seven, having psychic blow jobs. Maybe a little sex
would take the edge off. Right after the demon attack, when
Steven passed out cold, hed come to Craig in a supernatural
manifestation again to give him another BJ. And the second
time had been even better than the first. Plus, it had the same
frustrating endinga nurse came into the room to check on
Steven right as Craig was about to blow his load.
Her interruption stopped everything and Craig had to seek
the solace of the bathroom a second time.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

I want to hire you. What do you get an hour?

You want toyou want to fuck me?
Correction. I want to fuck your mouth.
Steven gave a noncommittal shrug, but his turquoise eyes
squinted as if he didnt care for the idea. I get two bills for
head.
Im talking twenty-four-seven. What do you get for a
whole day? I want to keep you close, but I want a working
relationship. I want headwhen I want it. How much?
A thousand a day, five grand a week.
Craig expected more. But then hed heard Steven was
more interested in drinking than making money. And you
need to lay off the booze.
Steven winced. That may not be so easy.
You were in a coma for three weeks. Youve already
detoxed.
Why do you suppose the demon who came today didnt
come while I was unconscious if he wanted to finish the job?
Good question. One we need to figure out. Do we have a
deal? You come home with me and
Deal. But I cant charge you. You saved my lifetwice.
Well have to make other arrangements if you dont. I can
get one of the others on the squad to take over for me. I need
to keep the lines separating business and personal clear.
Fucking is business only between us.
You evidently dont want to do this, so why?
I need to keep my urges under control. Youre going to
help me during the course of this investigation. The demons
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LIGHT MY FIRE

have triggered a button I dont normally experience. Youd be

doing me a service in more ways than one.
Steven seemed to accept this explanation. No way did
Craig want him to know about the telepathic connection they
shared. And no way did he want to reveal this to the guys on
his squad, but he had to. It wasnt a conversation he relished.
Lets get you checked out of here before you pass out again.
Only Craig wasnt so lucky. On the ride to his house in the
suburbs, Steven fell asleep again. Sure enough, Craig found
himself driving down the freeway with a phantom mouth
teasing his cock. To make matters worse, the traffic came to
standstill and Craig drove a stick. In the first thirty seconds,
hed grinded an inch of steel from his gears.
Teeth nibbled on the tag of skin on the underside of his
cockhead, tugging with enough pressure to stop just short of
pain while delivering a zing.
Craigs foot slipped from the clutch just as he stopped and
he stalled the car. Before the traffic started moving again, he
restarted the engine and shifted into neutral. If he survived this
without wrecking his Porsche it would be a miracle.
*

Steven preferred this dream over the demonic nightmare

hed been having only minutes before. The cowboys cock
was long and thick, more than enough to satisfy. Steven
worshiped it with the flat of his tongue, and nibbled along the
length. His cowboy wrapped his hair in his strong hands and
moved his hips just slightly, humping like a man whod only
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LIGHT MY FIRE

begun to enjoy the sensations.

Steven took his time, but he wanted to taste cumneeded
to taste him. Steven rimmed the surface of his head with kisses
before taking him into his mouth. At the same time, Steven
fondled the mans balls. Huge balls. Gargantuan.
They were still pliant under his touch, but when Steven
took him deeper into his mouth and sucked harder, it wasnt
long before they tightened. It pleased Steven to have the man
respond so easily. It made him proud of his skillsomething
he didnt experience often. Usually, Steven only felt guilt.
Steven brought one hand up to almost circle Craigs cock,
but the girth stopped his fingers short of touching at the base.
He worked his hand up and down, squeezing with a gentle
pressure while he used a single finger to massage the sensitive
spot right behind the balls before Craigs pucker. Craigs balls
drew tightermore firm against Stevens knuckles.
It wouldnt be long. The salty taste of pre-cum made
Stevens own balls tuck tight like a knee jerk reaction. This is
a dream, he reminded himself. In a dream, his mutilated junk
could work as good as new.
Steven traced his finger around Craigs pucker and he
bucked into Stevens mouth. Steven eased his digit inside him,
feeling for the sweet spot that would make this better for
Craiga whole lot better.
It wasnt hard to distinguish. Like everything else on the
big man, the cowboy had a spot that Steven found easily since
his stock and trade was giving a good finger-fuck with head,
too.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

Steven fucked with one finger and then two.

With a loud grunt and a moan, Craig shot a ribbon of cum
into Stevens mouth. Like magic, the taste, texture and
pressure brought Steven to completion, too. Together they
went off again and then once more. The aftershocks
continueduntil
A loud sound he recognized as screaming tires jerked
Steven awake. Large hands on his chest caught him as he
pitched forward with the sudden impact. He opened his eyes to
see the back end of a pickup in the windshield.
Fuck, Craig muttered.

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LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 5
Stevens life had never been easy, but it hadnt prepared
him for the uncertainty he now experienced as his world spun
out of control. They pulled into the driveway of a mediumsized ranch house and Craig used a remote to open his garage
door. This was the kind of home for families, holidays, and
stability, not what hed expected of a demon hunter.
The suburbs?
I grew up here. Im an only child and my parents died in a
car accident shortly after I graduated from high school a dozen
years ago.
That made Craig about six years older than Stevens
twenty-four. Why did it feel like so much more? It made
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LIGHT MY FIRE

Steven uneasy about how he lived his life, or how it lived him,
since he went about his unhappy ways without trying to make
a single change. For Steven, life was about paying his rent and
partying.
When he got out of the car and walked up front to see the
damage, a sense of foreboding took him. What had happened?
Craig didnt give his car a second look as he headed toward a
door more than likely leading inside the house. Of course,
hed already had a close look at the damage at the accident
site, while Steven had cowered inside the car, afraid to get out.
With the front of his pants wet, Steven had a suspicion that
what happened in the car hadnt just been a dream. Somehow,
his subconscious had made it happen, like an out-of-body
experience. Could that be possible? Was he losing his fucking
mind on top of everything else?
But despite everything, Steven couldnt help being ecstatic
about one thing. His cock worked!
Craig paused and turned back with a dark look in his deep
blue eyes. The guys from the squad should be here any
minute.
The entire squad? Steven followed him inside the house
and into a laundry room and was greeted by the smell of fabric
softener sheets. The shirts hanging between two shelves above
the washer and dryer were all white and looked alike. This
cowboy was set in his waysnot at all like Steven, who
hadnt begun to settle down. And look where that had gotten
him.
The too tight jeans Craig had bought for him made the
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LIGHT MY FIRE

uncomfortable new and unwashed jeans swish-sound. The

new T-shirt wasnt much better. A small?
The entire squad is never together in one place at any
given time. Key people are coming, not only to give hands-on
help, but to analyze whats happened.
The kitchen came next. It was nice enough, but outdated in
a sixties style with white appliances and Formica countertops.
They moved through a small family room and then into a
living room.
Why me? Why am I the target of demons?
Craig stared at him like it was a question without answers.
If Craig had no idea and he was the expert, what chance did
Steven have from it happening again? Im going to change.
Sorry I didnt buy a second set of clothes for you.
Sorry he had to see the wet spot on the front of Stevens
jeans? Thats the closest youve come to talking about what
happened when you wrecked your car. I thought I was
dreaming about you, but it was more, wasnt it? It was real.
Craig looked away and shook his head. It wasnt so much
as a denial as avoidance. This made him uncomfortable. Too
bad. Steven needed answers. Has it happened before, or was
the episode in the car the first time?
It happened a couple of times at the hospital while I was
in your room. But I think maybe it was also happening while
you were in a coma on a lesser scale and I didnt know it was
you. My ex is in town and hes a well known psychic. Id
believed he was doing this to me until the first time in the
hospital and then I knew it was you. I dont know why, but
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LIGHT MY FIRE

were able to communicate telepathically.

As far as Steven knew hed never even been intuitive. Is
this the reason you want to buy my services?
I thought maybe if you worked it out of your system, you
wouldnt dream about doing me in your sleep. And paying you
keeps it from becoming personal.
Steven hurt inside almost as much as the lingering physical
pain. Of course you wouldnt want to get personal with a pro.
Im not good enough for the likes of you. Arent you supposed
to be the same as a cop though? Did prostitution become legal
while I was in a coma? Now why had he said that? Craig
Faulk had been nothing but good to him. Hed saved his life
twice. Tears stung the back of Stevens eyes. He was a fucking
immoral waifa weak-willed slut. Why would someone of
Craigs caliber want him? Why would anyone?
If you learn anything about me, know thisIm about as
fucking far from a cop as youll ever find. If youre feeling
sorry for yourself, its not flattering. I dont want to get
personal with you because this is bigger than the both of us.
This is about hunting demons and protecting the people of
Chicago. I dont want to be distracted in the middle of what
could be a breakthrough. We stopped a demon today. Do you
realize how rare that is? In the three years Ive been doing this,
its only happened once before. And the one we sent back to
Tartarus was more powerful by far. Hed collected plenty of
souls before we stopped him. The more souls theyve
eatenthe harder they are to bring down.
Craigs words took away the sting of rejection. Maybe this
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was his timetime to make changes. Maybe the demon attack

had been his rock-bottom and he had nowhere to go but up. He
toured the living room of the less-than-stylish ranch house.
Hed expected someone like Craig to live in a rich and sexy
environment. His car was sexyuntil hed wrecked it.
Maybe you could wear a pair of my drawstring sweats
until I send somebody for your clothes. I dont want you
calling any of your friends and letting then know where you
are. Are you comfortable with that?
Youd know better than mewas anyone there to see me
while I was in a coma? My parents? Did they come. The
mention of his parents almost did him intears slid down his
cheeks. Since the attack hed been an emotional shell.
Craig gave a noncommittal shrug. We need to get you
into something better than that.
Steven turned away and swiped his face. Fucking waif!
Worthless fucking gay waif. No wonder his parents wanted
nothing to do with him. You picked these clothes out?
You arent as thin as I thought. Even after an extended
visit to the hospital.
And youre nothing like I thought youd be. Are you sure
youre gay?
Craig chuckled at that. No taste, huh?
Not even a little.
When I rodeoed, I lived out of a suitcase. I never
imagined being confined in one space.
Steven couldnt help himself. He made a mental note of
what would work in the L-shaped living area now accented
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with an antiquated brick fireplace along the end wall. If I

owned this place Id redo the fireplace with Travertine tile and
tear out that wall to open the space up to the kitchen. Are you
sure you can afford to pay me a thousand dollars a day?
Craig chuckled again, a little more heartily, which relieved
Steven. He hadnt pissed the cowboy off.
If youre worried I wont get my moneys worth, jot
down your decorating ideas. Maybe I can incorporate them
when Im not too busy hunting demons.
Well, that was pissy.
Sorry, I didnt mean to be. Im just not into aesthetics.
And Im not worried about giving you your moneys
worth.
Craigs Adams apple bobbed in his throat as he
swallowed. It gave Steven a modicum of satisfaction to have
rattled the big guy. Instead of making a reply, Craig took off.
A few moments later he called out from the hallway.
Steven followed the length of hall to find Craig with
sweatpants dangling from his hand. Craig had changed into
some the same color. Your room is there. The bathroom is to
your right.
As Steven reached for the garment, the doorbell rang and
Craig stepped closer. He was such a big man, he towered over
Stevens five-ten. With a body like his, Craig would be in high
demand as an escort, not that hed ever sink so low. And once
again, Steven was reminded that he didnt stand a chance with
this cowboy. Still and all, why not do his utmost to make the
handsome hunk regret saying goodbye when the time came?
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The time would comeSteven didnt doubt it.

When Steven eventually came back into the living room,
five men had taken seat around the room. He had a choice; he
could either stand or sit next to Craig on the loveseat. He
perched on the edge while everyone stared. No way would he
stand so they could deliberate on how his pants were several
sizes too big. Or if his cock was sewn on straight.
Even sitting, he determined all of them were big like
Craig, as if being a demon hunter required physical stamina.
Another question for later. One of them was dressed like a
cowboy, too. What were the chances of meeting two cowboy
demon hunters in the big city? Or in this case, in the suburbs
of the big city.
Once Steven entered the room it got quiet, and as soon as
he took the seat next to Craig, the other cowboy stood, but not
before shooting an angry look in Stevens direction. What was
that about?
Washington called me in to see whats happening here,
the man said. From this point forward, I want everyone to
answer to Craig. And Craig will answer to me.
Craig huffed. Now just a minute
No arguments. I dont have time to deal with a drama
queen.
All eyes flashed to Craig as if they expected fireworks.
When none happened, the mood in the room relaxed. Steven
took an instant dislike to the bastard.
So tell us what happened at the hospital today and leave
nothing out.
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First of all, Steven here communicates with me

telepathically. He says hes never experienced it before, but he
does it like a pro. Craig blushed and shot a direct stare at
Steven. Sorry. I meant no disrespect.
None taken.
He has extrasensory and telepathic abilities. When hes
dreaming he acts out or lives his dreams with the one hes
dreaming about. He has no idea hes doing it, or at least he
didnt until I wrecked my car on the way home from the
hospital when he
The jerk who hadnt bothered to even introduce himself,
glowered at Steven. We get the picture. When the man
turned his attention to Craig, the sexual heat in his gaze was
unmistakablethey had history. Concentrate on what
happened with the demon.
Id gone into the bathroom to relieve myself and when I
came out the demon had entered the hospital room and stood
between me and Steven. I moved along the wall until I
believed I could keep the demon off Steven or at least give
him room to escape. I never dreamed Id have a chance to be
successful.
How many seconds did you have your weapon trained on
him?
The beam of light was a weapon? Only then did Steven
notice all of them wore the same peculiar rings. Strange kind
of weapon. What made them work? More questions for later.
I counted to twenty-nine.
Holy shit, one of the other men said.
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Are you sure?

Positive. I didnt think Id make it when Steven came up
behind me and touched my shoulder. With his touch, the pain
lessened and I was able to count with a clear mind. I couldve
gone as long as it took.
Thats a bold statement, another of men said.
The man in charge growled. If Craig says itI believe it.
Hes not given to exaggeration. At the end, was he surrounded
by chains of fire?
Just like the textbook says. The first time I had the
privilege of sending a demon back to Tartarus was nothing
like this. That time it happened so fast I didnt see anything
but a flash of light. This time it was just like the case recorded
in New York.
That one only lasted twenty-five seconds, so you appear
to have the record for what its worth.
Itll be worth more if we can discover what happened to
help me resist the pain and keep my aim true. I figure the
additional power came from Steven since I was at my end of
my days when he touched my shoulder. Thats what changed
everything.

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CHAPTER 6
An hour later, they were no closer to a solution, but at least
his friends were more accepting of Steven. Theyd all
introduced themselves and stopping acting like shitsexcept
for Paul, Craigs ex. No way would he warm up to anyone
whod had Craigs cock in his mouth. Even if it was only a
psychic connection at this point, Paul wouldnt like it.
Besides, the end results were real enough.
Im setting up a command center here, Paul told the
group and shot Craig a defiant stare as if daring him to say no.
If thats okay with Craig.
No, it definitely wasnt okay. He knew Paul well enough to
know what could behind the requestjealousy. Paul could see
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as many men as he wanted, but he didnt want Craig to do the

same. Fine. You can sleep in the den. And Craig meant it.
No way would he allow Paul back into his bed.
Well all meet back here first thing in the morning and
see if we can come a little closer to discovering why the
interest in Steven Richter. What is there in his profile that
makes him a target?
Steven winced at being referred to a target and Craig
didnt blame him. Paul didnt have a lot of finesse. And dont
forget to bring Steven some clothes in the morning, Sam. And
thanks for offering. Lets do our best to make this easier on
him. I figure I owe him my life after today.
Stevens frown transformed into a smile so radiant it hurt
to look at him. When Craigs cock sprang to attention, he tried
to hide it. While Steven wasnt Craigs type, he didnt deny
the attraction. He couldnt deny it. The evidence was there for
all to see.
::Is that for me?::
For a second, Craig thought Steven sent the telepathic
message. But when Paul plopped onto the arm of the couch,
rubbing against Craigs arm, he knew it had been Paul. And he
hated having his ex inside his brain. It had taken far too long
to get him out of his heart.
::Never again.::
As the guys filed out the door, Paul stayed seated on the
arm of the couch. When the last man was out, with the door
shut behind him, Paul almost fell on top of Craig. He initiated
a kiss that was way too hard and personal. Ive missed you.
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Craig pushed him off. Did you forget Steven?

Paul leaned back to kiss him again. I think he should go
to bed and give us some alone time. And thats where we
should bein bed, together.
The rapid shift of weight on the loveseat told Craig that
Steven had jumped up to leave. Damn, Paul.
Id rather sleep with a demon.
You already have.
*

Steven let the hot stinging spray of the shower hit him on
the back as he leaned against the rear wall of the shower. His
cock pained him as he rubbed soap over the length it. The
angry looking incisions made him wonder what Craig would
think when he got a good look.
Mind if I join you?
The words startled him. Craig.
Steven glanced over his shoulder as the big guy came into
the shower. He hadnt expected this. Nor did he anticipate the
immense condom-covered cock in Craigs hand. It hadnt been
that big in his dreams. I thought you said blow jobs?
If you object
No. Steven dropped the soap and leaned forward until
the wall stopped him. He spread his ass cheeks and waited.
Craigs big cockhead pressed against his pucker, stretching
him. One hand took hold of Stevens right hip. Such large
hands. Craigs cock pushed into him halfway, then, when
Craig took hold of his left hip, it penetrated him fully, going
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deep. The big guy pumped in and out of him, slowly at first
and then picking up speed. The pleasure took Steven faster
than normal, almost as though he was experiencing Craigs
enjoyment with his own.
Steven placed one hand on the wall and, with the other,
cautiously feathered his fingers over his damaged goods. The
harsh sound of their breathing, combined with the little grunts
Craig gave, were magnified in the enclosed space.
So good.
Steven couldnt recall fucking ever feeling this good. He
closed his eyes and hot tears ran down his cheeks. He didnt
know whybecause his hero was fucking him? Every second
became better than the last.
Steven watched his cock swell. The angry-looking scars
didnt hurt, but he still only touched it lightly.
Craigs long fingers splayed over Stevens abdomen,
kneaded him as he fucked harder. Steven covered Craigs left
hand with his own, threading his smaller fingers between
Craigs. The act was almost more intimate than the cock in his
ass. Craig balled his fist, capturing Stevens fingers in the vise
of his strong grip.
This is fucking amazing, Craig rasped, giving Steven a
zing of pleasure with the exhilarating words.
Each thrust took him a little closer to ejaculating, but it
also made him more emotional. This was too good to be just a
quickie in the shower. Too beautiful to mean so little. Or was
it his imagination?
The need to fuck his hand while Craig fucked his ass
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became something he couldnt deny even though he wanted to

make this last. However, when he attempted to hold it, his
member was still sore to touch. He couldnt do it. Despite that,
white hot pleasure coursed through him, making his sphincter
tighten and his balls tuck.
Im coming. Craig didnt bother to keep his voice down.
His grunts as he shot his load into the condom grew louder. It
sent Steven over the edge, and he shot a short ribbon of cum
onto the shower wall. The act almost brought more tears to his
eyes. It really did work. The doctors had been wrong.
Without another word, Craig pulled out of Stevens ass
and turned his backside to him. Steven looked over his
shoulder, but could see little. The movement indicated Craig
was ridding himself of the condom. When he left the shower
without speaking, Steven wanted to cry. And then he got mad.
Craig was a total top, the kind of dominant jerk Steven always
fell hard for.
*

Did you enjoy yourself?

In the process of pulling on his tightie-whities, Craig
hoped Paul wouldnt have the balls to come all the way into
his bedroom uninvited. More than you can imagine.
I can imagine a lot. And you were leaking in there. I
could tell exactly what you were experiencing. Wrapped in a
robe, Paul leaned back against the door and crossed one leg
over the other. His auburn hair, wet from the shower,
feathered about his handsome face. He had a marvelous body,
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and he knew it. Then again, Stevens muscular litheness was

very appealing.
Craig didnt need this. Then why ask if I enjoyed myself
if you already know the answer.
Its better when youre in love. You know that.
In this case, its questionable. I dont understand how, but
Steven pushes buttons I didnt even know I had. He brings the
mother lode. And it has nothing to do with love.
How could it? Hes not worthy of someone like you.
This had been coming a long time. Craig had never
confronted Paul about his evident feelings of entitlement.
What I do with my personal life is none of your business
anymore. Where do you come off saying Steven isnt worthy?
Answer me truthfully, who am I to hold anything against a
man who stood by my side in front of a demon? That act alone
changes everything. In my eyes it absolves him of any prior
acts. Any.
Fuck if it does.
You have no say in my life anymore.
Paul crossed the room and dropped his robe. Craigs gaze
was drawn to his cock. Hed spent a great deal of his past
getting to know every inch of it, and Craig missed it like an
old friend. At this point, he could only go with his gut. Put
the damned robe back on. Im not interested. Honestly.
Paul smiled and shook his head. He clearly didnt believe
Craig.
Ill go sleep with Steven tonight if it will convince you to
back off, Craig said.
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Pauls smile faded. Hes a fucking whore whos done

nothing with his life. Youd choose him over me?
Did you forget how we got started? Our unique
experience that qualified us to become demon hunters? Paul
hated to be reminded hed been fucked by a demon.
I havent forgotten anything. Ive been doing this a hell of
a lot longer than you. And look at me now. Several million in
the bank, two homes, and no one tells me what to do.
That was the problem with Paul. Everything was about
possessions. They were as different as night and day. The
excessive amount of money Craig earned went into the bank.
He didnt feel the need for showy houses and expensive cars.
He was done with thiswith Paul. Craig brushed by him on
the way out of the room.
*

This telepathic shit was spooky. Steven reclined on his

pillow with his hands behind his head. The boneless sensation
following one of best orgasms in his miserable life was fading.
Not because the orgasm was so great, but because hed had
one at all Hed had an orgasm when his cock had almost
been severed from its nest.
Phrases and entire sentences came into his brain as Craig
argued with his friend Paul.
Steven pushes buttons I didnt even know I had.
Hes not worthy of someone like you
Hes a fucking whore, whos done nothing with his life.
Steven put his hands on both sides of his head to ward off
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the words that validated what he knew to be true. Why did it

matter?
When the door opened and Craig entered in his tight white
briefs, it startled Steven. Why had he left his lover to come
spend time with a whore whod done nothing with his life?
::This is a new day. You can do anything, be anyone you
want to be. The past is over.::
Craig had no idea Steven had heard his thought. Or did he?
Could Steven communicate back? He focused his energy,
much as he had when hed stood with his hand on Craigs
shoulder to help ward off the shards of pain hitting him. ::I
want you.::
A flash of surprise crossed Craigs face. He reached down
to the juncture of his legs where his cock had grown hard as
evidenced by the bulge. I want you, too.
The words shot through Steven, making him stiff again.
Four simple words, but from this mans mouth they had power
and gave him hope. His first mental response was to shy away
from the vulnerability it perpetrated.
::Trust me.::
The relief brought him to tears. He so wanted to trust, to
have a person in his life he could count onforever. But it
wasnt possible. Not for him. Ive never trusted anyone
before.
Craig gave a nod. It isnt easy, but it can be done. And it
feels damned good. Now let me fuck you.
Fucking was something Steven understood and did well.
But even that he questioned at the moment. When Craig
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joined him on the bed and nudged him onto his side, Steven
didnt hesitate physically, but his mind worried. Craig brushed
a hand over Stevens thigh with infinite patience for a man
with a hard log between his legs. Maybe he wasnt a total top
after all.
You have skin like a woman. Soft.
Youve been with a lot of women?
A few.
Huh.
You?
Ive never been undecided.
Craig rained kisses over his back. His lips were soft and
pliant and the idea of kissing him backno! He didnt dare.
He never kissed a client and never would, not until he gave his
heart.
As if hed read his mind, Craig urged him to turn. Once
face to face, looking into the cowboys incredible dark blue
eyes, Stevens determination wavered. But just as hed said
earlier, hed never been undecided. And once Steven had fixed
his mind, it stayed so.
When Craig drew close to kiss him, Steven turned his
head.
Okay.
Craig drew up and reached for a drawer in the table next to
the bed. The rustling of foil told what hed been after. Steven
pulled up to watch Craig sheath his long, hard cock and lube
it, anticipating where hed soon put it. His pucker clenched
and his own cock twitched.
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Draw your legs up.

Steven did as he was told. He stretched out on his back and
pulled his legs up tight to his chest with his ass in the air. He
spread his cheeks still farther and watched while Craig moved
closer to position his legs on both sides of Steven.
Move your balls.
Steven eased them up out of the way with one hand and
took a gentle hold of his cock with the other. Craig rolled his
cockhead in a circular motion over Stevens pucker, before he
penetrated.
Without hesitation, he plunged all the way in to the hilt.
Much like their first time in the shower, the intense
pleasure made Steven emotional. This time it was far worse
since the sight of the cowboys hard muscular body upped the
stakes. His heated eyes made Stevens heart lurch.
In the past, sex had never been emotional, so this confused
him. He closed his eyes in an attempt to gain control, and
concentrated on the bliss taking him higher with each thrust of
Craigs magic prick.
Knowing Craig could see his face worried him. Steven
didnt want to show what this meant to him for fear Craig
would stop and never touch him again. And he never wanted
this to stop. Never.
The sound of Craigs breath rasping grew louder, and he
fucked harder. Steven wanted to ask him to slow down, make
it last longer, but he couldnt find his voice. Couldnt think, as
the delight soared into unfamiliar territory. His heart began to
pound in his chest. His own husky breathing matched Craigs.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

The musky smells and the sound of skin smacking skin

ratcheted up the intense edge of pleasure until it became like a
freight train roaring toward him, filling himconsuming him.
Steven balls tucked so tight against his body he didnt have
to hold the boys out of the way. He open his eyes and stared
into Craigs heated gaze. A second later, he regretted it when
he lost another piece of his controla big fucking piece. The
word love slashed into his mind.
Love? Fat chance.
Cum with me. Light my fire.
Although it probably wasnt necessary, Steven gave a
couple of soft jerks to his swollen cock while Craigs eyes
darkened. On the third jerk a long, very long ribbon of cum
spurted out onto his chest and Craig gave a loud grunt before
burying his log to the hilt. He bucked hard and groaned, which
produce a second load of cream from Steven and then a third.

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CHAPTER 7
Steven hated being back at his apartment. He despised
seeing the eviction notice nailed to the door under the
crisscrossed police tape. And after Craig moved the tape and
opened the door, he detested walking inside. Each step jarred
him. The stench of blood and other noxious substances
permeated the air. Even though theyd come from his own
body or maybe because they did, Steven nearly lost the lunch
Craig had prepared for him.
And he especially didnt like being thrust into this
nightmare with Paul, who watched Stevens every move with
suspicion. Theres nothing in this miserable hovel a demon
would want. This is a waste of time. Paul kicked aside a
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piece of the tape.

Craig shot an angry look at his ex, which buoyed Stevens
spirits a little. I thought maybe something would trigger a
memory.
Steven didnt want to remember this. He walked to the
center of the small space and turned in a circle to examine
what had been his home. His clothes hung in the open closet,
his clock next to bed flashed, showing the electricity had been
off. Except for the smell and blood, everything was neat and in
place. Theres nothing.
This had been his lifeit wasnt nothing. Or was it? He
walked to closet and pulled his suitcase down from the top
shelf. And then a second later, he second guessed what Craig
expected from him. How long would he allow Steven to stay
with him?
I dont know what to do. I dont have much, but what
should I do?
Craig joined him in front of the closet. Well settle with
your landlord. You dont need to worry about your shit. Itll
be here when this is finished. Pack what you need. Paul and I
will wait in the car.
Paul made a crude sound. The Buzz Club is next. Maybe
well run into the acquaintance who introduced you to your
attacker. Then again, pretty-boy here is more than likely
acquainted with most of the men there. Itll be like finding a
needle in a haystack.
Ive had enough of you. Steven threw his suitcase to the
floor at his feet. His temper flared out of control. He didnt
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care if he ended up in the hospital again; he was done being

abused mentally by this jerk. It was worse than a beating.
Let him talk. Craig placed a hand of Stevens arm as if
to restrain him. The words disappointed Steven more than he
cared to admit to himself.
Every time he takes a jab at you, hes showing his dimwitted jealousy, Craig continued. Otherwise, he wouldnt
have an opinion one way or the other. You have him rattled.
Paul stormed out.
Ill wait in the car, too. Craig left him alone.
Steven rushed to pack his clothes and tried not over-think
his future.
It comforted Steven all the way to the club that Craig had
stood up for him against his ex. But before they even walked
inside, Paul began to make digs at him again. Steven tried to
ignore him, since Craig did.
Only whores and fucking sleazeballs would frequent a
place like this, Paul said once they were inside the large club,
almost filled to capacity with gay men.
That shows what you know. This club is members only,
and the fee is high, Steven said. Just a glance at the men
closest to them told he hadnt lied. GQ. Totally.
I dont give a fuck. Youre still a whore.
Craig caught him under the chin with his fist, literally
lifting him off his feet. Steven didnt see it coming and neither
did Paul. Paul hit the wooden floor with a loud thud.
The sound level in the club at first lessened and then
escalated as the onlookers responded to the fight. Steven
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LIGHT MY FIRE

expected to see blood, but Paul sat up rubbing his chin.

And then Paul smiled at Craig. Ill take that for your final
answer.
Seems you always have someone fighting over you or
with you. All I wanted was a kiss.
Steven looked away from Paul to see the man whod
spoken standing nearby. He remembered him. What was it?
Why the sudden demand for kissing from everyone all of a
sudden?
Craig glared at the intruder, which gave Steven a perverse
thrill. Could the cowboy cop be jealous?
I told you so, Paul said as he pushed up from the floor
and swiped at his slacks.
Demon, Craig whispered the word so low, Steven wasnt
certain hed heard.
A closer look showed the truth of Craigs words. The man
whod spoken had eyes like the one whod attacked him, the
same dead-cold malevolence. Steven turned away before his
face showed recognition. What should I do? he asked Craig
and tried not to panic.
Lets take this outside before someone besides one of us
gets hurt, said Craig and he headed the way theyd come.
Steven stayed close and resisted the urge to glance back.
They were almost to the door when it opened and a tall man
entered.
Fuck, Paul said under his breath. No way in hell.
Dont be so damned literal. Craig stopped so fast, Steven
almost collided with him. Were in for some serious shit.
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Steven didnt need to be told they were facing another

demon. The creature stared at Steven, just like the other one.
And then he screamed, his face distorted. Another scream
came from to the rear of them. A second later a figure streaked
from behind and toward the second demon whod just entered
the building.
Everything was happening too fast.
Demon attack! Get out! Run for your lives! Steven
didnt know he could scream so loud. Everyone panicked and
shouts filled the room.
The demons didnt seem to care as they circled each other
like two fierce velociraptors. They snarled and snapped at
each other with long pointy teeth. A flash of light hit one and
then the other. The demons stopped attacking one another and
writhed. Both Craig and Paul were shooting rays of light from
the strange rings they wore. Pauls beam faltered when
someone fleeing crossed in front of them. The demon grabbed
the woman and used her as a shield.
One. Two. Three, Craig counted as he had in the
hospital.
Needlelike shards of energy pelted Steven, stinging his
skin through his clothing. He moved closer to Craig and
placed his hand on Craigs shoulder. He concentrated with all
his might on giving the cowboy his energy. The demon under
Craigs beam began to scream even louder. Just like before,
the demons grew larger while they continued to change out of
human form, but the one Craig fought was faltering.
Paul moaned. I cant get a good shot. The demon
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LIGHT MY FIRE

grinned as he held the woman and sent waves of black

particles toward Paul. I dont know how much more of this I
can take.
Paul was close enough Steven only needed to stretch to
reach him. Did he dare try? He had to Steve connected with
Pauls extended arm and gripped it tight. Paul trembled
beneath his touch, but didnt shy away. This time Steven could
feel the energy as it flowed through his fingertips and into
Paul.
A piercing scream ripped from Craigs demon as chains of
fire coiled around his eyes and then with whip-like speed they
spread around his entire body. With a burst of flames, the
demon disappeared.
Im going to try to get behind him. Craig pulled out of
the range of Stevens touch.
Im going with you, Steven said, releasing Paul.
Craig moved fast, and Steven stayed close. The demon
tracked them, and the air was now thick with the black smokelike particles pelting them like piercing needles. Steven
reached for Craig as the beam from his weapon caught the
demon in the forehead. Chains of fire swirled around him until
he dropped the woman. With two beams of light connecting,
he burst into flames.
Steven looked back to Paul to discover him sitting on the
floor with his head down. Craig walked back and reached out
for him. Are you all right?
Paul raised his face to Steven. He was getting stronger
until you touched me. How? What was that?
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LIGHT MY FIRE

We need to bottle it, Craig said. Steven is our secret

weapon.
Steven was a secret weapon? He finally had value? The
words gave Steven an unfamiliar feelingpride. Hed done
something right.
They were after him. Paul grabbed onto Craigs hand.
We need to find out why and make sure they dont get him.

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LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 8
Tell me about the rings you guys wear. Steven sat down
next to Craig on the loveseat, knowing full well Paul wouldnt
like it if he came out of the den to find them sitting next to
each other.
Craig stretched back and linked his strong hands behind
his head, his left elbow almost touching Steven. The muscles
in his arms bulged, and the clean smell of him filled Stevens
head and caused his cock to stiffen. Craigs smile, bright white
against the stubble of a five-oclock shadow, lit a flame of
desire in Stevens groin.
And the doctors wondered if hed be a normal man again.
Craig was the cure for what ailed himStevens medical
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LIGHT MY FIRE

miracle.
The rings are said to be made from stones from a holy
object or maybe objects. The powers-that-be havent seen fit
to reveal the details to us. We dont know what the object is or
where it came from, just that its our only defense so far. Our
department has eight rings. The communities that have been
the hardest hit have priority since the rings are in high demand
and short supply. Its a federal offense to carry one without a
badge.
But they havent always worked?
No, weve never had this kind of success. And we need to
find out why.
Steven had a crazy idea. All of the demons Ive come in
contact with have wanted to kiss me.
Craig gave Steven a pensive stare. Id be willing to bet
this isnt about a kiss, or even the act of kissing. Maybe its
about your personal resolve. I read in your mind that youve
made a vow not to kiss anyone except the man you give your
heart to. Maybe the demons could care less about kissing you,
but they want you to break your vow.
That made more sense than wanting to kiss him. So my
personal decision could have been anything then.
Maybe. Each person has his or her own resolvemine is
to never fall in love again. Not while the world is in this state
and I need to focus my energy on making a difference.
All of a sudden, kissing or not kissing didnt seem so
important. So if I kissed you right now, then theyd stop
targeting me?
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LIGHT MY FIRE

No one could accuse you of being stupid. Are you sure

you want to give it up to me so easily?
To keep from coming face to face with another one of
those evil fucks? You better believe it.
Craig unlinked his hands and reached out to Steven. The
rush the small gesture created was off the charts. Craig caught
him behind the neck and drew him near, but it was clear
Steven needed to close the distance if he wanted this to
happen. He hesitated while he stared at Craigs full, parted
lips. The warmth of his breath enticed Steven to draw nearer
and close his eyes. They breathed each other in.
Steven licked his lips before initiating contact. Once they
touched, Craig moved over Stevens lips with finesse borne of
experience. When Craig deepened the contact by running his
tongue over the inside of Stevens upper lip, Steven
shuddered. Sensation bombarded him from every direction.
Craig tasted of beer and sweetness, his smell was slightly
musky with a hint of spring-fresh soap, and his stubbled chin
rubbed over Stevens just-shaven, sensitive skin. Craig leaned
back, pulling Steven on top of him. Craigs hard arousal
rubbed against his own as they pressed against one another.
No regrets. This was well worth it.
They continued to hump each other, kissing like two
teenagers, and Steven didnt want it to end. As if Craig knew
exactly what Steven needed, he didnt press for more, even as
the handsome cowboys breathing became labored.
Stevens balls tightened as his own breath rasped into
Craigs mouth. It made him light-headed, almost giddy. An
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LIGHT MY FIRE

orgasm slammed into him. Im coming.

In the next instant, Craig was ripped from underneath him,
while Steven sailed through the air, hitting the coffee table
with a resounding crash. The gargoyle statue decorating it
landed beside him, missing his head by a scant inch.
Human vermin. Your death will be slow and painful.
A demon, almost dragon-like in appearance, dangled Craig
by a single arm and shook him like a rag doll, but his words
were directed to Steven.
Human vermin. How foolish to have believed he had
value.
This wasnt just any demon, but the one whod almost
killed him. Steven had no idea what to dohow to fight. The
demon began to shred Craigs clothes, slicing into skin and
making ragged bloody cuts while Craig tried to fight. The arm
the dragon held Craig by was the one with the ring. His only
weaponthe ringwas locked in the demons grip.
Paul! Steven screamed for Craigs friend. Dont do
this! he shouted at the demon.
Craig punched with his free arm and kicked, but it did
nothing. Get Paul.
Dont bother, Ive already seen to the other one. The
demon tossed Craig aside. His head cracked back against the
hard wall and he collapsed in a heap.
You killed him.
Give me what I want and save your friend. Subject
yourself to me. Worship me with your lips and Ill have your
soul. Youll be with me, inside me forever.
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LIGHT MY FIRE

I cant. Ive already broken my vow.

Because of you, these weak humans have gained power.
Your ability to resist us has given you authority, but now I
have what you want more than your own life.
The demon walked to where Craig lay, and racked his
claws along his back, laying him open.
Where was Paul? Why didnt he come?
The demon lifted his head, his grotesque nostrils flaring.
His soul is still snug in place for now. Youre the one in
danger here. Remember what happened last time?
The demon ambled back toward Steven. His large
hindquarters reminded Steven of a prehistoric monster. The
evil motherfucker stopped to pick up the gargoyle statue and
waved it front of him. This is my talisman now. Ill fuck you
with it.
Steven had to fight. The statue with its jagged edges would
rip his insides to shreds. Just tell me what you want.
The same as before. I want your soul, and the ones youve
collected.
What the fuck did that mean. Collected souls? Take me
and leave him alone. Ill do whatever you say.
You think he would be your soul mate if he didnt believe
you were beneath him. Youre a whore. Youll do my bidding,
give me what I need, then die. Flames shot out of the
demons clawed fingertips and licked the sofa into fire.
Behind the demon, Craig struggled to sit. He pulled the
ring off of his finger and threw it at Steven. Panic
overwhelmed Steven when he didnt catch it. The demon
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LIGHT MY FIRE

roared toward him.

Steven dropped to the floor, searching for the ring.
Claws ripped his back open.
Pain seared through Steven. White hot pain almost
rendered him unconscious, yet he struggled through to find the
weapon.
There!
Stevens head was jerked back by the hair the second his
hand closed over the ring. His scalp ripped as the demon
jerked him to his feet.
His index finger sank into the circumference of the ring
and he twisted to face his tormentor. A beam shot from the
stone. A scream pierced the air, and Steven was free.
Appendages flailing, the monster took a step back and
Steven focused his energy much as he had before. This time,
with the ring fully seated, the light burned brighter. The
demon cowered and screamed. Chains of fire crept around him
like coiling snakes.
Flames from the sofa began to spread along the floor and
up the wall to Stevens right. He needed to get to Craig.
One.
Two.
The demon disappeared in a blaze.
Steven ran to Craig as the front door flew open. Some of
the men Steven had met in Craigs living room earlier rushed
inside.
Two grabbed Craig, so bloody
Wheres Paul?
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Steven couldnt think. In the den. I think.

Get out of here.
Steven was led out of the house just as an ambulance
screamed down the street in their direction. Help had come for
Craig. Tears stung Stevens eyes.
One of the demon hunters wrapped his arm around
Stevens waist, which almost made him burst into tears. You
need stitches. Ill take you to hospital. Let Paul and Craig go
in the bus.
Paul.
What had happened to Paul?
Steven turned to see Craigs ex coming toward them on the
arms of two of the demon hunters. Is Craig alive? Paul
asked.
Of course his first thought would be for Craig. Steven
understood that well.
He was banged up pretty good, but hell make it, the
man with his arm around Steven said.
Paul gave Steven a look of pure hatred. This time What
about next? Its just a matter of time until you get him killed.

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LIGHT MY FIRE

CHAPTER 9
In the ballroom of one of nicest hotels in downtown
Manhattan, the mayor of New York City tapped on the
microphone to get peoples attention. Because of Special
Agent Steven Richters tireless pursuit of evil here in the
greatest city on earth, we can now say weve won the fight.
We honor him for the contribution hes made with a key to the
city.
The mayor paused when the applause began to drown out
his voice. Steven had never been more valuedand less
happyin his life. The wounds his heart suffered were far
greater than any physical injuries hed endured over the past
year in dozens of confrontations with demons.
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With each passing day, the loneliness had increased tenfold, even as his power grew. He finally understood what
made him special. Hed collected the souls of the innocent
killed by demons. He didnt want them, but for whatever
reason they were part of him. And they did make him a
powerful adversary in the war against evil.
He might even take solace in his accomplishments if not
for a certain Chicago cowboy demon hunter. Stevens dreams
kept him connected with Craig, even though theyd had no
real contact in over a year.
The words and the applause continued until Steven thought
hed scream. He was dead insidecouldnt they see?
L.A. will be happy to have his help, but well hate to see
him go. Now lets toast to Special Agent Richter, and a return
to normalcy. The mayor raised his glass and more ovations
followed.
City of the angelsnot anymore. Steven would have his
work cut out for him.
Lips touched his cock.
No way. He was fully dressed, and sitting at a table on a
podium in front of a crowd of two thousand. The lips kissed
him tenderly as a hand feathered along the length of his now
stiff log. The floor-length white linens would hide his lower
half, but his face had to be comical.
He searched the crowd
Only one man had this power or over him. Could it be
Craig?
An invisible mouth surrounded him, sucking him inside
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LIGHT MY FIRE

the delicious warmth. Sucking. Nibbling. Incredible.

Especially for a man who hadnt had an orgasm since hed left
Chicago over a year earlier.
He gripped the sides of the table as the mouth sucked
harder.
Are you okay? asked the city official sitting next to him.
His superior officer on the other side leaned near. Whats
going on? Demon?
No demons.
Good. You had me worried for a second. Well, would you
look at that? Theres your new partner.
Steven looked to where Special Agent Cadiz pointed.
Craig.
When their eyes met, the mouth on Stevens cock
disappeared.
Craig started toward him as the mayor stopped speaking
and took his seat at the table. People were all around him, but
he could only see Craig. His black hat, the western cut jacket,
his faded blue jeans and leather western bootsall of it made
Steven so excited he jumped to his feet, sending his chair to
crash behind him. Steven drank him in.
The reception in his honor had just begun, but all Steven
could think of was his room upstairs and Craignaked. Then
in the next instant, he forced the urge to still. He didnt dare do
that again. Another emotional round with Craig Faulk would
kill him.
The staff started serving food, so attention was focused
elsewhere, and not on Steven, who stood at the table, torn
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between tears and elation. By any chance is my new partner

Craig Faulk?
You know him?
I know him. And no way is he my new partner. Im not
into masochism. Steven tossed his napkin onto his plate and
headed to meet his past. He cut Craig off before he reached
their table and made this worse.
Steven jerked Craig to the back wall, grateful he didnt
resist. I already told the CCDC, I dont need or want a
partner. The Command Center for Demon Control should
have cleared this decision with Steven first.
If you put up a big enough fuss, I have no doubt youll
get your way and Ill be reassigned. But Ill follow you
anyway, with or without a job. Im miserable without you.
Those were not the words hed expected from the big
cowboy. If he took his hat off
Craig swooped his hat from his now shaggy brown locks
and clutched it to his chest. I want you. Forever.
Forever? Impossible.
You know Im a man of my word. Search your heart.
Yeah right! Thanks to you, theres no blood left in my
brain. Its not working.
The cowboys eyes crinkled at the corners and his dimples
made a command performance. Steven didnt have a chance.
He couldnt resist.
Not now.
Not ever.
I can do something about that. Craig pulled him to the
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LIGHT MY FIRE

left toward a door. I cased the joint. Craig opened the door
and pulled Steven into the darkness.
After a click, the lights came on.
A supply closet?
I didnt bring you here to talk, Craig said and pulled
Steven against his hard length.
Craig kissed him. When his full lips touched Stevens, his
entire body flushed with heat. This kiss nearly brought him to
his knees.
Its obvious you can read my mind, so Craig dropped
to his knees in front of Steven and fumbled with Stevens
zipper. Steven helped him. And in the next moment, Craig
kissed his swelling cock as he held it gingerly with only two
fingers.
Craigs gentleness only made this role-reversal more
poignant. Emotional train-wreck Steven had control, while the
total-top cowboy was on his knees.
When Craig began to lick, Steven threaded his hands in his
soft hair and sighed. What did he have to lose?
Nothing. Life without his cowboy wasnt worth living. He
was what he was today because of Craig. He owed him
everything.
Steven had everything to gain, if he trusted his heart and
this handsome man.
Craig took him in his mouth. The warm wet heat over his
sensitive cock head ignited a fire inside him.
Fuck.
He cradled the cowboys head between his hands and
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LIGHT MY FIRE

watched as Craig bobbed up and down. Steven had already

been almost there with the kiss. Craig swallowed, then pulled
back. When he did it a second time, Stevens balls tucked into
firing position. He exploded cum into Craigs mouth.
A years worth kept him spurting. And Craig didnt ease
up until Steven had given him everything he had. Craig gave
Steven a loving pat before he stood. Can you think better
now?
Paul said Id get you killed.
Everyone has to go sometime. But its what you do with
the time you have that counts in the end. The only one who
can light my fire is you. I love you.
His cowboy loved him? Ive loved you from the moment
you saved me.
Craig smiled again, his dimples socking Steven in the gut.
So, baby, light my fire.

67

LEE AVALONE

Paranormal author Lee Avalone is new to gay erotica, but not

to writing best-selling stories. Lees otherworldly stories
promise sizzle with a twist of the unusual and heroes ranging
from demon hunters to vampires to ghosts. This is an exciting
to new journey and Lee hopes to make many new friends
along the way.
Feel free to contact Lee at Leeavalon@gmail.com.

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