Chapter 35

Dean awoke to the sound of grunts and moans, and he rolled over to stare at Sam. The noises he was making weren't quite right for a happy dream, so he poked him hard on the shoulder. Sam sat up sharply and looked around urgently. Dean gazed up at him. "You okay, Sammy?"

"Dean!" Sam's eyes were wide as he looked at Dean. "Dean. You're okay."

"Mostly," Dean said, giving him a dubious look. "Bad dream?"

"A doozy," Sam replied. He flopped back down on the bed.

"Clowns or midgets?"

Sam thumped his shoulder into Dean. It hurt more than Dean would have expected, but he kept the reaction inside. "Neither, I don't think," Sam growled. "I don't remember most of it, though."

"What do you remember?"

"Well, you were in some kind of trouble, duh," he said, and Dean rolled his eyes. "And . . . I think Andy was in it."

"Andy who?" Dean asked.

"Andy," Sam repeated with emphasis.

Dean blinked and rolled up on his elbow to stare at his brother. "You mean 'use the force, Luke' Andy?"

"That's the one."

"Dude, that's random," Dean said, relaxing onto his back again. "I haven't even thought of him in years."

Sam grimaced. "It's been a while for me, too," he said. He didn't specify how long, but Dean figured his brother had more reason to think about Andy than he did. They had a lot in common, but Andy was the one of Azazel's special children who would never have gone dark side, no matter what the demon had promised him.

"He was one cool guy," Dean said thoughtfully. "Even if he did steal my car."

"Yeah." Sam sounded pensive.

"What's wrong, Sasquatch?"

"I don't know. It was a weird dream."

"As long as there's no time loop involved, I'm not worried about it." He rolled over onto his stomach and grabbed at the pillow. "Go back to sleep, Sammy."

Sam didn't make any more noise, and Dean was tired enough that he drifted off quickly.

Felix woke up at just past nine on Thursday and checked in on the room he allowed Morgan to keep here. Things were neat and he hadn't left any of his trophies out on display. That was a practice that Felix did not understand. Taking and keeping the possessions of those he killed struck him as foolish and pointless. The police kept notes on such things, and what did a key chain or a bracelet do for Morgan anyway? It wasn't as if there was a relationship to commemorate.

Morgan was out dealing with his court appearance, and Felix hoped it would teach him a lesson. Sooner or later, he was going to have to give some thought to a replacement for Morgan. He was growing thoroughly tiresome.

After a luxurious shower, Felix dressed himself meticulously and headed downtown. He'd been neglecting business of late, though why he could not fathom. He also hadn't selected a Mr. November, but that could wait for the evening. How had the month slipped so far away from him?

He walked into the offices at Pritchard & Stowe, and Lizzie looked up with a smile. "Didn't think we were expecting you in this week, Mr. Haight, but it's good to see you."

"How is everything?" he asked.

"Glum," she said with a shrug. "Why people don't take your advice, I'll never know."

"I take it your portfolio remains healthy?" She nodded with a twinkle. "Any messages?"

"I've put them all on your desk," she replied. "And a box from Ireland."

"Thank you, Liz, I've been waiting for that," he said. He walked on past the reception desk into a sea of cubicles. Dozens of men and a few women giving out advice on the buying of stock to inexperienced idiots on the phones. He nodded at a few greetings from the boys who wanted to advance by making friends and kept going. His office was down the hall from cubicle hell.

He scanned through his messages for anything important, then pulled out a pen knife to open the box. Folding back rustling tissue paper, he pulled out a wool coat. It was dark blue with heathery inclusions, and he could tell just by touching it that it was exactly what he had asked for. Virgin wool. He'd be able to imbue this coat with the spells to ward off chill and wet, and to deter unwanted attention.

After hanging it on his coat rack, he sat down and got to work. His co-workers didn't understand how he got the results he did, but after watching history unfold for centuries, he had developed the ability to pick up on trends that other people – less experienced people – couldn't see. Furthermore, he was mature enough not to always go for the fast, risky payout. That was why Lizzie's investments were doing so well. She was content with healthy in this down market. The boys who were losing their shirts were the ones chasing after rainbows.

The day passed pleasantly enough, and he left the office at six, heading home. Tonight he would certainly have to make a push to select a Mr. November. With less than two weeks left to the month, he should get the matter dealt with. He didn't strictly need one per month, but he liked the symmetry of it.

He changed and set his glamour so that he would be prepared for the night. When all was ready, he went to the HotSpot. He hadn't been there for a while, so it would be good to cruise quietly for a man who would not be missed.

He paid his entrance fee without complaint, only turning his allure up a notch to guarantee getting in. Then he found himself a quiet spot on the side and started watching the men go by. A pretty little blond girl stopped by and asked for his order. He requested a whisky, neat, and she brought it to him a short while later. He winked at her, wondering why she seemed familiar to him.

The music seemed less than enjoyable, but he spotted a likely fellow swaying along to it alone. He stood apart from all the groups with the expression of an outsider looking in. Attractive as he was, he appeared to have an insecurity that led him to miss or overreact to overtures by strangers. Dark hair, pale eyes and a boyish face . . . a slim body that suggested athleticism of the lighter varieties. He'd have thought the boy a likely fencer a century ago.

After it became clear that he wasn't going to 'hook up' in the modern parlance, Felix targeted the boy with his glamour. It took several minutes, but he started looking around, searching for the source of the sense that he was being watched. When the boy had found him and stood staring, Felix rose and walked across the room. Other patrons moved out of the way before a subtle sort of obfuscation that this glamour threw on everyone but the target.

"Hello, I'm Leo," Felix said, and it occurred to him to wonder why he'd been thinking of himself as Felix. He dismissed the thought. There would be time to consider that later.

The boy gulped, his whole attention caught by Felix. "My name is Joey," he said.

"You look very lonely over here, all by yourself, Joey." Felix reached out and cupped the boy's cheek. "Can I buy you a drink?" With some men it took extra effort, others were so desperate for attention that it took nothing at all to slip past their defenses. Joey was one of those. Felix took him to the bar and suggested he order something. Joey shook his head uncertainly. "Then let me recommend a Midori sour," Felix said, and Joey shrugged. He seemed tongue-tied, but Felix was sure he could warm him up a bit.

They adjourned from the bar to a table over which Felix managed to get Joey to tell him a bit about himself. He was new in town, looking for work. His family was all on the West Coast, and they weren't in frequent contact. He was, in short, a perfect target. Few could be more perfect, in fact.

When he invited Joey to dance, it became painfully clear that the boy was attracted to him, so he suggested the next obvious move. To his surprise, Joey didn't immediately acquiesce to his invitation back to his place.

"I've got a little room just down the street," Joey said shyly.

"I've got a hot tub," Felix replied, and Joey's eyes widened. Felix took the boy's hands and kissed them. "Come along. I think you'll like it."

Inhibitions weakened by the alcohol, libido inflamed by the glamour, and possessed of the usual youthful conviction in his own immortality, Joey threw caution to the winds and walked out with Felix.

Dean seemed even more enthusiastic tonight, Sam thought. He'd pretty much let loose and was taking requests from the audience. Thus far, Sam had lucked out. No one had requested Bon Jovi at all. He doubted that would last, but he really hoped Dean would resist the lure if it was thrown out. His brother walked over to the bar and sat down. "Tea?" he asked hoarsely. Sam handed him a large, steaming mug. He nodded his thanks and took a ginger swallow.

"You're in a good mood tonight," Sam said.

"You know that feeling I've had of being watched?" Dean asked. Sam nodded. "Gone. Totally. Like it was never there."

"Good." Sam looked around. Cas had been hovering all evening. He didn't see the angel immediately, and he wondered if Cas's bad feeling had gone away. "Just remember what we talked about, okay?"

"It's been requested twice, Sammy," Dean said, his head jerking towards the stage and the little glass bowl Bill had put there. "I've done something else both times."

Sam was surprised. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Can't have my little brother freaking out on me, can I?" Dean said with an easy grin. "Makes me look bad."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Well, we need to get this case over with so we can move on."

"Dude, there are half a dozen cases just sitting here, waiting to be looked into," Dean said. "We've got a place, we've got paying jobs for once, we're sticking around here for a while. Capisce?"

"Dean, I don't like it," Sam replied. His own bad feeling hadn't lessened in the slightest. Something was going down. He didn't know what, but he knew there was trouble afoot.

"Like it or don't, that's the way it is, little brother," Dean said. He swallowed a soothing gulp of tea. "Gotta get back. Catch ya later."

Sam sighed and started wiping down the bar.

Felix poured them both glasses of wine and then he took Joey through the house and into his bedroom. Joey was chattering something about the house, but Felix paid his words little attention. He felt buoyed up by the cheer the young man projected.

Joey's words petered out when they reached the bedroom. Felix reached out and stroked through the young man's hair, so soft and fine. "Nothing to say now?" he asked softly.

Abruptly, Joey turned, cupped Felix's jaw and leaned in to give him a passionate kiss. Pleased, Felix reciprocated. Joey's hands stroked down his back to his buttocks and squeezed gently, then he began to undo Felix's belt. Entertained by Joey's eagerness, Felix continued to kiss while allowing himself to be undressed. How amusing for the boy who had been so shy at the club to become so aggressive in the bedroom. He unbuttoned Felix's shirt and dropped it away, then began to kiss down his chest. When moist warmth enclosed his pecker, he smiled and placed his hand on Joey's head.

It was a pleasant and unexpected interlude that left him weak-kneed and semi-sated. He pulled the young man to his feet and kissed him lingeringly, then walked over to the bed and set his glass down before lounging against the headboard. He gave the fully dressed Joey a look rich with expectation, and the young man flushed becomingly. After a moment, he began to disrobe slowly. He wasn't a professional, but there was more charm in his fumbling than in a smooth performance. When he was naked, he stood for a moment, staring at Felix, his pecker erect in its nest of dark curls.

Vibrant life exuded from the beautiful young man, and Felix drank it in greedily. He rose in a swift movement and crossed to his glittering mayfly. He caught the boy's hands and drew him towards the French doors onto the patio. Joey pressed himself against Felix, kissing his neck and back. Felix kissed his companion's fingers as he pressed the button that retracted the cover of the hot tub. His hands roved Joey's body while he waited for the cover to fully retract. Firm buttocks, muscled back, ever so slightly ticklish.

Felix opened the door and Joey shivered as the chill air struck his bare skin. There were ten feet of wood deck to cross to get to the steaming water. Felix glanced at his companion to see if he was game. His eyes were full of anticipation, and he started forward. Felix held him back and pointed at the soft shoes that lay ready by the side of the door. They both slipped a pair on and stepped out into the winter air.

This spot had been carefully contrived. It was not overlooked by any of the surrounding houses, but it had a lovely view across the garden. In centuries long past, the wealthy had kept vast, landscaped gardens that were designed to be enjoyed even in winter. Felix had done what he could to duplicate that effect with some success. Joey kicked off the shoes at the water's edge and stepped in, reaching back to offer his hand to Felix.

Not wishing to snub the boy, Felix took it, though he had no need of aid. Together, they settled in. There was something exceptionally decadent about a hot pool of water in the midst of the snow and ice, but there was nothing wrong with decadence.

Still drinking his wine, Joey began to hold forth on some subject. Felix simply enjoyed the presence of so much vitality. Joey's spirit was bright and fresh, and very sweet. He wrapped his arms around the young man and stroked his body while he talked.

Before their skin started to lose too many essential oils, wrinkling up grotesquely, he rose and pulled Joey up with him. Drawing on their slippers, they made the freezing crossing from the hot tub to the bedroom.

Once he'd closed the door, he pulled Joey into his arms and began to kiss him with the specific intent of rousing his libido to a fever pitch. It didn't take much effort. The young were so easily aroused. Before long, he was behind Joey, one hand teasing a nipple, the other cradling the young man's balls, his own pecker buried in Joey's body.

He felt it with both his outer and inner senses when Joey began to reach the point of orgasm. Energy cascaded into him as waves of pleasure made Joey tremble and buck. His own climax came a moment later, partially aided by the enormous energy he was absorbing from his partner.

When they were both done, Joey slipped onto his side. His eyes looked sleepy and satisfied. Felix drew him into his arms and gave him a tender kiss as he drew the last of the young man's energy out of him. Joey closed his eyes as if going to sleep, took one last breath, then went still in Felix's arms. Felix stayed with him for a moment, cradling the flesh that had once been a living man. Then he rose and went into his bathroom. He showered and dressed himself in ritual garments. Returning to the bedroom, he cleaned the body with care and respect. Then he hefted Joey onto his shoulder in what these days was called a fireman's carry. In his workroom he had a box that was roughly the size and shape of a large coffin. He carried Joey into the room and carefully placed him within that box. He took a handful salt mingled with myrrh from a large jar that sat on a nearby table and sprinkled the body with it. Closing the lid, he stepped back and silently thanked the boy for the gift he had given so willingly. Then he spoke the words of a spell that was more efficient than any crematorium yet created. It took some time, so he went back into his bedroom and remade the bed, then returned when the cremation was complete. When he opened the box, there was nothing left but the finest of ash.

Using magic, he gathered the ash into a vessel and took it out to the yard. Removing the snow and the top layer of soil from the ground around one of his rosebushes, he placed the ash there, then covered it again.

Finished and ready for a rest, he returned to his room and went to bed.