Ahead of the Game
Night Wolf
Chapter 17
As Pegasus began his descent, Jeff could see people rushing out of huts to greet him. Once he had landed, the crowd surrounded the tired teen, welcoming him back from his latest adventure. With a sheepish grin, Jeff worked his way through the crowd, receiving pats on the back as he walked among the cheering throngs. Upon reaching his mother and sister, Jeff hugged each of them in turn, receiving comfort from their answering embraces. Seeing how tired the young man was, Holly led her brother to her own hut, wanting him to rest before he found out about the letter that was waiting for him.
Wanting to be the one to break the bad news to her son, Patty Linden waited patiently at her son’s bedside, knowing he would sense her presence and awaken from his slumber. True to form, Jeff began stirring as he realized there was someone in the room with him
“Mom? What’s wrong? Are Sara and Holly okay?” he asked, seeing the worry on her still-youthful face.
“Sara and Holly are fine, it’s Michelle I wanted to talk to you about,” she told him, giving him the letter that was written in the girl’s handwriting. Quickly opening the envelope, Jeff took out the single page, wanting to see what would be so bad that could cause his mother to worry.
“Dear Jeff,By the time you read this I will be gone. You have a fiancee as well as any woman you want and I feel I am in the way. Please don’t try to stop me,
All my love,Michelle.
Reading this, Jeff began worrying about the girl he had found at the mall, knowing she would be lost in this part of the world without any friends by her side. Wanting to find her as quickly as possible, Jeff jumped out of bed and promptly tripped over his sneakers, landing at his mother’s feet.
“Are you okay dear?” his mother asked, her twinkling eyes betraying her attempt to hide her laughter. With a sheepish grin, Jeff collected himself and began dressing, wanting to find Michelle as soon as possible. Once he had completed dressing, the teen stepped toward the door, and was about to open it when he was bowled over by his obviously pregnant sister as she rushed into the room. After regaining his feet, Jeff dusted himself off , before heading back to retrieve his sword.
“Have you told him yet?” she asked, immediately realizing how foolish her question was when she saw the anxiety in her brother’s eyes.
“Yes, she did,” Jeff answered, strapping on his sword.
“Are you sure she wants to be found?” Holly asked, jealousy tingeing her words. Ignoring the pair, Jeff hurried out the door, only to be met by Sara.
“What’s wrong? Is it Michelle?” she asked, her anxiety evident in her tone. Jeff had known Sara would worry about him, but he couldn’t let anything happen to the missing girl.
“Yeah, I have to go find her, if it hadn’t been for me, she wouldn’t be here. I’m afraid of what might happen to her,” he told her, With a quick kiss goodbye, Jeff headed toward the outskirts of the tiny village, only to be met by Diana.
“Where are you going?” she asked, noting the urgency in his step. With an exasperated sigh, Jeff handed the short note to Diana. As he waited for her to finish reading, Jeff couldn’t help thinking about the young girl he had found in the mall, and the silent adoration she exhibited toward him. When she was finished reading the short missive, Diana handed it back to him.
“How are you going to find her?” she asked. With a frown, Jeff realized he had failed to take into account that he had no idea where she might have gotten off to.
“I don’t know. Do you have any ideas?” he asked, feeling foolish for not planning better.
“I think we should contact Apollo. I know he would be happy to help you find her,” she told him,
“Okay, that sounds like a plan. But, how do we contact him?” Jeff asked.
“Did someone mention me?” a voice spoke up from behind the pair.
“Yeah, Michelle, a girl that had been traveling with us, is missing. I’m worried something might happen to her. Can you help us find her?” Jeff asked the sun god.
“Hmmm, okay, but you may not like what I find out. Wait here, I will be right back,” he told the pair before vanishing into thin air.
“Damn! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” Jeff said, awe filling his voice. When Diana began giggling at his remark, Jeff’s look changed to one of astonishment. This was the same woman that had appeared so emotionless when he met her. Blushing prettily, Diana turned away, unsure of what could have happened to her to make her do something so out of character for her. Knowing this lapse could be embarrassing for Diana, Jeff decided to let it go and worry about more important things.
“It might be a good idea to take some people with you; it looks like she is in trouble,” Apollo said, once again startling Jeff with his sudden reappearance. With a grimace, Jeff acknowledged the wisdom in the charismatic god’s words.
“What do you mean in trouble?” Jeff asked, his concern for the missing girl rising.
“There are some smugglers about five miles north of here. They are holding her captive,” Apollo explained.
“Okay. Diana, would you see if you can get some of your Amazons to come along with us? I think we should try to find Leandra too,” Jeff began, his determination evident in his commands.
“You weren’t planning on leaving me out of this were you?” said a booming voice from behind. Startled, Jeff turned around to see Heracles standing there.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I would be grateful for your help,” Jeff told the warrior. Reaching out his hand, Jeff held it there until Heracles grasped it, sealing their friendship.
“Don’t forget us,” Diana spoke up, directing their attention to the fifty Amazon warriors she had brought with her.
“Wow, you brought an army with you, didn’t you?” Jeff asked, his smile showing Diana how much he appreciated her support. Blushing furiously, Diana quickly turned to the fierce warriors and smiled in satisfaction. The warriors she had picked were the most elite fighters of all the Amazons. Diana knew they would fight for Jeff, but they would need to see proof of his abilities to give their full effort. She wouldn’t let Jeff know it, but this was the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself as the true Oberon warrior.
“Wait...Wait, I’m coming with you,” Leandra yelled, running to join the ferocious group of fighters. Out of breath, the beautiful redhead was panting when she reached the others. Looking around, Jeff was gratified to see the support he would be receiving on his quest to rescue Michelle.
“Okay, let’s get this show on the road. Diana why don’t you go ahead of us and scout the way?” he told his troops, leading them out of the village and on to their next adventure.
As the group marched along, they searched for any signs that would give away the smugglers’ hideout. Jeff kept scanning his surroundings, hoping to pick up any thoughts that would give the criminals away. As he continued his probing, he was startled when he ran into a stopped Diana.
“There’s smoke up ahead; I bet that’s where they are keeping her. That is, unless they’ve moved her,” Diana told him. Following Diana’s cue, Jeff looked in the direction she was pointing. Just as she had said, there was a thin column of smoke, only three quarters of a mile away. With renewed spring in their steps, the warriors headed toward the smoke, hoping to catch the kidnappers off guard. As they got closer, the pungent smell from the burning wood became more evident.
“Okay, what’s your name?” Jeff asked, pointing to a young girl in the middle of the ranks.
“I’m Cassandra,” she answered, stepping forward. Although she wasn’t as tall as the others, she was still bigger than most of the girls Jeff had ever seen. Pulling her aside, Jeff knew he had made the right choice when he saw the intelligence shining keenly from her eyes.
“I want you to get closer to them. Find out where they’re keeping Michelle and report back as soon as possible,” Jeff told her. With a nod, the girl scampered away, her footsteps silent on the soft earth. Jeff watched her disappear into the bushes, only to reappear a few yards from the camp. Jeff watched Cassandra creep ever closer to the camp, her movements fluid. When she reached the back tent, Jeff figured that was close enough.
<That’s close enough. Do you see any sign of her?> Jeff thought to the stealthy warrior.
<Yes, she is in this tent. Please let me get her for you,> the girl replied. With a sigh, Jeff decided to let her continue, appreciating the initiative of the young warrior. Jeff watched Cassandra sneak into the tent, and then reappear shortly with her prize. Although bound and disheveled, Michelle didn’t look any worse for her experience. With a smile of satisfaction on his face, Jeff watched Cassandra lead the vulnerable girl out of harm’s way. Once they were clear, Jeff decided to get some retribution from the smugglers.
“Shall we show them what happens to someone that abuses a woman?” Heracles asked him, the lust for battle glowing in his eyes.
“No, I have a better idea,” Jeff replied, chuckling softly at the plans he had for the kidnappers. With a sigh, Heracles agreed, his disappointment showing in the set of his shoulders. Concentrating, Jeff found the leader of the band of outlaws, and began using his power to scan through the man’s memories, When he found what he was looking for, Jeff made small adjustments to the smuggler boss’s perceptions. When he had completed his task, Jeff made the man freeze in place, awaiting the teen’s next commands. Satisfied, Jeff continued his explorations and alterations with the rest of the men until he was satisfied. As soon as he had completed this, Jeff leaned back, ready to watch the fun about to take place. Wanting to let all of his follwers see the fun, Jeff decided to wait for Michelle and Cassandra to get back. When the pair reached the camp, Jeff rushed to Michelle, eager to release her from the ropes the smugglers had tied her with. Completing this, Jeff was startled when the girl burst out in tears, her sobbing making him fearful that she was hurt worse than he had originally thought.
“Oh, Jeff. I’m so sorry. I felt like you didn’t need me anymore and I was going to try to find a way back home. I’m so glad you found me. They said they were going to take me to Iraq to sell me,” Michelle told him, sobbing with each word. Taking her into his arms, Jeff comforted her, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words to her.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to take care of them for you?” Heracles asked the teen, his anger at the treatment of Jeff’s friend nearly blinding him.
“No, they are going to do that for us,” Jeff replied, the grim determination in his voice taking even the heroic Heracles aback in astonishment. Jeff was a proven warrior, but Heracles had thought the teen’s lack of a killer instinct would be his undoing. Seeing the malevolence in Jeff’s eyes, Heracles began thinking Zeus might be in for a surprise when the final game took place.
“Is everybody ready?” Jeff asked his group, the edge in his voice showing the deep anger he felt toward the wretched band in the camp. With nods of assent, Jeff released the commands that were holding the outlaws in place and sat back to watch the fun he knew was about to ensue. With a snarling growl, the boss of the smugglers ran toward the nearest man and began pummeling him, not stopping until the man collapsed at his feet. Taking this as a signal, the other men began killing each other until only the boss was left. Seeing the carnage, Jeff’s group looked to their leader with renewed respect. Without losing one fighter in his band, Jeff had taken care of all but one of the kidnappers.
“The last one is mine,” he told them, striding toward the camp. Once he had reached the camp, Jeff completely released the man, allowing him to be completely normal when he faced the teen.
“I see you are a big man when you have a group around you and are facing a defenseless girl. Let’s see how you are by yourself facing a man,” Jeff snarled, his disdain of the man evident in his tone.
“Okay, send a man and I will show you,” the kidnapper told him, unaware of the imminent danger he was in.
“I’m man enough,” Jeff told him, drawing his sword. Jeff watched the man’s eyes widen in surprise.
“What in the hell... Where did you get that?” the man asked, his arrogance disappearing. Stepping back, the man began looking for his pistol, wanting to end this fight before the teen before him was able to use his sword.
“Looking for this?” Jeff asked, the pistol flying off of the ground and into his hand.
“Who the hell are you, kid?” the now-terrified man asked, urinating on himself as he realized he was only moments away from death.
“I’m the last person you’re going to see on this earth,” Jeff told him, raising his sword to strike.
“NO! Jeff, you mustn’t kill him. I know you are angry, but I know from experience what anger can do to a man’s judgment. I killed my wife in a fit of anger and I had to do twelve labors. Don’t let your feelings overtake you. If you kill an unarmed man, it would be murder,” Heracles told him, stepping into view. Seething, Jeff was about to reply until the sense in the legendary warrior’s words sank in.
“Okay, but what will we do with him?” Jeff asked, his anger slowly abating.
“Let me take care of him,” Heracles told the teen, stepping toward the hapless kidnapper. As the giant stepped closer, he could smell the void from the terrified man’s bowels, having evacuated themselves in his terror.
Nodding, Jeff headed back to camp, relief pouring over him as he realized how close he had come to murdering the pathetic smuggler. As he neared the others, Jeff heard a loud scream and a snapping noise from the direction of the thieves’ camp. Turning back, Jeff saw the boss of the kidnappers slump at Heracles feet. Stopping in his tracks, Jeff waited for Heracles to rejoin him, curious about what had taken place after he had left.
“I said you didn’t want to do that, but I didn’t say anything about me,” Heracles told him, laughing heartily as the realization that it was over finally dawned upon Jeff. Rejoining the others, Jeff was startled when a loud cheer greeted his arrival.
“Hail, Oberon warrior. Hail Jeff,” the group yelled out, happy to have had everyone come out unscathed. Ducking his head, the embarrased teen turned beet red, unaccustomed to the praise he was receiving. When the cheering finally died down, Jeff looked up, only to see a beaming Cassandra kneeling and laying her sword at his feet.
“I will follow you anywhere,” the lovely blonde told him, respect gleaming in her eyes, as well as another emotion that quickly disappeared.
“Uh-oh. You’d best watch out for that one, lad. I think she has her eyes set for you,” Heracles told him, guffawing at his own words.
With a blushing smile, Jeff nodded, ready to depart and head back to his loved ones.
“Well done, Jeff. That was very imaginative. There is nothing more I can teach you,” Leandra told him, smiling proudly at her former pupil.
“Thanks. Now I think it’s time we head for home. I have a little unfinished business to take care of,” Jeff told her. Then, suiting actions to words, Jeff took Michelle’s hand and started walking back to rejoin the family and friends he had left behind.
Once they were back, Jeff walked toward the hut he was sharing with Sara and Diana. Stepping inside, Jeff saw Sara waiting anxiously for him.
“Welcome back. How did it go?” she asked him, throwing herself into his arms.
“Everyone is okay. I’m sorry, baby, but I have to prove to Michelle that she isn’t unwanted,” he told her, his plea for understanding showing in his eyes., Nodding in agreement, Sara smiled at him as she walked out of the hut.
“Just make sure you have enough energy for me,” she told him, smiling saucily as she walked through the door. Following behind Sara, Jeff winked at her, a playful leer on his face.
“I’ll try, but you may have to do all the work,” he told her, laughing as she wrinkled her nose at him.
“I think I’ll enjoy that,” she told him, gently swaying her hips as she walked toward Diana’s hut.
“Michelle, would you come in here please,” Jeff called, watching the dejected girl walk toward him.
“I’m sorry Jeff I...” she began, only to be stopped by Jeff.
“No, I’m sorry. I should have paid more attention to you,” he told her as he took her in his arms. With a sigh of contentment, Michelle melted into his arms, kissing him hungrily. Quickly shedding their clothes, the couple raced toward the bed, scattering their garments along the way.
“I think it’s about time I rectify my mistake,” Jeff told her, once again taking her into his arms and kissing her hungrily. Moaning in pleasure, Michelle began undulating against her lover, eager to feel him inside her once again. Trailing her hands downward, Michelle began caressing his turgid organ, squeezing softly. Wanting to take his time, Jeff pulled away from her, gazing at the girl he had found only weeks ago at the mall. With a soft smile, Jeff kissed her lips once again, before he began kissing downward toward the heaven between her thighs. As he reached her moist slit, Jeff started licking all around the hairless crevice before finally reaching her distended clit. Sucking it gently into his mouth, Jeff tongued the swollen bud, causing the girl to squeal in ecstasy. Hoping to bring her to orgasm quickly, Jeff inserted first one finger, and then another, sawing quickly in and out of her. Feeling this, Michelle began moaning and writhing in pleasure, her hips grinding into her lover’s face. As the waves of bliss began growing , Michelle began screaming Jeff’s name, her spasms of bliss rendering her mindless. When she regained her senses, she sat up, wanting to reciprocate, but Jeff had other ideas.
“As much as I would love that, I have something else in mind,” he told her, nibbling on her neck as he guided his cock into her sopping cunt. Unable to wait, Michelle grasped his hips and pulled him in, burying his prick in her in one stroke. Jeff moaned as he felt her velvety depths surround his probing organ. Enjoying the feel of her flooded pussy, Jeff laid there for a few moments, wanting to savor the moment. When he finally began stroking in and out of her, Jeff knew he wouldn’t be able to last much longer in her tight cavern.
“I had forgotten how tight you are,” he moaned as he began pumping in and out of the girl, faster and faster, driving all thoughts of the outside world away as they continued their ageless dance of lust. Mindless with passion, Michelle pulled her lover’s head down to hers and began kissing him frantically, wanting to be as close as possible to him. As they continued climbing the stairway toward their respective climaxes, Jeff and Michelle began pounding at each other harder and faster, their heated bodies perspiring freely.
“I can’t take much more,” she told him, her hips a blur, matching the staccato tempo of his pelvic thrusts. Unable to take any more, Michelle began keening, her voice rising as she finally spilled over the edge to her orgasm, When Jeff felt her cunt begin spasming around his pistoning cock, Jeff finally lost control, his seed spurting inside her waiting twat. When they finally came down from their mutual climaxes, Jeff softly kissed the girl yet again, wanting to show her with deeds, as well as words, how much he wanted her with him. Content, Michelle wrapped her arms around him, letting him know he held her heart and soul in his hands.
“I love you,” she told him, purring as he stroked her breasts in his post-orgasmic bliss.
“I love you, too. Don’t ever think that I don’t want you with me,” he told her. Rolling off of the exhausted girl, Jeff took her in his arms and began stroking her hair. About to say more, Jeff was startled when Diana rushed into the room.
“Jeff, we need you outside! Hurry, you don’t have time to dress,” she told him as she saw the teen reaching for his clothes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, worried at her urgent tone.
“No time to explain, you’ve got to get out there now!” she told him, pushing him out the door. When Jeff burst through the door, he was stunned to see the cause of the commotion.