Free Coven of Wolves by Peter Saenz Page A

of health but still carries a look of determination. The others however have looks of anguish and fear on their faces. The coven chants in unison, which only manages to increase Zack's pain. In the background I hear bones snap and a sickening sound of flesh repairing itself. Just as Zack's screams reach their crescendo, the chanting stops and Zack's arched back slams to the floor. He's unconscious now but his once mangled body now appears to be completely healed.
    "Malik, I don't think he's ready for the next step. Weak as he is, his spirit will never have the strength to fight for control. His body may be healed but that makes it all the more dangerous if something were to go wrong." Luke looks like he's about be become sick after saying the words.
    Malik takes his advice to mind for a few moments then barks, "Kevin, go down to my private study and bring me the open book on the desk."
    "Yes Malik." Kevin then disappears out through the door.
    A concerned Cole then says, "Are you sure you're up for this Malik? No disrespect meant, but you're still pretty weak yourself. We wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
    A devilish smile spreads across Malik's face. "Come over to me Cole."
    Cole gets a fleeting look of terror on his face but quickly gains his composure. He stands up and walks over to Malik. He gets on his knees to better meet Malik's eye level. Malik takes his hands and places them on either side of Cole's face. He then pulls Cole towards him and passionately kisses him. A few moments into it Cole completely submits himself to Malik and kisses back with enthusiasm. Luke turns his head to look away. Malik suddenly jerks Cole's head away from his in mid-kiss. Cole looks confused but Malik just smiles at him.
    "Thank you for your concern but don't be fooled. I'm not as helpless as I look. I'm growing stronger already. Soon I'll be out of this god damn chair and back to my old self again."
    Malik lets go of Cole's face, allowing Cole to stand and move back to his original spot. Luke looks back at Malik and says, "But are you sure this is the way you want to go about getting your revenge? There are a lot more...safer ways of getting to Devin and Tobias."
    A calm anger ignites in Malik's eyes. "Yes, there are safer ways Luke, but I want them to feel pain. I want them to know what true terror is like. No one does what they've done to me and gets away with it. No, this is exactly what we're gonna do and on All Hallows Eve they're going to get exactly what's coming to them."
    I'm suddenly awakened with the sensation of being licked on the cheek. When I open my eyes I realize I'm still sitting in the shower with Fenrus beside me. In my head I hear, "You can't wonder long in one place Devin. The others will eventually sense you're there listening. They'll be able to track you back to your body and find us."
    I'm still a little groggy from waking up but immediately sense the danger in his words.
    "Sorry about that. I was just so tired...I couldn't help myself. Before I knew it I was back at the mansion. Come on, we've used up enough water. Let's get out and dry off."
    I get up to turn the water off but before I do Fenrus relieves himself down the drainage pipe. I can't help laughing and do the same. When we're both done I turn off the water and open the glass shower door to grab a couple of the towels. I dry off Fenrus first with one towel and then myself with the other. I'm still exhausted but after the shower I also feel like a million bucks. I slip into the fresh clothes and throw the towels and dirty clothes into an empty hamper standing against the wall. The fresh after shower feeling is wonderful. We then wander back into the spare bedroom area and sit half upon the bed, letting Fenrus sit beside my free leg hanging off the side.
    "So what now?"
    Fenrus thinks for a few moments then says telepathically, "We can't leave without Tobias. He's done so much for us already."
    "I feel the same way but at the same time, wouldn't