The Pariah

By Lindy P. Lawrence

Salt Lake Police Detective Jason Johnson and his Samoan partner, Manny Tofulu, investigate heinous crimes. Jason unexpectedly meets Leland on a mountain top, and saves him from the creatures that are trying to kill him. Leland is a Pariah. His face and body are human in appearance, but he is covered in white feathers, has wings, and the ability to fly. Leland and several of his species have fled their planet, trying to avoid the wrath of the Eremites. The overwhelming number of Eremites can also fly, but their faces are similar to wolves, and they hunt humans for sport. After their city is destroyed, Jason and his team are forced to flee across the valley with the Eremites in relentless pursuit. Finally defeating the Eremites, they must leave Earth with the Pariah rescue ship in pursuit of a better life. Unfortunately, the chilling nightmare quickly escalates into a fight for survival, not only from more Eremite creatures, but from members of their own team. Jason discovers that Leland is unlike any "male" he has ever met, and falls in love with him. But can Jason leave his troubled past behind him and live the life he has always dreamed of?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torrid Books
• Release date: Jan 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781681460925

Book preview

Chapter 1

What the hell? I struggled to steady my mountain bike and ended up putting a foot down to stop in time to save myself from a tumble as a large, white-winged creature swooped past me just above my head. For a few seconds, I stood there watching it in shocked surprise, Like a bird, it had feathers, but he’d also seen legs—human-like legs.

Once it glided effortlessly around a narrow switchback in the trail and out of sight, I shook free of my stupor and rose up out of the saddle to pedal after it. I rounded the switchback just in time to see it disappear into the dense foliage a few yards ahead.

I had ridden the Bountiful Mill Creek Canyon Trail in Mueller Park for many years. The popular trail is nestled in the Wasatch Mountain Range approximately fifteen miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah. The first part of the trail consists of smooth, hard-packed dirt and is considered an easy climb, even for novices. At the halfway point to the top, the mountain is memorialized by a large boulder known as Elephant Rock. The entire area is blanketed by large pine trees and rugged mountain terrain covered in wild rose, choke cherry and elderberry. A plethora of blooming Mule’s Ear and Wasatch penstemmon was indigenous to the area as well, along with wild onion, its scent permeating the area.

Intrepidly, I attempted to catch up with the creature. In all my years of riding in the canyon, I had never witnessed anything similar to it. It was mystifying, yet beautiful, and I had to follow it.

I estimated I was less than a quarter mile from the peak in the area referred to as Rudy’s Flat. From the base of the mountain, it was a thirteen mile trip, and during the sum months, Rudy’s Flat was a popular gathering place for local teenagers. High school and college students used the secluded area for sun-bathing, beer parties and smoking dope without local law enforcement breathing down their necks.

It was early morning and the sun was just beginning to rise over the crest of the mountain peak to the east. There was ample ambient light to distinguish the intricate twists and turns in the trail and I clumsily turned off my helmet light as I maneuvered through the last tight S-turn before reaching the top. I had been a police officer for several years and recently I had been promoted to the detective division. Regardless of my limited tenure, my spider senses were on peak alert. My heart raced as I stopped and leaned my bike against a small pine tree.

Instinctively, I dropped to one knee as two more creatures rocketed past me, just to my left. These peculiar creatures were similar to the one I’d already observed, but they were darker in color, almost black and slightly larger in stature.

I retrieved my Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol from my rear saddle bag and hastily grabbed an extra fifteen-round magazine. I secured the clip in the small Velcro pocket on the sleeve of my one-piece spandex suit. Gun in hand, I sprinted up the shady trail, pausing momentarily when I detected a subtle rustling noise coming from behind a large clump of ten-foot high trees off to my left.

I eased my way toward the disturbance and stopped when I could see clearly through the leafy branches. Two black-feathered birdmen—for want of a better name—stood no more than five feet tall. Yet, they loomed menacingly over the white one that had flown past me. It was lying on the ground, while the other two appeared to taunt it. They flapped their wings and squawked stridently, like crows arguing over dead carrion.

One of the dark-feathered creatures pulled a metallic silver cylinder roughly six inches long from the holster on its left hip. I took it for a weapon, my supposition confirmed when the creature pointed the object upward and a bright beam of light about four feet long extended from it.

The beautiful creature on the ground rolled submissively onto its back and held his hands up, palms out as if surrendering or perhaps begging for its life. Before I could step into view and put a stop to whatever this was all about, the birdman with the weapon, fired it down at the creature on the ground. The poor thing wreathed as if in pain, its back arched, its hands fisted as it beat its wing-like arms on the ground.

As surreal as I found this encounter and its participants, I couldn’t allow these perpetrators to continue assaulting their hapless victim. I emerged from the brush and pointed my Sig Sauer at the creature holding the weapon. Police officer! I shouted as I began to move slowly toward the two perps. Drop your weapon or I’ll shoot.

I immediately regretted my cavalier intervention, but fortunately my defensive tactics training arguably saved my life. I felt the intense heat of a laser-like burst pass ominously to my left. In retaliation, I fired two rounds at the creature’s center mass and watched as it toppled backward to the ground. The other creature brandished a similar weapon and fired several of the white laser bursts in my direction. As I moved to cover behind a large pine tree, one of the bursts struck the tree halfway up. The giant pine split in half about two feet above my head. The top portion rocked and then creaked as it toppled and crashed to the ground to my right, smashing underbrush and anything else that might have been in its path. I peeked around the tree and fired two more rounds at the second assailant before the strange being could fire again.

The second creature was obviously annoyed by my persistence and unleashed a powerful barrage of lightning bolt pulses in my direction. What was left of the large tree protecting me immediately burst into a giant fireball. I could feel the intense heat on my back as I ran for a larger tree twelve yards away. Hidden behind its immense girth, I glanced around it in time to see the second creature collect his fallen cohort and effortlessly fly away with him. I watched them disappear over the tree line before approaching the white-feathered creature that still lay sprawled out and unmoving on the ground. I hoped he wasn’t dead from the laser charge he’d taken. I guessed I was going to have to find out, and then, dead or alive, I was going to have to figure out what to do with him next.

I quickly removed the clip from my pistol and inserted a fresh fifteen round magazine into the butt of the weapon. As I neared the fallen creature, the seemingly docile being struggled to sit up, his legs stretched out before him. He looked at me compassionately. My mind couldn’t seem to grasp the incredible image before me, and apparently, the birdman seemed to understand as much just by reading my expression; he looked at me compassionately.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Strangely, his palms and the bottoms of his feet were padded like a dog’s paws. Otherwise, he looked almost entirely human, except for his feathers, of course. Though slight in stature, his body was trim, muscular perfection. The large wings folded against his back seemed to be attached to his shoulders and upper arms, down to the elbow. Instead of hair, white-feathered trusses flowed from his orange-tipped topknot down around his angelic face and over his shoulders. His deep, cerulean eyes were so stunning they took my breath away, but it was the intricate feathering on his face and down the front of his body that I most admired. The smaller feathers covering his breast displayed a subtle trail of red and orange feathering leading down to his penis.

And what a penis it was. I gaped at the size of it. How such a small being could be equipped with such a magnificent cock was beyond my comprehension. It was uncircumcised, but as I watched, the knob of his cock began to emerge from beneath the hood. Ever so slowly, it lengthened and rose from its feathered bed, lengthening until the tiny male, obviously embarrassed by his physical reaction to my perusal, covered it with both hands.

The delectable view now blocked—for the most part anyway—I looked up to meet the birdman’s luminous eyes. If I wasn’t mistaken, I could see a reddish blush seeping through the short feathers of his cheeks.

Unconcerned for my safety, I slowly lowered my weapon, and moved to stand a few feet in front him. Surprisingly, he smiled at me, and although he did not speak, my mind perceived his thoughts.

I am grateful for your assistance. Thank you for helping me.

You are welcome, I formulated in my mind, and I am pleased I could assist you. Are you injured?

No, I assure you I was not harmed, only stunned for a few moments.

It looked painful.

It was, like an electric shock. It has left me weakened a bit, but that is all.

Who were those other creatures?

Eremites, and they are evil. It is unfortunate, but the Eremites and our species, the Pariah, are in conflict. But, our personal dispute is not important at the moment. I must implore you to leave this area immediately. There will be many more Eremite soldiers coming soon and they will seek to kill you in revenge for the death of their companion.

I understand, but you must come with me. With more of these Eremites coming, I feared for his survival.

It will not be necessary for me to travel with you, he conveyed as he reached inside the left side of his densely feathered abdomen where there appeared to be something like a marsupial pocket and retrieved what was probably a weapon, as it was similar to the one the Eremites possessed.

He held the object out to me and motioned for me to take it. You will need this weapon in the very near future. It will be critical for your personal survival. I apologize, but the worst is yet to come. I fear the end of life on earth is near, he explained.

My jaw dropped, and I stood there in shock. W-what do you mean? I actually stuttered in my head I was so shaken. You can’t be serious.

He looked solemnly up at me. I am extremely serious, Jason. Please. Take this weapon.

All right, I replied silently as I collected the weapon from him and knelt down beside him. What is your name?

Leland, I heard in my head, but it is imperative you remember this name: Ken Cot. He will be important to your future survival.

Leland’s ominous declarations were still confusing. There was so much I didn’t understand as I struggled to formulate questions in my mind.

Jason, I beg you to please leave; you have only seconds to escape with your life.

But what about you?

Do not worry about me. We both stood and he touched me tenderly on my cheek and lips with his soft, padded fingers. For a few seconds, my eyes were riveted to his captivating gaze and presence. He smiled again and casually unfolded his magnificent wings. I was mesmerized as Leland turned and ran into the wind, his wings taking great sweeps through the air as he lifted off and quickly ascended.

I watched until he was out of sight and then I looked back at the ground where the black-feathered creature he’d shot dead had been laying. There was a small pool of purplish, almost magenta-colored blood on the ground. I didn’t hesitate any longer. I quickly ran back toward my mountain bike, and as I swung my leg over the saddle, I turned to see several dark-feathered creatures in the distance, approaching at very low altitude.

I descended the mountain trail, never engaging my bicycle’s disc brakes once on the way down. And I never looked back until I reached the parking lot of the trail head. The Eremites were still behind me, but at least they weren’t gaining. Not yet anyway.

I carelessly tossed my bike in the bed of my Toyota Tundra, and didn’t bother removing my cleated bike shoes as I got in and started my truck. Mentally, I was receiving distinct, disturbing premonitions from Leland, showing me the dramatic changes Earth would undergo in the next few days. I shuddered as I tried to interpret the destructive images.

How was Leland communicating all this to me? Moreover, how could he have known my name?

Chapter 2

Later That Night

Do you have the money? The blackmailer whispered through the open car window.

Obstinate as always, Dr. Leonard Donaldson sat in his Lexus, considering an acerbic reply. Good sense intervened however, and he refrained from letting his mouth get him into more trouble than he was already in. The thought of losing his medical license over his well-kept secret was not going to happen.

He stared belligerently at his blackmailer. The bastard’s face was covered by a black handkerchief and he’d pulled a nondescript black baseball cap down low over his forehead, so the good doctor couldn’t even see what his hair color was or even if he had any. All he could see was the callous blue eyes looking down at him with utter disdain.

Look, I have the money, he said, willing to pay the extortionist’s asking price of twenty-five thousand dollars in cash if it meant the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing would never discover his chemical dependency, but before I pay you anything, I need to know where you got this information. It was strictly protected, and no one but a select few professionals had access to his medical records. He needed to know which one of them had ratted him out.

Your arrogance is disgusting. How I found out about your little problem is not important. I know you’re severely addicted to prescription pain killers, which I’m sure would be frowned upon by your high-brow associates should I inform them of it, in which case you can kiss your upscale cardiology practice goodbye—not to mention all your high-paying heart patients, the blackmailer replied sarcastically.

All right, if you aren’t going to tell me how you found out about my addiction, then at least tell me what assurance I have you won’t disclose any of this information after I pay you?

The ominous figure leaned forward slightly and stared at Donaldson portentously as he brandished his small caliber handgun inches from the side of the doctor’s left cheek. Just give me the Goddamn bag and I’ll go away. The only assurance you have is that if you ever mention this arrangement to anyone, I will make sure your medical file is printed on the front page of the Salt Lake City Tribune. Do you understand me, asshole?

Rattled, the doctor cleared his throat and nodded before reluctantly handing the small black nylon bag filled with cash out through the driver’s side window to the blackmailer who now held his future in his hands.

The blackmailer straightened away from the car. Our business is now concluded. You will not hear from me again.

In his side view mirror, the doctor watched the man walk briskly away, disappearing into the darkness of St. Marks Hospital parking lot in Salt Lake City. Leo wiped the sweat from his brow with his shirt sleeve and inhaled deeply. Perplexed, he could not imagine how the contents of his electronic medical records had been compromised. Regardless, he cautiously considered the matter closed, yet a subtle chill ran down his spine when he considered the potential consequences if it wasn’t.

Chapter 3

Thoughts of my early morning encounter consumed my mind as I lay in bed that night, gazing blankly at my bedroom ceiling. Working in law enforcement, violent exchanges with suspects and criminals was an inevitable expected part of the job, and I had been involved with my share of unpleasant altercations. But witnessing extraterrestrial beings and experiencing the impressive display of their weaponry was unnerving. I was still vacillating on whether to file an official report with the department, but I was hesitant due to the extraordinary circumstances; not to mention who would believe me?

I was distracted from my thoughts when my soon to be ex-boyfriend opened the bedroom door and meekly walked toward the foot of the bed. Stephen and I had been living together for the last three months, but two weeks ago he informed me he was moving back to New York to try and resurrect his acting career. I was disappointed he’d arbitrarily made the decision without consulting me first, but the reality was our relationship was becoming tenuous. Over the last few weeks, it had rapidly spiraled into nothing more than friends with benefits.

I was not looking forward to finding another companion, because I was not into the bar scene, or the quick, meaningless sexual encounters attached to it. My dream since my youth has always been to find a life-mate who would love me for who I am, with no mind games or secrets in the process. But, at twenty nine years of age, I was resigned to the fact that my generation has little interest in honest, transparent commitments.

Jason, are you still awake? Stephen whispered.

Yeah, I’m having a little trouble falling asleep, I replied somberly.

Is it because you’re still upset about me leaving in a few days?

Yeah, that’s part of the problem, but I also had a disturbing experience this morning on my bike ride. I guess I’m still a little shook up over it.

Why didn’t you say something earlier? I knew something else was wrong, because you were quieter than normal when we went to dinner.

I know, and I’m sorry I wasn’t much for conversation this evening, but I just need some time to work through some events that were quite extraordinary.

Is there anything I can help you with, or that you would like to share? Stephen asked sincerely.

No, seriously, I’m fine, and I’m over the issue, I replied deceptively; not wishing to share my disturbing experience with Leland and the Eremites. Are you coming to bed now? I asked, quickly wanting to change the subject.

Well, yes…ah, I was hoping you were feeling like giving me a back rub if you aren’t too tired? he said as he grinned and presented me with a large bottle of baby oil.

Yeah, sure. I would like that. I threw the sheet off me—conveniently, I slept in the raw—and sat up. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and set the bottle of oil on the nightstand.

The tension between us due to Stephan’s pending departure was palatable, and making love was probably the easiest way to reconcile the change and avoid the topic. Admittedly, I wasn’t in love with Stephen, but I truly did enjoy being with him despite his incessant chatter of wanting to be a famous actor and make it to the big screen someday. I had no desire to be famous, or even draw attention to myself for that matter. I was a loner, and I enjoyed the peaceful solitude of my self-imposed life-style. Regardless of public opinion, exile was my choice in dealing with my troubled past, and a convenient way to suppress the painful memories of my childhood. The only thing that kept me motivated to live was my deceptive, perennial dream that someday I really would find someone who would accept my past and eccentric idiosyncrasies, and be content with a simple, unassuming, loving way of life.

I turned on the bedside lamp to watch Stephen lower his black gym shorts. When his cock sprang free of the waistband and his shorts fell to the floor, I pulled him to me. He quickly removed his T-shirt and flung it aside, peering eagerly down at me as I rubbed my face against his hairy groin, nipping and licking at his bobbing cock. He laughed lightly and cupped the back of my head with one hand, holding me to him. Umm, suck it a little he said, playfully slapping me in the face with his stiff rod.

I eagerly cupped and caressed his balls in one hand while I latched onto his cock and began to suck just the head, flicking the tip of my tongue over the hole as I inhaled Stephen’s special musky scent.

All of it…take all of it. Please. Swallow me.

I did, working the back of my throat as I hummed to add a little extra pleasure.

He groaned loudly. I watched him close his eyes and lay his head back in utter bliss. Oh, yeah, he breathed That’s it. That’s wonderful.

Stephen was five feet three inches tall, but he had just the right-sized cock to suck down without choking. He weighed approximately one hundred and forty pounds. His thin frame was well-toned from years of avid running. He had short black hair and beautiful dark brown eyes. Sadly, I was going to miss him after he left, but I knew our separation had been inevitable from the very start.

Aw, God…that’s enough. I’m gonna come if you don’t quit.

I released him, and he leaned down to kiss me softly on the lips before he slid into bed and lay on his stomach. I straddled his back and slowly began to rub the silky fluid over his shoulder blades and down to the small of his back until Stephen was groaning with need. Ah, those magic hands. I’m gonna miss ‘em. Stephen said, separating his legs and twitching his eager little ass in invitation.

Then why leave? I couldn’t help myself; I had to ask, and in anger at myself for it, I smacked his ass. Harder than usual. I wasn’t sure if it was in punishment for leaving or because I knew he liked a bit of pain with his pleasure.

Again. Hit me again, he implored.

Answer me, dammit! I slapped another red palm print over the first one. Though he was little, Stephen had the nicest man-butt I’d ever laid eyes on. I began to lavish oil all over his smooth, muscular globes, easing the stings of my abuse. He slightly separated his legs, inviting me in, but he wasn’t ready for my cock yet, and I wasn’t ready yet to give it to him. I began to massage oil into his eager crack with the tip of my forefinger finger. Are you ever going to tell me why you’re really going back to New York? You were fed up with acting, remember? What happened to change your mind?

Nothing. I just miss it, that’s all.

It wouldn’t have anything to do with another man, would it? Somebody you left behind, just like you’re leaving me.

Stephen was silent for a moment. Does it matter? Can’t we just enjoy our last few days together without tainting it with hurt feelings and jealousy?

My jaw tightened. Sure, baby, I ground out between clenched teeth, just wanting the truth from him. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like I was going to get it. We can do that, I said, smacking his ass harder than I ever had before, this time landing part of my slap across his scrotum, which was pulled up tight against his body.

Oh God, yes! he cried out as he bucked beneath me. Please Jason…! Fuck me! Fuck me now! Hard!

Beg a little more and I might.

Fuck you, Jason! You’ve never made me beg before.

Well, I am now. I said, rubbing my throbbing cock through his well-oiled crack. You want my cock up your ass, you’re gonna have to beg.

He made a sound of exasperation and complied. Please, Jason. Put your big, beautiful cock in me. All the way, until I can feel your balls against mine. Please…

His begging amplified my desire. I squeezed each firm cheek. Hold your ass cheeks open for me, I said in a gruff voice.

Stephen reached around and pulled the sexy globes ass apart, revealing his tight pink hole to me. Please hurry, my balls are about to blow wide open, he begged, the edge of impatient need finally creeping into his voice.

I laughed. Be patient, fuck boy; you’re not ready yet.

Stephen groaned as I slowly circled his tight opening for several seconds, before I shoved one finger inside him and then two, working them around to open him up for my cock.

Oh, yeah…oh, yeah…more, Stephen breathed hotly.

Another finger? Or my cock?

You know damn well what I want, you fucking fag.

I laughed again and continued to massage his anus, loosening his sphincter as much as possible while I poured a generous amount of oil over my rock hard prick with my other hand and massaged it in until I was hard enough to pound nails.

I was tempted to unload my wad all over his ass and then suck him off, which I would probably end up doing anyway. But his asshole was so tight and he could do things with it that felt almost like a sucking mouth.

I couldn’t wait any longer. I pulled my fingers out of his ass and jerked him up to his knees. He braced himself on his elbows and arched his back, sticking his ass high in the air like an offering.

I didn’t waste any time moving into position and guiding the head of my cock into his now rosy red anus. Once the tip was in, I pushed slowly. Stephan’s passage was still so tight and rough I groaned with pleasure as his anus sucked me all the way in.

Normally, we talked a little while we fucked, but this evening I wasn’t in the mood, and it appeared, neither was Stephen. He buried his face in a pillow and started to move against me like a piston. I responded by pounding into his ass with a desperate need to reach orgasm.

I reached around Stephen and grabbed onto his cock. It throbbed in my hand. I pulled the foreskin down hard and began to pump the skin back and forth over his hard rod. Stephen clamped his anus shut and began milking my dick. I thrust in and