Henri found himself panting with astonishment as Gabriel swam back to the dock. He tried to deepen his breathing before it made him too dizzy.
He stared down through the murky water as Gabriel changed again. The massive reptile body rippled and folded on itself. Gabriel surfaced in man-shape, shaking the water from his face. He climbed to the dock, water pouring off him.
Henri backed away, still trying to swallow as his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth--exactly as Charlie had described experiencing when getting shot at on Okinawa. His overloaded mind felt like a stunned beetle, struggling through a haze of shock.
"Don't be afraid," Gabriel said.
He held out his hand as droplets beaded on his shoulders and broad chest. His heavy genitals swayed against his thigh as he advanced. Henri's erection strained against his jeans, throbbing with his wild heartbeat. He stumbled at the porch, reeling backward to catch himself on the cabin wall.
Gabriel stood a hand-span away. "What am I?"
"The Devil." Henri forced out the words, terrified and shaking with lust.
"Oh?" Gabriel looked surprised, even flattered. "Wouldn't I have trouble with this?" His cool fingers slipped inside Henri's shirt. He drew forth the silver chain with its cross and holy medal. River scent drifted from his skin as he pulled the chain taut between them. "What am I?"
Henri nodded toward the bayou as sweat streamed down his back. "One of them."
"Now you know," Gabriel said. "You still want me?"
)
