The Afflicted Zodiac Complete Series

by M J Marstens

  I don’t think Khal would like that very much.

  “That sounds perfect,” I all but purr, grinning evilly.

  I can accidentally-on-purpose butt dial him at two in the morning.

  (I accidentally-on-purpose do a lot of stuff. . . and you probably now think I have a problem with accepting responsibility. But you would be wrong. Rule number one to tough living: never incriminate yourself. Guilty until proven innocent, right? I didn’t create the system, I just live in it.)

  Punching in the ten digits, I wait for the phone to ring. . . except it doesn’t. It plays music instead. A beautiful, haunting melody played by what sounds like a harp and violin. When he answers, I’m a little disappointed. I was enjoying the piece. And that small glimpse of non-prick Khal.

  “Hello?” His sexy-as-fuck voice answers.

  Damn, I forgot how hot he is when I’m not thinking about how much I want to tear his balls off and choke him with them.

  “Hello?”

  “Oh. . . hi Khal. . . it’s Zahra. . . Delsol, from the office- your office?”

  Best start to a phone conversation ever.

  An exasperated sigh greets my stupid string of words. I kind of can’t blame him for thinking I’m a little slow, but I still hate him for it. Wait, I actually do blame him. He and the other five have addled my brain; Mio and Nyam finished the job by scrambling it. Poor, poor brain.

  “What do you want, Zahra?”

  Whoops, I got to talking to myself. . .

  “I read your email and there are some things I want to go over with you in regard to your request.”

  “And they are?”

  He sounds less then enthused. I wonder if Mary is going to get an ass-chewing for giving me his number. I hope not.

  “Well, a comparison chart in astrology is called a ‘Synastry Chart’. This can only be done between the charts of two people. To compare seven charts will take a lot of work layering the wheels individually, in pairs, and rotating comparisons. The computer cannot do that. I have to. It’s a lot of labor and a lot of time. If I were doing this ‘project’ on my own, I would probably charge around $500-$600.”

  I leave off there. We never did talk about money and what I would be getting paid in this interim period. Hopefully, I’m not selling myself short at that price.

  “Understood. We can go over your provisional stipend tomorrow, but to make up for the amount of effort it will take to do these Synastry charts, I’ll give you a house to live in, rent-free and utilities-free, for the two month trial. Deal?”

  A house, instead of the hotel? And for two months? I can put up with him and the others for that, right?

  “Sold, Mr. Al-Zahil!” I answer cheekily. “I’ll get right on them.”

  I say a quick ‘good-bye’ and then hang up. I’ll get right on them. . . but first, I’m taking a hike. This resort is situated on four hundred acres of land. The rugged terrain has been carved into riding lanes for horses and walking paths for people. Being out-of-season, the resort is relatively quiet and I could use some solitude to unwind.

  I find a map in the center lobby marking all the trails and head off. The views here are stunning. Craggy, rock formations dot the expansive desert landscape. The sun reflects off the sand and it reminds me of the snow back home (but not nearly as depressing). It’s so beautiful here. I could live here happily. I follow the map, visually marking certain landmarks sited on it, and simply enjoying the views.

  At the two-mile mark, I spot a lesser-walked path veering off towards a secluded area. There is no indication of it on the map, but it seems well-traversed, so I decide to take a quick peek. After a quarter-mile, the thin path ends at a cliff dropping off into a shallow canyon and overlooking the northwest, where the sun is slowly descending in the sky. It’s a spectacular sight. I sit near the cliff’s edge, close enough to appreciate the drop, but far enough not to inadvertently fall off it. And boy, am I glad for that stroke of caution, because when a voice leans in to whisper in my ear and a hand brushes up my back, I nearly jump out of my skin.

  “I did not mean to startle you, kotyonok.” Uryn is hunched over me, grinning, and does not look particularly repentant.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask in suspicion. My interlude with Mio and Nyam have me even less trusting of these eight then before.

  “I was helping calm an unmanageable mare back at the corral. Illu and I personally train most of the horses for the resort’s riding tours. I saw you taking off alone, without anything, and I followed to ensure your wellbeing.”

  I tip my head to the side, gauging his sincerity.

  “I’m following the trails given on the resort’s map. I assume Miraval wouldn’t have open trails for guests to walk if they were not safe?” I raise a questioning eyebrow at him.

  “Of course they are safe, but the resort recommends walking in pairs or groups, notifying the staff of your intentions, bringing supplies, and staying on the marked trails. You have no partner, no water, no phone and are on an anonymous path. I could easily have my way with you and dispose of your body over the bluff. The perfect set-up for an accident.”

  Did this jerk just threaten to accidentally-on-purpose kill me?

  That’s my thing!

  I narrow my eyes when he takes a menacing step towards me and I stumble backwards to a nearby boulder, looking for a weapon. My hand closes around a sharp rock. He can accidentally-on-purpose try to kill me, but I’m not going down without a fight. I paint my face in a fierce expression. . . it must not be overly menacing because Uryn just doubles over in laughter.

  “You. . . should see. . . you face,” Uryn can barely get the words out around his mirth. “Calm down, kotyonok, I was jesting. You Americans do not take jokes well.” He takes another moment to laugh at my expense. Finally getting ahold of himself, he comments, “Put the rock down before you hurt yourself, or worse, that scorpion decides to fight you for his shelter.”

  I shoot a startled look to the boulder, where I grabbed the rock and sure enough, peeking from a crack in the stone is a small, black shadow. I let out a minute shriek and chuck the rock to the ground before all but leaping into Uryn’s arms. He wraps strong arms around my body, hauling me up to him.

  “I suppose I could still have my way with you. . .” He provocatively tapers off.

  My heart is racing a mile a minute (from fear of scorpions, I swear) and I find myself leaning into his built frame (still, from fear of scorpions). Something flickers in his eyes before he starts lowering his head towards me. Then his lips are sealed over mine and all thought flies from my mind. His mouth is hot and insistent, claiming me with every sweep of his tongue. I compliantly offer myself over to him, pushing myself further into his arms. He gives a groan of approval and bends me further back to better angle his mouth over mine.

  I genuinely don’t even know how this has happened. It’s like my hormones have hijacked my body and control all movement. A part of me disparages this unauthorized take over, but an even bigger part welcomes it. Abruptly, our kiss ends when someone shoves Uryn away from me. Feeling bereft, I turn to the intruder, hoping it’s not a giant scorpion looking for a fight.

  Nope.

  It’s just Illu.

  But given the pissed off look on his face, I might prefer the scorpion.

  He shouts something foreign to Uryn, who looks more than happy to throw down. I step out of the ring. More chatter, more posturing, and then both are charging each other like bulls. Their bodies collide heavily and I’m surprised the force does not drive them to the ground. There are no swinging fists, no punches, and no ear biting a là Mike Tyson. Not a single swipe. This brawl is all grappling, both men trying to pin the other down.

  I keep a safe distance from the two- but also from any boulder, bush, or any other piece of scenery that could house a miniature monstrosity of nature. Their fighting style is fluid and both appear like they have done this hundreds of times. Is this typically how siblings settle disputes? Both Illu and Uryn ar
e grunting and shouting more alien-sounding words to each other between breaths. What the hell are they arguing about, anyway?

  As if they can hear my thoughts (and I didn’t say anything out loud, for once!), they stop their movements to look at me. Illu says something in a different language that I have heard before, but cannot place. Uryn gives his reply. The air is charged as both men continue to stare at me. I’m nonplussed by this mystifying exchange. . .I need a fucking guidebook for handling these eight confusing assholes and a special chapter on twin interaction. Maybe the resort giftshop has one handy. My mental tirade is cut short when the twins begin walking purposefully towards me.

  The bottom of the canyon is starting to look more welcoming by the second.

  CHAPTER 20

  NEPTUNE

  I attempt to calm a caustic Pluto, an oppressive Saturn, and a turbulent Mars. At my own risk. Being the cosmic empath leaves me vulnerable to absorbing their more volatile emotions. It explains my uncharacteristic moodiness these days. I take in most of the outer planet’s eroded and raw feelings. With every passing day, I find myself more and more disenchanted with life. My twin tries to come up with innovative ways to engage my waning inspiration, but I find myself orbiting faster towards our curse. We are but shadows of our former selves. How pleased Lina must be to know she has brought us to our knees.

  I speak with Pluto, Saturn, and Mars. My gift of altering the subconscious can only work if the person is open to change. These three are becoming harder and harder to reach as their mannerisms turn recalcitrant. Still, I attempt. These are my brothers and like Jupiter, I’ll fight until the end to save us. I feel pride bloom inside me as they endeavor to open their minds and hearts to what I’m saying.

  We must keep our hatred of Lina at bay while dealing with Zahra. If we drive Zahra away, we lose our chance at redemption.

  As they relax into my suggestions, I feel a stirring in my loins. I quirk a brow. That is not my emotion I’m feeling.

  Uranus.

  Being the Gemini twins makes for an even more complex connection than we already have with the other planets. We are the intrinsic halves to a whole and what one experiences, so does the other. We are the celestial duality of the Milky Way. Uranus is the liberator and I’m the unifier. We are meant to bring universal stability. . . The potential for mass destruction when we are not in sync is immeasurable.

  The potential for that when all of us are unaligned is apocalyptic.

  I focus my attention on Uranus. Wherever he is, he’s enjoying himself immensely, if my stiff cock is any indication. Odd, we usually share our women to gain mutual strength. If one of us starts something without the other, an invitation is mentally sent right away. When I reach out to Uranus, I find myself blocked.

  Which can only mean he’s doing something he does not wish me to be privy to.

  Our sexual escapades have never been one-sided before and I ponder at this bizarre behavior. Why would he obstruct me, unless. . .

  He’s with someone illicit.

  Fuck.

  He’s with Zahra.

  The truth hits me like a ton of bricks, but it’s nothing compared to the desire sizzling through my veins. It courses like lava throughout my body, creating a fiery passion I did not generate. Whatever the hell those two are doing must be intense if I can still feel Uranus’ emotions, even after he has blocked me. Time to go break up this disaster-in-the-making.

  I wink out of space and time and open myself up to the cosmos, reaching for my fundamental link with Uranus to find his location. When I filter back into the third dimension, I’m standing on a ledge, overlooking the Arizonian landscape. In front of me, Uranus has Zahra locked in a fervid kiss that borders overzealous. It’s as if he’s consuming her, body and soul. Wasting no time, I walk over to the pair and shove Uranus off her pliant frame. In angry Russian, I shout:

  “What the fuck? Must you constantly chase what has been forbade simply because of your unruly temperament and need to be aberrant? This isn’t some forbidden piece of fruit- that woman is Lina! Whether she remembers it or not does not change the fact that she is. Control your fucking need to wet your dick in her two-faced cunt!”

  His eyes flash something very dangerous.

  “Don’t speak about her like that!”

  I’m floored. When did he become her champion?

  He must see my bewilderment, because he clarifies, “Zahra, don’t speak about Zahra that way.”

  Fucking Khristos.

  “Are you dense?! They are not separate people! The current incarnation simply cannot remember. Get the fuck away from her, you stupid dumbass. This is the curse acting. You only want her in rebellion. Or is it because Merc and Sunny had her? Or are you taking a page from Mars’ book and this is your sick ‘fuck you’ to Lina?”

  I don’t know why I provoke him, just anything to take his attention from being with her. My words have the intended affect because Uranus charges me across the short expanse of desert and then we are locked in battle.

  “Fuck you, bratik, you’re not my conscious or my keeper!”

  “No- I’m you and you’re not dragging us down to hell quicker via our curse because of your stupidity.”

  “If I’m you, than my stupidity is yours!” He snarls right back.

  He gets me in a headlock and the air whooshes out of my lungs.

  Son of a bitch.

  I drive an elbow back until he releases me and then I circle back for more. Being of the same mind, we know each other’s movements in advance. We will remain forever entwined in combat, unable to outdo the other.

  “I breached Pluto’s, Saturn’s, and Mars’ subconscious.” I say conversationally, charging his middle to take him down.

  “Really? What did you implant?”

  He counters the move by throwing all his weight towards my center.

  Fucker.

  “To not drive Zahra away in their animosity. . . that we need her. But only as a means to an end.”

  Uranus seems thoughtful.

  “Have you thought about using your gifts on her?” He asks.

  I’m momentarily sidetracked by his question. Uranus uses it to his advantage and stomps down on my right foot. I growl in pain and ire. Use my gift. . . how?

  “To release us from the spell,” he answers my unspoken question.

  CHAPTER 21

  NEPTUNE

  I think while maintaining a wary eye on my twin. Subconsciously suggest to Zahra to tell us how to break the curse?

  “Seems dangerous. . . how do I get her to remember how to help us without her remembering everything else?”

  Uranus shrugs.

  “You’re the mystic. You figure it out.”

  I glance at Zahra, watching us with wide-eyed apprehension.

  “And how the fuck do I get her into such a state of malleability?”

  We both stop tussling.

  Fuck, I guess Uranus is going to get his little rebellion after all.

  “I hope your seduction skills are as good as my mind-altering ones.” I switch from Russian to our native tongue.

  “Can there be any doubt?” Uranus replies.

  No, there is no uncertainty. Lina barely could resist the two of us; Zahra is a goner. We walk to where she’s watching us warily. Smart girl. She knows we are up to something, but we don’t give her a chance to run. Uranus snags her arm and draws her back into his arms, his mouth picking up where he previously left off. I grab her hips with my hands and anchor her backside to my front. She arches into me, flaring her ass against my erection. Her hands are stroking Uranus’ cock through his jeans, and my balls clench, feeling every caress.

  I grind myself harder into her rear side and snake an arm to cup her pulsing pussy through her leggings. The thin material does little to hide her arousal and I press against her damp core. As she rocks against my hand, I nuzzle her neck and slant her head aside to better access her other erogenous zones. Nipping her ear, I whisper in my mother tongue:

&nbs
p; “How do we break our curse? How do we become whole again? Remember and tell us, but nothing more.”

  She whimpers against Uranus’ mouth.

  “Yes, I’ll tell you.” Comes her breathless response.

  I can tell she’s already influenced by my planetary voodoo. I yank her leggings down, needing to take her mind to the next level and slip a finger into her drenched center. A guttural yes hisses out of her mouth, before she resumes kissing Uranus, her hands now stroking him harder and faster. I try to focus on my task and not the all-consuming pleasure I feel touching her and her touching my brother.

  “Then tell me, kotyonok, tell me how to end this torture. What must we do to stop the darkness from taking over?”

  She arcs her head back, a perfect picture of rapture reaching for her pleasure.

  “Tell me,” I whisper erotically. I work my finger into a frenzy, pulling her higher and higher towards ecstasy. Her hands match my pace. “Tell me!” I demand more urgently. I’m about to lose control.

  “Equilibrium!” She gasps. “You must create symmetry between the dark and the light.”

  Her words end in a cry of pleasure as she comes.

  “Fuck!” Uranus growls and we both follow Zahra to our own gratification.

  All three of us breathe in heavy unison and collapse to the ground. Zahra shifts in my lap, unmindful to the wet spot marking my loss of control. Her mind is still vulnerable and open, if her contented sighs are any indication. I think back to her words. The darkness is our curse. We already knew this, our positive characteristics slowly whittling away. But how do we get back to the light? I murmur this question to post-orgasmic Zahra. What balances destruction, delusion, rebellion, control, aggression, miscommunication, ego and exaggeration?

  “Love,” Zahra mumbles in a sleepy voice.

  “Love?” Uranus asks incredulously.

  “Love conquers all.” She says this on a dreamy sigh, before slipping into oblivion.

  We both gaze down at the sleeping girl cradled in my lap. I almost laugh at her hippy bullshit.

  Love?

  Khristos, Lina really did a number this reincarnation. Uranus catches my thoughts.