by Ciara Lake
“Yeah, the alligators should make the deed permanent.” He put his hands on his hips as he glanced into the water.
“She’ll be all gone in a moment.”
Two alligators splashed in the water on the other side of the swamp and headed for the corpse.
The woman looked at Aetius and said, “I’m Rhea.”
“Good to meet you, Rhea. You’re a lykan? I see Lykoan’s mark on your sword.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I’ve lived here for twenty-seven years and run this bar. I like it here. It’s quiet, and most of the people aren’t scared of things they can’t explain. Especially if they’re left alone and not preyed upon by the likes of this she-creature. That ugly piece of shit was ruining everything, and I couldn’t have it. Plus, I like humans.”
“Is the guy, her victim, still alive?” Aetius walked over to the guy lying on the ground.
“Yes. He’ll be out for a while, but when I killed her I saw his soul return and he started to breathe. I think it’ll take a bit for him to fully recover. His life was actually taken out of him and returned. He should be all right. He’s young and healthy enough.”
“That’s good.”
Terra tugged at his arm. Aetius lifted the spell keeping Terra hidden. When she appeared so Rhea could see her, the lykan nodded to her.
“This is my mate, Terra.”
“Hello.” Terra smiled then looked closely at the unconscious man.
“We’re both glad to see Emaline has met her end. I’ll make a report to Zeus’s Council. I had a writ of execution for her, but it seems the deed is done.”
“Good. Help me carry this guy inside and I’ll get you both a drink.” Rhea bent down to take hold of the man’s shoulders. Aetius grabbed his legs.
“Sounds good.” Terra followed them inside the bar.
Chapter 13
Aetius held Terra’s hand as they stood on the balcony, gazing out at the blue and gray water. They had returned to his home in Scotland, and as Aetius had predicted, it was about to storm.
“The weather really changes fast.” Terra watched the waves hit the rocks. “I could spend hours and hours here.”
“The weather does change fast when next to the ocean. Let’s go inside and get warm. You can spend as much time out here as you like, but first get warm and rest.”
“Okay, I guess I’m ready to go inside.” She lightly squeezed his hand.
He led her into the house. “We can take a couple of hours to rest. There’s nothing better than enjoying a spring storm next to the North Sea. While you’re inside a safe and dry house of course.” He snapped his fingers and the stereo came on, playing soothing instrumental music.
“I’m hungry.” She shut the French doors behind her. The wind was getting too violent to leave the doors open. After she shut the doors, the wind knocked against the glass panes incessantly, as if it was asking to come inside.
“Stop pushing on my doors,” Aetius called out. The tapping and pushing immediately stopped. “I enjoy hearing the wind, but don’t break my door down.” He walked to the door and latched it.
“What did the wind want from you?”
“It’s restless with the storm coming, and it likes to come inside, and particularly with me. Wind can be naughty. Come on into the kitchen and we’ll figure out something to eat. If we relax here for a while, we can go back to your grandmother’s home when it’s afternoon in Tennessee, or I can take you someplace to shop for dresses. You have to get a dress for our Joining Circle and the Beltane festival.”
“Yes, I do.” She nodded excitedly.
“I know a place where the Fey women typically shop for their Joining Circle gown. What do you think?”
“That sounds great. Where is this place?”
“It’s Asterlia, a lovely Fey realm. My female relatives love to visit and go shopping there. It’s where many of the Fey merchants reside. I know a shopkeeper who does excellent work.”
“I’d love that. Sounds like a shopping trip I’ll never forget.” She yawned. “I’m sorry, I’m just so tired.” She stretched. “All of this flash traveling takes a lot out of a person. I’m surprised by the energy it takes out of me.”
“That’s why immortals don’t always use it to travel when we don’t have to. Magic takes its toll, as you know. Especially when you’re a younger immortal.”
“I knew that was true, but I didn’t realize it could affect you so much when you’re just along for the ride.”
Aetius was already in the kitchen checking the cupboards and the refrigerator. “I’m not tired.” He glanced at her. “Although, I am interested in other forms of relaxation.” He winked.
“I know what you have in mind.” She licked her lips and smiled. “But no relaxing for me until I get something to eat.” She grinned. “What do you have here to eat?” She sat down at the kitchen table by the window.
He opened the last cabinet door, then slammed it closed. He leaned on the counter. “There’s nothing to eat here.” He frowned. “I don’t always eat every day. And I’ve haven’t been here for a while. I’m going to have to go get you something. Will you be okay if I leave you here for a while?”
“Sure, I’ll be fine. I’ll lay down for a bit.” She stood up and walked over to the sofa in the adjoining family room.
“Now that I think of it, I’d better go file a report with Zeus’s Council regarding the Empusa’s death.”
“I understand, you don’t want anyone to think you killed her.” She sat down on the sofa.
“Exactly. I have to fill out the right paperwork.”
Terra nearly fell over with laughter.
“What’s so funny?” He smiled.
“That the gods’ council has paperwork to fill out. They’re like the human government.” She continued to chuckle.
“I guess it’s something you can never get away from.” He grinned. “After I fill out the form, I’ll stop by the local restaurant and pick up something to eat and bring it back here. How does that sound?”
“Great. It gives me time to rest.” She laid back on the sofa. “I’ll make myself comfortable right here.”
The sofa was comfortable, and the sound of the rain and the roar of the ocean lulled Terra to sleep. Before Aetius left, he placed a blanket over her and kissed the side of her face.
The room grew colder and it finally woke her. Terra kept her eyes closed and she hugged the cushion pillow. She pulled the blanket around her face.
“Are you good and cozy?” an oddly familiar voice interrupted her rest.
Terra dismissed what she heard as her imagination and tried to go back to sleep.
“There’s no need to wake up, you’re dreaming.” The woman cackled. “It was so simple to infiltrate your dreams. Your mind is pitifully weak.”
“Amuliana, what are you going to do with her?” another woman asked. “You’re playing a dangerous game with her.”
“Don’t be silly. We’re two powerful goddesses. We have nothing to fear. And I want to play with her a bit. Isn’t she pretty?” Amuliana cooed. “Actually, I really hate pretty ones.”
“Remember, she’s your son’s granddaughter.”
“I don’t care. Heyerdel fucks a lot of people. I can’t worry about every rat who crawls out of some bitch’s womb.”
“She’s not any rat, she’s Goddess Gaia’s child, God Cernunnos’s great-grandchild, and the great-great-granddaughter of the Unseelie Fey King Cearul. Are you sure you want to piss off so many powerful beings?” the woman asked Amuliana. “Not to mention, Master Elemental Aetius is in love with her. He alone is a difficult foe, and he already hates you beyond measure. If you take her from him, he’ll surely destroy you, and probably me too.”
“You think we should fear an immortal? I’m the goddess of immortals. You’re the goddess of witchcraft.”
“Aetius and the Fey King aren’t ordinary immortals.”
“Hecate, you’re such a bore sometimes. What’s wrong with you today?”
“I just know when to stop.”
For a moment, mass confusion attacked Terra’s brain. She realized she was dreaming. But the dream was very real.
“Wake up, little girl.” Amuliana slapped Terra on her behind. Terra definitely felt the pressure of the hand on her bottom. “At least pay attention in your dream.”
“Am I dreaming?”
“Yes. I’m visiting your dreams for a reason. You’re so young and stupid to be related to such power. I’m amazed you don’t know how to keep me out of your dreams. Did anyone teach you anything?”
“No. I didn’t have a teacher.” Terra sat up and opened her eyes to see what seemed to be a dark, cavernous room. She realized her wits were slow because she was still asleep. She was unable to change her reaction time. “Where am I?”
Her body felt odd. She was asleep but fully aware within this unusual dream. She closely watched Amuliana, who resembled a porn star dressed in a too-tight, gold, satin dress. It dipped far down in the front, revealing her abundant cleavage. Her makeup was heavy with bright red lipstick. Her hair was overly bleached blonde and hung down her back.
“What do you want, Goddess Amuliana? Get out of my head.” Terra put her hands on both sides of her head.
“Only stupid immortals allow others to participate in their dreams. Especially since I’m no expert in dream invasion.” Amuliana shrugged. “You’re truly weak and pitiful. I just stopped in for a visit and to make you miserable.”
“Get the hell out of my head,” Terra shouted.
“I hate little pretty girls like you. You sicken me, make me want to vomit.” She spat on the floor. “Get the hell out of my head,” she parroted Terra. “Whatcha gonna do if I don’t?” She laughed. “I hate Aetius. He’s all goody two shoes, holier than thou. What a hypocrite. You know, he’s really a monster.”
“Amuliana, you hate everyone. Tell her what you’re going to tell her and get out of her head before Aetius realizes.” Hecate waved her hand in a dismissive fashion. She was reclining in a chair which resembled a throne.
Terra noticed they were in an underground cavern. Roots of trees were exposed and twisted through the ceiling and walls of the earthen cave. Terra could smell the earthiness of the environment, and there was a cool dampness. It chilled her to the bone. How could a dream feel so real?
“But that’s why I enjoy you, my dear, mean-spirited friend.” Hecate laughed evilly.
Amuliana smirked, and her painted façade transformed into a twisted, hideous mask. “And you’re after my friend Hecate’s daughter, Emaline. That can’t be tolerated.”
“We’re not after Emaline anymore.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Amuliana asked.
“She was taken care of by another immortal. She shouldn’t have eaten people.”
“What do you mean?” Hecate jumped up off her ornate chair.
Terra shrugged. “You’ll find out. Aetius and I didn’t do anything.” In her dream, Terra started to get up.
“Don’t worry, Hecate. She’s a liar.” Amuliana glared at Terra. “Sit down, little girl. I manage the way this dream goes. I’m not done with you.” An invisible force pushed Terra back down. “Now, listen to me, and then I’ll let you go play house with your Neanderthal you call your lover. I have a little secret to tell you.”
Terra was restrained in place. She couldn’t even move her arms. “I’m not interested.” She continued to struggle emotionally to gain her release and wake out of the dream.
“Sure you are.” Amuliana chuckled. “I think you should know that your lover boy made a deal with your mother and grandmother before you were born. While your mother was carrying you.”
“What kind of deal?”
“Interested now, are you?” Amuliana wiggled her eyebrows. “I knew you couldn’t resist.”
“No, forget it, I’m not interested. Just get out of my head.” Terra shook her head. “I really don’t care what you have to tell me.” She tried to move her legs, but her feet were stuck to the ground.
“You liar. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to break free. You won’t be able to. Your mind is mine.” She cackled like a crazy chicken. “You really want to know what a loser Aetius is and for that matter your grandmother and mother. All of them sold you out. You’re nothing to them but a negotiating tool. Which is understandable. You’re merely trash to be walked on and tossed away.” Amuliana paused and watched Terra. “Aife tells me she sold you, her unborn baby, to Aetius in return for her freedom. He was to collect you when you turned eighteen years old. I bet you didn’t know those sweet details.” Amuliana laughed then put her finger on her chin. “What do you suppose he wanted to do with you even before he knew you? Enslave you? You know, royal Fey often take slaves. They enslave humans and weaker immortals. That must have been his plan.”
“I didn’t meet him until now. I’m twenty-eight.”
“He got busy.” Amuliana shrugged. “Time flies when it’s endless, and it is for an immortal like Aetius.” She crossed her arms. “Your prince was going to enslave you for gods know what. Maybe as a sex slave, but you were so willing, whore of Dionysus and all.” She grinned. “Or he might have used you to do his bidding, saving his magic and making you care for his prisoners down in his underground prison.”
“You mean like this dump?”
“Shut up, this is my palace.” Hecate slapped her hand on her leg. “How dare you call it a dump.”
“Aetius cares for his prisoners magically. It must be wearing on him, he uses so much of his supernatural powers. That really drains an immortal.”
“Shut up.” Terra rolled her eyes. “I don’t care about anything you say. You’re not going to get a rise out of me. I went to human middle school and high school, I know how mean girls are. And you’re the goddess of mean girls.” Terra struggled harder to break free of Amuliana’s hold.
“Oh, don’t be that way. You’re so young, talking about middle and high school. Like a baby out of the nursery. Why would I lie to you or be mean? I’m your great-great-grandmother or something dumb like that.”
“You’re the only thing dumb about it.”
“I wanted you to know that your grandmother, your mother, and your lover care nothing for you. You’re trash...no, you’re dung to them. Come join me and I’ll be much kinder to you.”
“Shut up, ugly bitch. What you just said was supposed to be a speech to get me to come to your side? You’re nuts.”
“You do have a temper. I guess you come by it honestly.” Amuliana shrugged. “Have you seen Aetius’s temper yet? It’s notorious. Anyway, all of them used you to benefit their personal desires. I’m sorry to break your heart, little one. Don’t be a fool and trust any of them.”
“I’m supposed to trust you. to believe that you’re telling me this for my own good?”
“No, I didn’t say that you should trust me. But you can become my helper.” Amuliana sashayed over to where Terra was restrained.
“You mean your slave.”
“No, my dear. I wouldn’t call it slavery.” She pushed her bleached hair over her shoulder. “I’m just saying, don’t trust anyone, especially Aetius and your grandmother. And certainly, don’t marry the monster. And I think you know not to trust Aife. She really couldn’t care less about you. She told me all this good information. Such a good girl when there’s something in it for her. She’ll do anything for number one, and that’s her.”
“You’re unbelievable. And you have a lot in common with my mother.”
“You’re the unbelievable one. Go back to sleep. I was only trying to help you.” Amuliana waved her hand, and Terra was freed to return to her own dreams.
* * * *
“Terra, wake up.” She felt a warm hand on her head smoothing her hair. It was Aetius. His touch made her feel warm all over. “I was gone longer than I thought I would be. I’m glad you got your rest.”
“What took so long?” She rolled over to look at him.
“Zeus saw
me and had some questions.”
“About the Empusa?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Did Zeus accept the Empusa’s death?”
“Yes, there was nothing more he could do. I told him about Rhea and Emaline trying to eat her customer.” Aetius sat on the end of the sofa. “I can warm your food if you like.”
Terra looked past him out the door’s window. “It’s still raining.” She propped herself up on the arm of the sofa and watched him. “What did you get me to eat?”
She couldn’t help but admire his dark, exotic looks. Just watching him made her hot. I think I’m having a hot flash. She waved her hand in front of her face. If she wasn’t careful, she’d spontaneously combust merely from looking at him. One thing could be said about their lovemaking—it was hotter than anything she’d ever experienced.
She tightly fisted her hands as conflicting emotions warred inside of her. She heard the words Amuliana had spoken in her head. Worry over betrayal ate at her gut. It was a familiar feeling, one she had learned when she was a small child. Everyone she loved let her down in the end. I thought he was different. I thought Genevieve was different, or at least she had a good heart and loved me in her way. Terra shook her head.
“Is something wrong?” Aetius asked.
“No, I’m fine.”
“I have some vegetables and chicken for you. It’s a pretty ordinary dinner, but I heard it’s enjoyable.”
“That sounds good.” She pushed her hair back from her face and walked to the dining area. There was a variety of food laid out on the table with a plate and silverware.
“Would you like a glass of wine or water?”
“I’ll take water. Thank you.” She sat down at the table. The food looked delicious, and it made her stomach growl. “Sorry my stomach is so loud.”
“That’s okay, you’re hungry. Do you want me to warm the food up?”
“No, thank you. It’s fine.”
He opened the cupboard to get a glass and filled it with water from the kitchen sink’s faucet. “I have a microwave.”
“No, really. It’s good like this.” She began to eat the green beans. Aetius sat across from her and placed the glass of water next to her plate.