by Donna Raider
“So, my little foray into possession is not so bad,” the old witch glared at her daughter.
“Unless you are the one being possessed,” Leah leaned forward to meet her mother’s gaze.
“We seem to have gotten off the subject,” Mika squeezed her wife’s shoulder. “Do you want to live in the Towers?” she addressed Jezebel.
“Yes, of course,” she responded, “but I have no means of support.”
“Just tell Mrs. Worth, what you need, Mother,” Leah shrugged. “She will take care of it.”
“I will consider your generous offer,” Jezebel fought to keep the disdain from her voice.
“Just let me know and I will make the call,” Leah smiled.
“I am rather tired now,” the old witch sighed. “Would it be possible for you to take me back to the bed and breakfast?” she directed her question to the priest.
“We would be happy to,” Mika stood.
“You can take me,” Jezebel insisted. “My daughter looks as if she could use rest also.”
“I like her to be with me,” Mika grinned. “It won’t take us but five minutes to get you settled in your room; then she can rest all she wants.”
“Surely you aren’t afraid to be alone with me, priest,” Jezebel challenged her. “After all, my daughter has rendered me quite harmless.”
“Take her, darling,” Leah placed her hand on Mika’s arm. “Obviously, she wants to be alone with you. No doubt, she wants to tell you how evil I am.”
Jezebel cast a malignant look toward her daughter but merely nodded her head. “I understand that you don’t trust me, dear, but I am capable of being the mother you always wanted.”
Leah inhaled deeply and walked upstairs.
##
As Mika pulled the car from the driveway, her mother-in-law began to talk. “How long have you known my daughter?” she asked.
“Almost six years,” Mika answered.
“What do you know about her, exactly?”
“All I need to know,” the priest answered evasively. She wondered what the old witch was trying to do.
“You know who she was?” Jezebel said, watching for Mika’s reaction.
“Yes.”
“You are certainly a woman of few words,” Jezebel hissed.
“I don’t play games, Jezebel. If you want to know something, just ask me.” Mika knew the woman was crafty and wasn’t about to volunteer any information.
“You know she was the wicked queen, ruler of all Judah and part of Israel?” Jezebel blurted out. “Even more evil than I.”
“I do.”
“Then you are aware of the atrocities she has committed?” Jezebel’s voice was loud.
“I am.”
Mika was infuriating. The witch fought to maintain control of her temper. “How could you possibly love her?”
“Seriously,” the priest smiled, “have you taken a good look at your daughter. She is everything a person could want. She is gorgeous, brilliant, caring, and considerate. She is a wonderful mother and wife. She is the perfect woman. Why wouldn’t I love her? I am just thankful she loves me.”
Ah, Jezebel thought, a chink in her armor. She truly doesn’t feel worthy of Leah.
“Does she, really love you Priest?” the witch challenged her. “She loved her father, too. She loved him more than anything else at the time. He doted on her, but she didn’t hesitate to have him beheaded to get what she wanted.”
Jezebel watched Mika for any reaction, but she remained the same affable fool.
“I’m not trying to be insulting,” she purred, trying to avoid the dung beetles, “but my daughter is a selfish, self-centered, jealous woman. What makes you think she won’t sacrifice you to get what she wants?”
“Your daughter is not the woman you drove to the brink of insanity with your relentless desire for power.” The priest was tired of sparring with her mother-in-law. “Unlike you, she is not evil. She is truly one of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met. She is a Christian. I believe she has everything she desires: a wonderful son, the respect and love of our community, and a position as mayor that she enjoys. She is wealthy beyond your wildest dreams, and I love her more than anyone could ever imagine.”
“Humph,” Jezebel growled.
“I believe she has everything her heart desires,” the priest reiterated. “She has her happy ending. Please don’t try to destroy it.”
“What about children?” Jezebel asked furtively.”
“What about them?”
“If you love her as you claim,” the witch smiled malevolently, “surely you want her to bear your children.”
“We have Richie,” Mika smiled. “He’s enough. If Leah wants more children, we will have them. That is entirely up to her.”
“One thing you can count on, Priest,” Jezebel had a moment of truthfulness, “if she truly loves you, she will have your children.”
“Here we are.” Mika jumped out of the car and walked around to open the door for her mother-in-law. She walked her to her room and closed the door behind her. Leah appeared beside Mika and cast the protection spell around the room.
They didn’t speak until they were in the car. “She suspects about the babies,” Leah said softly. “We must get her out of here as quickly as possible. She scares me.”
“I thought you were resting,” Leah leaned over to kiss her gently. She clutched her shirt in her fist and pulled Mika hard against her lips. “I love you,” Leah declared, when she let her go to catch her breath. Leah wanted to drive away any insecurities Mika might have because of her mother’s warnings.
“She does give a whole new meaning to evil,” Mika frowned. “It was all I could do not to throttle her. When I think of that viper having her fangs in you as a child, it makes me sick to my stomach.”
Mika pulled the car into their driveway and walked around to open the door for her wife. Once they were in the house, she pulled Leah gently into her arms and held her, stroking her hair and back. She closed her eyes trying to drive away the thought of the evil witch and the things she had done to a young Leah.
When Mika opened her eyes, she was surprised to find her wife had transported them to their bedroom. With a flick of her wrist, their clothes were on the floor, and Leah was pulling her toward their bed. They slid beneath the covers, and she held Leah tightly, kissing her softly, longingly.
Leah snuggled into her warmth. Mika’s arms provided a safe harbor from any dangers that might be awaiting her. Right now, all she wanted was for Mika to make love to her.
##
Later, Mika lay on her back, waiting as her heart rate returned to normal.
Leah leaned on her elbow, tracing patterns on Mika’s breasts. “Your ride with my mother upset you, didn’t it?” she asked softly.
“Yes. You can’t even begin to believe the things she said,” Mika exhaled sharply.
“Yes, I would,” Leah smiled. “I was in the back seat. I never trust her. I was curious why she wanted you alone. I knew she was up to something. I wanted to be sure you were okay.”
“Good,” Mika laughed, “I won’t have to repeat the vile things that came out of her mouth. Where were the butterflies?”
“She was very careful to phrase everything she said in a nice tone,” Leah sighed. “She’s very smart and adaptable.
“Do you ever worry?” Leah asked.
“About what?” Mika frowned.
“That I might turn on you. That I don’t love you as much as I profess.” Her face was drawn and full of fear.
“Never,” Mika answered. “The way you love me. The things you do to me.” Her voice dropped to that low sensuous sound she made when overcome with her desire for Leah. “The things you let me do to you.” Mika smiled. “There’s no doubt in my mind that you love me as much as I love and adore you.”
“Are you sleepy?” Leah began placing small kisses on Mika’s lips and face.
“No,” Mika said hoarsely.
“Then let
me do some things that will convince you even more of my love for you.” Leah smiled mischievously.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Mika whispered.
##
Legion looked up as Jezebel stepped into his shop.
Ah, lovey,” he smirked, “to what do I owe…”
“Cut the crap, Legion,” she waved her hand at him as if to destroy him, but nothing happened. “You have the pleasure of my presence because I’m spewing dung beetles. For your sake, I hope you’ve found a solution to the mess you’ve made.”
“Aren’t you demanding for one without powers?” he sneered.
“You know as well as I do, I will regain my powers. Leah’s baby will make that possible; the witch swept through the shop. “Now about these beetles?”
“You’re in luck. It just so happens I have a solution.” Legion reached under the counter and produced a small vial of potion. “This will end your spewing of insects.”
The witch drank the potion and waited. “You miserable little cretin,” she shrieked. She was delighted to see nothing fall from her mouth.
“Legion, I do believe you have finally done something right,” she said sarcastically. “Now, I need a meeting with Him.”
“Do you think that’s wise?” Legion frowned. “You have no powers. He may destroy you.”
“I have something to offer him,” she smiled evilly. “Something that I may offer to the highest bidder: a pure, magic baby in exchange for power and ruling at his side.”
Legion shuttered, even he had no desire to engage Him in a bargaining session. “I will try to arrange a meeting. He isn’t always responsive.”
“He can find me in the Cross Towers in New York,” Jezebel grinned. “It seems I have friends in high places that can get me an apartment there.”
##
Leah had been surprised that her mother had been so civil to everyone. She hoped Jezebel had changed, but in her heart, she knew better. Even Emily’s constant goading hadn’t elicited a verbal retaliation from her mother.
The mayor watched as Richie showed his Grandmother how to bowl. Mika knelt to lace her wife’s bowling shoes, and Leah absent-mindedly stroked her soft, wavy hair. She turned her eyes to Mika to find her watching her face questioningly. “What’s wrong?” Mika said softly, tying the last shoe.
“Mother, she seems to be truly changing, but I’m afraid to trust her,” Leah frowned. “I wish she would go back to New York. I’m afraid she will find out for sure that we are expecting.”
Mika walked to the ball return and picked up her ball.
“Jezebel,” Mika addressed her mother-in-law, “we’re taking out the boat this weekend. I hope you will join us.” She threw her bowling ball and made a strike.
Jezebel watched Mika as she bowled. She could see what her daughter saw in the blonde. She was devastatingly gorgeous with a body to die for. She has the nicest butt I have ever seen; she thought as Mika bent to pick up her bowling ball. Jezebel licked her lips, finding that all moisture had left her mouth. She had never been attracted to a woman, but she…
“Why, Mother,” Leah chided her, “I do believe you’re coveting my wife.”
The priest whirled around as if someone had thrown boiling oil on her. Mika’s eyes were wide with alarm.
“Foolish girl,” Jezebel snorted, “don’t be ridiculous.”
“Drinks for everyone,” Richie announced as he placed a tray of drinks on the table. “Wine for Grandmother, water for Mom and Dr. Pepper for Mika and me. He smiled as he handed everyone their drinks. He was very aware that Jezebel’s presence was making his mother uneasy.
“Thank you, Richie,” Leah patted his arm. “Mika was just inviting Mother to go boating with us this weekend.”
“Yes, you’ll love it, Grandmother,” the boy beamed, “We can fish for striped bass. I will teach you how to bait a hook.” Although Richie knew from experience that fishing for striped bass was done with chunks of mackerel, he decided to describe the experience as negatively as possible.
“I will help you dig worms in the woods behind our house. There are a lot of fat, wiggly ones in the dirt under the decaying leaves.” He beamed as his grandmother turned a lighter shade of pale. “We will get only the biggest ones so we can impale them on the large fish hooks we use to catch stripers.”
Jezebel’s hand involuntarily went to her lips as she tried to calm her urge to vomit. “I think it may be time for me to return to New York,” she exhaled sharply. “I’ve taken advantage of your hospitality for too long.”
“Why don’t you join us for dinner tonight,” Leah smiled. “We can discuss it then. I am cooking your favorite lasagna.”
“That sounds wonderful, dear,” Jezebel sipped her wine, noting that her daughter had water.”
##
Before her mother arrived for dinner, Leah called Mrs. Worth and arranged that Jezebel would have the penthouse in the tower not occupied by their penthouse. “Please be certain she has everything she needs,” the brunette instructed Mrs. Worth, “tickets, dinner reservations, the town car, and Mrs. Worth, please, immediately let Mika or me know if she leaves town.”
After dinner, the family discussed Jezebel’s return to New York. Leah handed her mother a business card for Mrs. Worth. Leah had written her name on the back of the card. “She is the manager of Cross Towers. I spoke with her this afternoon. She is expecting you and will take care of all your needs. Here is a credit card. Feel free to purchase clothes, meals, theater tickets, whatever you need.”
Jezebel placed the two cards into her purse.” I believe I am ready to bid you all adieu.” She smiled at Richie then turned a glare on Leah. “Darling, have you given any thought as to how I am to get back to New York?”
“I will escort you, Mother” her daughter smiled coyly. “It will give me a chance to introduce you to Mrs. Worth.”
“I would prefer that you simply transport me to the lobby of the apartments,” Jezebel grimaced. “I have taken up enough of your time, and I would like to be alone.”
“As you wish,” Leah barely nodded her head, and Jezebel found herself in the lobby of Cross Tower number two.
Jezebel had a lot of preparation to make for the arrival of Him.
CHAPTER 33 - Operation Leah Watch
“I am thinking about beginning my leave the first of June,” Leah informed her wife, as Ruth placed their lunch on the table. “The twins should come sometime in late June or first week of July.”
“Whatever you think best, darling,” Mika touched her hand.
“That will be so great,” Richie couldn’t stop wiggling in his seat. “I will be out of school so I can help.”
“I appreciate that,” Leah smiled at him.
“May I tell Emily and Ruth we’re having a boy and a girl?” Richie said softly to his mother. “They will be excited.”
“Of course, dear,” Leah grimaced, knowing the sheriff wouldn’t welcome the news.
“Emily, Rubes,” Richie bounded to the pair. “Our twins are a boy and a girl. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yeah, like an instant family,” the sheriff turned to look at Leah, “all you add is…”
“Love,” the priest cut in. “Lots of love.”
“Yes,” the boy grinned. “Lots of love.”
“Have you selected names yet,” Ruth refilled their drinks and sat down in the seat vacated by Richie.
The sheriff was talking in hushed tones to her son, but Richie wanted to be in the middle of any discussion about his brother and sister, so he quickly moved back to their table.
“We have,” the Richie answered. “Sara and Adam.”
“What, no Jezebel and Ahab,” the sheriff snarled. “After all, they were the first to…” she made a gasping sound and fell off her stool, hitting the floor hard.
Mika felt the slight movement of her wife’s hand on her leg and knew she was choking the sheriff. Mika reached under the table and gripped her hand. Leah slowly released her hold on Emily’s throat. She to
ssed her lovely head, moving long raven locks back from her face. “What?” she glared at her wife.
Mika put her lips right against Leah’s ear and whispered, “You are so hot.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Leah smiled.
No one in the diner even moved to help the sheriff. If she was choking on her burger, she deserved it. The mayor didn’t warrant the hurtful statement she had made to her. Even Richie was motionless as Emily gasped for breath and pulled herself up by the barstool.
##
They were counting the days until the twins made their appearance. The nursery was decorated in pinks and blues. Ruth had given a baby shower the sheriff didn’t attend, but everyone else in town did.
They were thankful Jezebel had disappeared from their lives. She loved Cross Towers and decided to stay in New York.
Richie and Mika’s favorite pastime was placing their hands on Leah’s stomach and talking to the babies. They were overjoyed when their conversations elicited a kick from the twins.
Mika had thought her wife would want to skip their usual anniversary vacation aboard The Leah, but she had insisted that they simply postpone it until the first week of August. “We will probably be coming off a two or three-month abstinence,” Leah smiled knowingly. “We will need to be at sea.”
Mika gulped audibly and nodded her agreement. Leah had informed her, four weeks ago, that they should refrain from intimate relations until after the twins were born. They had celebrated their wedding anniversary having dinner and watching a movie at home with Richie.
Mika watched Leah as she dried her hair. She had let it grow longer, shoulder length and Mika loved it. Leah had always had incredibly beautiful breasts. Now they were fuller, firmer and sensitive. Just breathing on them had resulted in the most delightfully gentle lovemaking. Most of the time Mika felt like she would explode with the feelings she had for Leah. She couldn’t kiss Leah often enough or hold her tight enough. They had celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary June first. Mika was just beginning to scratch the surface of the woman she had married.
Strand was right; except for the slight outward curve of her stomach and her voluptuous breasts, she didn’t look like she was about to deliver twins any minute.