by L C Taylor
As she stood, another explosion rocked the ground.
“What the fuck,” Drake peered into the distance, “That was the Amethyst Kingdom.”
“Amalee,” Sarifena gasped, “Commander!” she called out, “Find out what’s happening… make sure Amalee is not injured. And see if she needs our help. Constable,” Sarifena turned toward Constable James, “Call the other Kingdoms… we need to alert them they could be next.”
Sarifena turned to Emersyn, “You sure you feel up to cleaning this mess up?”
“Yes, but I must siphon some of your magic.” Emersyn took Sarifena’s hand and raised their joined arm into the air. She used her other hand to manipulate the environment as she called forth her magic.
“Use your magic to make it rain. It will help speed things up.”
Sarifena closed her eyes, pleading with her magic. She could feel the trickle of water dripping against her skin as the sky opened up, and rain began to fall. Opening her eyes, she was astonished by the vision in front of her. Emersyn had cleared the land of the rubble and returned the lush landscape back to normal. It was as if the fire had never touched the earth.
“That should do it,” Emersyn released her hand, staggering to catch her balance, “Whew… I’m beat.” She collapsed to the ground and took several deep breaths.
Sarifena sat beside her, equally wiped out, “If I haven’t told you lately… I am so glad we are sisters. Thank you for coming, Emersyn.”
“Sarifena,” Heath kneeled beside her, and Emersyn, “Are you ok?”
“Yes… just tired.”
“Let me check you both out,” he reached for the stethoscope wrapped around his neck and pulled it free. Sarifena watched as he checked Emersyn first, then checked her over.
“You’re good, but you should rest, both of you. The amount of magic you two used was astronomical.”
He wrapped his arm around, Sarifena, “Let me help you up,” tugging her to a stand, he held her steady, “We should get you home. Let the Commander take it from here.”
“Sarifena,” Emersyn spoke softly, “Remember what I said. Call me later once you’ve rested. I’ll have Drake coordinate with Commander Brady and the other Kingdoms. We need to develop a better plan. Whoever is doing this has escalated things. Any word on Dimitra?”
“No… nothing,”
“Well… maybe now Onika will tell us what was in that damn diary that set her off.”
“We can hope.”
Sarifena hugged her sister and allowed Heath to escort her to the waiting SUV. She was shocked when he climbed in beside her.
“What are you doing?”
“Coming with you.”
“Shouldn’t you stay – in case someone needs medical care?” She glared at him, her forehead scrunching in question.
“No. I’ve left several nurses on-site to assist the paramedics. They can handle it… I need to make sure you’re taken care of.”
She turned toward the window, glancing at the scenery as they pulled off, “I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you can…” Heath chuckled, “But I’m still coming with you.”
Chapter 9
Sarifena barely let the car come to a stop before she was climbing out and rushing up the stairs.
“Captain Stephens,” she caught up to her third in command, “Meet me in the conference room, I want to contact the other kingdoms, immediately.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He tipped his head and headed off toward the massive room.
“Don’t you think you should rest first?”
Turning, she caught Heath leaning against the doorway, watching her.
“No. Time is of the essence.”
Heath reached out and grabbed her wrist, “Sarifena, please…”
“Stop it, Dr. King. I am the queen, and my people need me to act like one. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have official business to attend to.”
Heath watched as Sarifena stormed off. His heart ached to hold her and tell her everything would be all right. But he knew she needed to be the one to realize his love for her wasn’t dependent on giving him a child.
Sarifena stopped outside the conference room door and rested her head against the smooth surface of the wall. Walking away from Heath was pure torment to her soul, but she loved him too much to take away his ability to have children.
“Are you all right, Your Majesty?” Commander Brady had returned and was watching her with troubled eyes.
“Yes,” she pulled open the door, “Let’s do this, Commander. It’s time we went on the offense instead of defense. We need to get ahead of this matter.”
“Agreed.”
For the next several hours, the six kingdoms discussed what they’d learned. Onika still wouldn’t discuss the journal’s contents, saying she needed to wrap her head around how to tell those involved. Amalee also refused to discuss the journal. She only said she would read it when she felt it was the right time.
Commander Critcher informed everyone that they had some leads on where Dimitra may be held and that he’d sent several search teams out to investigate. It’d been over two months since her kidnapping, and there’d been no demands made.
“Sarifena, Emersyn,” Onika spoke, “I’d like to meet with you two. We need to discuss some things.”
“Is this about the journal, Onika?” Emersyn asked.
“Yes…” She huffed, “I’d rather have this discussion in person if possible.”
“How about we meet next week? That gives us time to get some security established in the kingdoms. Protecting the people needs to be a top priority.” Sarifena responded, her heart beating erratically, as she pondered what Onika needed to tell them.
“That works. I can come to the Sapphire kingdom… would that work for you, Emersyn?”
“Yes. I’ll be there.”
“Rory,” Amalee spoke, “You need to take it easy right now. Let Christine take a more involved roll in the kingdom.”
“I’m pregnant, Amalee. Not handicapped. But, you're right. I’ve been battling morning sickness, so if you need something, contact her on my behalf. She and Anthony have been a tremendous help.”
The meeting ended, leaving Sarifena feeling anxious. She couldn’t stop the tingling in her hands. “Commander, I need to be alone for a bit. I’ll be at the water’s edge, recharging.”
“Fine. But I’m sending Officer Holberg to stand guard. He’ll give you space so your privacy won’t be intruded on.”
Nodding, Sarifena slipped from the room and headed toward her quarters.
“Officer Holberg, I’m going to change out of these clothes. Will you meet me out back in ten minutes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Sarifena shut herself inside her quarters and stripped off the dirty garments and boots. Grabbing a sundress, she slipped the light material over her head and slid her feet into flip-flops. Shaking her hair free, she brushed her fingers through her messy locks.
Giving one last glance in the mirror, Sarifena headed towards her balcony. The small cove had steps leading to the ground level, giving her access to the water she desperately craved. Nodding at Officer Holberg, she made her way down the path, stopping where the water met the sand. Kicking off her sandals and drawing up her dress, Sarifena sat down. Her feet digging into the wet ground as the water bathed her feet in moisture.
Closing her eyes, she allowed the water to work its magic. The feeling of being wrapped in a cocoon lulled her into a relaxed state. Tilting her head back, she relished in the sun's warmth on her skin. Her body silently thanked her for the much-needed recharge.
The sound of the lapping waves against the shore took her to a place of peace. For a moment, her heart felt whole – even if it was missing a vital piece. As if her thoughts conjured him to life, Heath’s voice cut through the silence.
“You’re a vision to behold sitting there, Sarifena.”
Chapter 10
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” Heath sat down beside her, “Are you all right?”
“Yes… the water helps.”
Sarifena cut her eyes toward him, “Why are you here, Heath?”
“I needed to see you, Sarifena. I don’t like how we left things.”
“Heath…”
“No, listen to me for a minute. I love you, Sarifena. I understand you’re scared… but I don’t care about the what-ifs. We can deal with that when the time comes.”
“I can’t…” Sarifena held back a sob, “do that to you, Heath. I love you too much to take away something you’ve always wanted.”
“Damn it, Sarifena,” Heath gripped her shoulders, turning her to look him in the eyes, “I don’t want that if it isn’t with you. A life without you isn’t a life I want. Don’t you understand that?”
Heath pressed his lips to hers, his arms pulling her body against his. Sarifena tensed for a moment before giving in to the passion between them. Their mouths moved together in a frenzy.
“Heath,” she pulled away, “I love you… but I can’t make promises – not yet.”
“I know, baby. But I need you – even if this is all you can give me right now. I’ll wait for you to give me your heart completely – even if it takes an eternity.”
She moved to straddle his lap, her dress inched above her hips, pooling at her waist. She kissed him hard, her tongue licking the seam of his mouth. Opening for her, their tongues tangled in a heated web of desire. Sarifena bucked against the hidden desire beneath his pants as her hands explored his back. Tugging his shirt from his pants, she slipped her palms beneath the material and brushed them over his toned back.
Heath moaned into her mouth as he tugged her dress from her body, leaving her in only bra and panties. He broke the kiss to run his tongue along her jaw, stopping to nibble her collar bone.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
Sarifena gasped at the sensation of his suckles. Her nipples hardened beneath the thin material of her bra, the wetness pooled in her panties, soaking them through. She rocked her hips, begging for release.
Heath stood, holding her against him. Sarifena wrapped her legs around him and held on as he walked them up the beach.
“I want you, but not out here.”
He nodded to Officer Holberg, who was smiling as they passed by. Heath took the steps two at a time, rushing them into her quarters. He laid Sarifena on her back against the mattress. He stood, removing his pants, standing before her in his black boxer briefs. Sarifena reached up, running her fingernail along the erection buried beneath the smooth fabric, causing Heath to hiss.
She slipped her hand under the elastic waistband, wrapping her fingers around his girth.
“Fuck.” Heath bucked into her palm.
Sarifena pushed the material down, freeing his pulsating member. Jerking her fist up and down his cock, she smiled.
“Stop…” Heath jerked away, “I want to bury myself inside you, Sarifena. If you keep doing that, this will be over before it’s begun.” Pushing against her chest, he forced her to lay back. “I want to taste you first.”
Heath kneeled between her legs, pressing them open. Looping his finger in the thin material, he ripped the lace panties off her body. His finger dipped between her soft pink lips, all while he fisted his cock. Sarifena cried out, her body tensing against his hand. Slowly, Heath ran his tongue through her slit, sucking her clit between his teeth. Her moans and cries told him he was on the right path, so he pressed in harder, spearing his tongue inside her womb. He slipped his finger back inside as he licked and nibbled her tender flesh.
“Fuck, you taste like sunshine, baby.”
Sarifena gasped, her body tightening with desire. “Fuck… Heath,” she cried out.
“I know, baby… let go. Let me feel your desire wash over my lips.” Heath pressed in, finger fucking her as he lapped at the moisture leaking from her cunt.
Heath could feel the moment she burst free. Her thighs tensed around his head as she screamed out her release, her pussy flooding his mouth with her sweet taste.
Wiping his face with his forearm, he eased his way up her body, sucking her nipple into his mouth before settling on her lips.
“Please…” Sarifena begged, “I need to feel you, Heath.”
“Wait,” Heath moved to grab his discarded pants, but Sarifena stopped him, “You don’t need anything.”
Heath held her gaze, “Are you sure? There’s still a chance you could get pregnant.”
“I doubt it, but even if I did… would that be such a terrible thing?”
Lining his cock against her opening, “Look at me, Sarifena. I want to see your eyes when I bury myself inside you.”
Sarifena held his gaze as he drove himself inside her. She arched her back, his cock filling her to the brim. Heath paused, breathing in the sensation of her pussy wrapped around his swollen member.
“Move… please,” Sarifena pleaded, her hips wiggling beneath him, urging him to move inside her.
Heath withdrew his cock, then rammed it back inside her. He repeated this movement as he took deep breaths. Everything about this woman had him near the edge. He rocked his body against hers, pushing them both to the ledge.
“Oh – Fuck…” Sarifena moaned, “I’m coming, Heath. Yes… like that.” She begged, moaning into his ear.
Heath pressed his mouth to hers, swallowing her release as he pushed them both over the cliff. His balls tightened as her walls squeezed his cock. Her orgasm burst free, milking his seed from him as he spasmed inside her womb.
“Fuck…” Heath’s cock jerked inside her as he came down from the high.
Rolling to his side, his semi-hard dick slipped from her pussy. Their cum spilled onto her thigh as he rolled to his side. Tugging her to his side, “I love you, Sarifena. I know you can’t make promises to me, but I’ll settle for whatever you can give me.”
“Heath,” Sarifena spoke, but he cut her off.
“No… don’t say anything. Let me just hold you. Ok?”
“Ok.”
Sarifena snuggled against him, guilt riddling her body. What they’d just shared was beyond anything in the past. It was something more, something that scared her. She laid wrapped in his arms, listening to his breaths even out as he fell asleep against her. Finally, unable to fight the exhaustion, she gave in and fell asleep in his arms.
Chapter 11
As the light seeped into the room, Sarifena stirred. Memories of the night before filtered through her brain like a movie on replay. Stretching her legs, she realized Heath was wrapped around her body. His arm was draped across her middle as they spooned beneath the covers.
“Good morning,” Heath mumbled as Sarifena wiggled against him.
“Morning,” Sarifena sighed, “I thought I dreamed this last night. Yet… here you are.”
“Here I am. Don’t overthink this, Sari. We will take it as slow as you want with no promises made.” He kissed the back of her neck.
“I don’t deserve you, Heath.”
“Stop,” He rolled her beneath him, “You act as though you're not worthy of love… my love to be specific. And if I thought for a minute, I wouldn’t be here in your bed.”
Leaning down, he captured her lips in his. Her legs wrapped around his body, pulling him against her center.
“I’m sorry… I love you.” Sarifena whispered.
Heath pressed his firm erection against her belly, their naked skin touching. His touch sent a jolt of electricity straight to her core. Sarifena felt as though her entire body was lit aflame with his need for her. Pressing her hips deeper against his body, she could feel his overwhelming desire nudging against her opening.
“Please… Heath, I want you.” Sarifena wiggled her hot center against his tip, pleading with him to bury himself inside her.
He pressed his lips to hers, his tongue snaking pas
sed her soft lips, demanding entrance. Sarifena opened to him, her tongue swirling with his as he pressed his cock into her moist center. Moaning, Sarifena broke the kiss and arched into his chest.
Heath gripped her fingers in his as he pressed her hands above her head. His hips moved as though they were in a lover's tango. Each thrust harder than the last. He found the sensitive spot beneath her ear and suckled as she writhed beneath him. For a moment, he felt as though he was suspended in time, lost in a haze of lust and desire.
“Fuck…” Sarifena grunted, her body responding to every move and touch he gave. Heath could sense she was close. Her face was twisted in pure pleasure, her stomach coiling with need.
Pounding against her cavern, he felt her walls close in, gripping his cock like it was afraid he’d disappear. Her spasms nearly caused him to lose it, but he wasn’t ready. He needed to give her more… show her he was playing for keeps. Allowing her orgasm to subside, Heath leaned up onto his knees, pulling her legs around him. His dick stayed rooted inside her as he adjusted their position. Heath began thrusting into her, harder, causing her tits to bounce against her flesh. Slipping his palm around her full mound, he pinched her nipple, eliciting a squeal from her.
“Let me hear you, baby.” He rubbed the tender flesh, all while continuing the assault on her pussy. Tracing his finger down her stomach, he pressed against her swollen nub. The tender flesh was begging for release, red and glistening with wetness. His palms moved to her hips, gripping them harder, their flesh slapped, echoing in the room. Between her squeaks and moans, the rhythmic sound of fucking filled her quarters.
“Heath…” she flexed her legs, tensing as her orgasm built, “I need to come… please,” she begged.
Heath slowed his pace, pressing his cock deeper within her womb. Every thrust sent a ripple effect through his body, his balls tingled with the need to let go. His breathing became a pant as he felt the telltale sign of nearing his release.
“I’m going to fill your cunt, baby. You ready to fall over the cliff with me?”
“YES!” Sarifena cried out, “Fill me, Heath… give it to me.”