by Tina Pollick
Olesha ground her teeth. Those idiots she sent to kill Drew, Mackenzie and the girl must have failed. They would have been back by now, otherwise. She hated the idea of letting one of her play-toys free, but the idea of dying did not appeal to her either. Olesha had no choice but to release Drew, but the others would pay dearly for failing her.
She sliced her wrist and placed three drops of blood on the bottom of the contract. As the last drop hit, the ivory parchment disintegrated until nothing but a pile of ash remained. She turned to Poseidon.
“His contract is cancelled. Drew is free.”
“And you won’t pursue him, his woman, or daughter?”
“No, I will not, but I can’t guarantee that the others won’t.”
Poseidon stepped in closer to Olesha, grabbed her chin, and lifted her face so their eyes met. “Oh, I think you can.” He turned in the direction of the room where the slaves were held. “I think you can convince them to forget about Drew and his family.”
Olesha pulled her face free, and then smoothed out the gown. “I suppose I could, but what’s in it for me?”
Poseidon laughed. “You have courage, and maybe that’s one of the reasons I tolerate your existence. I guess living is not enough for you.” Poseidon approached and spun her around, placed his hands on her hips, and pulled her ass tight to his cock. “What else do you want, my pet?”
Olesha ground her ass against his hard shaft, and then pulled away. She turned to face him, a smile plastered across her face. “I’ve already had that, twice.”
She paced the room, her finger tapping her jaw. If Poseidon was offering her something, she was going to make sure it was something she couldn’t get from anyone else. Keeping Drew safe forever was going to cost him, now she had to figure out exactly what that price would be.
She paced a little longer, before stopping in front of him. “I will make sure none of my men go after Drew or his family. In return I want a favor that I can use whenever I want, no questions asked from you, no matter what it is.”
Poseidon shook his head. Olesha could see the wheels turning in his head. She knew he didn’t want to be indebted to her, ever, but she had a feeling he would do whatever was necessary to allow Drew a fresh start with a clean slate.
“I will accept this, but I have conditions.”
Olesha moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her breasts against his sculpted abdomen. “What are the conditions?”
“It can’t involve any harm to anyone I love or hold dear to me.” Poseidon pulled her close, grinding his cock against her.
She gasped and nodded. “I’ll accept those conditions.”
“Good. Now let’s say goodbye. I have somewhere else to be.” Poseidon grabbed her and flung her to the bed. “Get up there on your hands and knees.”
Olesha licked her lips. “With pleasure.”
Poseidon unzipped his pants and pulled out his hard shaft. He moved in closer, pulling her back to him. She tilted her hips up and backed against him. He slid one finger inside, and pulled it out slowly.
“You’re so wet.”
She nodded. “Now fuck me goodbye.”
Poseidon guided his cock into her. “You’re so wet, warm, and tight.” He groaned as he pushed himself in deeper.
Eaton threw a fire ball that exploded next to Mackenzie. The impact sent her flying into thick green bushes. She landed with a loud thump.
Drew tried to rush to her side, but was blocked by Barak and Kastas.
“Move!” They remained steadfast, holding their weapons, ready to strike. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I will.”
Eaton moved behind him, closing in on where Mackenzie landed.
“Eaton, stop! I don’t want to kill you, but if the choice is saving you or her, I will choose her.”
“I can’t. You don’t know what she has planned for me if I fail.”
“I’m sorry, my friend. I know you’re not here by choice, but that changes nothing. “
Eaton took another step, and Drew’s chest clenched. Of the three that were here, he knew without a doubt that Eaton didn’t volunteer for this. Eaton and Drew had been part of more sexual torture sessions than he cared to recall. That didn’t change the fact that Eaton would kill Mackenzie unless he did something.
Drew reached his hands up, collecting the moisture from the air. The droplets collected together and morphed into a whip that rested in his hand. He commanded the water as his father did, and right now this was his last option to save Eaton’s life. He extended his arm and the whip snapped over Eaton’s head with a crack that split his skin from the corner of his ear, down his arm and side. Eaton screamed.
Drew turned and cracked the whip on Barack, knocking him off his feet, then turned it on Kastas. The whip circled in the air over Kastas’s head. He raised his sword and the flames sliced through the water, but the whip remained whole. With a swift jerk, the whip wrapped around his ankles. Drew gave a sharp tug, throwing Kastas to the ground.
Drew turned. Eaton had his hands around Mackenzie’s throat. She was not standing on her own. Her skin was pale, her lids partially closed, and she was not trying to defend herself.
“Let her go, Eaton.”
“I can’t…”
Several things happened at once. First Drew’s collar hit the ground, then Eaton, Barak, and Kastas faded until they were gone. Drew brought his hand up to his neck. The collar was gone. He touched his raw, blistered neck for the first time in centuries. A weight lifted from his shoulders, and a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. Freedom was something he dreamt about, but never considered it a possibility. He was free.
Drew turned to see Poseidon. He didn’t know how long he had been there, but he held Mackenzie in his arms.
“Where did they go?”
“They’ve returned to Olesha.” Poseidon turned his head left then right.. “Where’s Sophie?”
“She’s somewhere safe.” Drew reached up and rubbed his neck. “My collar is gone.”
“Yes, son. You are a free man.” He laid Mackenzie on the ground. He ran his hand above her chest. “She’ll be okay.”
Drew nodded and knelt next to her. He brushed her hair away from her face. “You and Sophie will be safe now.”
Poseidon looked at Drew. “It sounds like you’re saying goodbye to her.”
Drew ran a hand through his hair. “She deserves so much better, and Sophie deserves-.”
“You. She deserves to have a father who loves her. A father that will be there for her, no matter what. A father who would trade his life for hers. She deserves you, son.”
Drew picked Mackenzie up. “I don’t know how to be a father, and I certainly don’t know how to have a relationship.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
“No one knows. We just do the best we can for those we love.” Poseidon placed a hand on Drew’s shoulder. “I have to get back. If you need anything, just call. And Drew, I expect to see my granddaughter, soon.”
Drew nodded. “Dad.” Poseidon stopped, but didn’t turn around. “Thank you for everything.”
Poseidon didn’t turn back around. He kept walking in the direction of the beach.
Mackenzie woke up surrounded by a group of women. She didn’t recognize any of them, although the one holding her hand resembled her mother. She tried to sit up, but every muscle in her body screamed in agony.
“Sit back, dear. You’ve had a long couple of days. Drew filled us in before he left.”
“Where am I?” She wanted to ask about Sophie, but she didn’t know if these women could be trusted. What if she was in Hell? What if Drew was killed and his bitch Master was trying to find out where her daughter was? She wasn’t going to say anything else to these women until she had some answers, and she could move.
“You’re safe. This is house belongs to our coven. Sophie has been with us since Drew dropped her off last week. She’s been asking for you.” The woman smiled, she had Mackenzie’s mother’s brown eyes. The
woman tucked a few stray strands of brown hair behind her ear. The hair was streaked with grey, which appeared to shimmer when she moved. Mackenzie tried to sit up again. If she was seeing shimmering hair then there was something definitely wrong with her.
“Who are you?” Mackenzie asked, lying back again. The pain in her ribs threatened to steal her breath.
“My name is Renea. I’m your aunt. I’ve had the pleasure to get to know your beautiful daughter while she’s stayed with us.”
Mackenzie still didn’t know if this was some kind of trick. She wasn’t giving any information about Sophie away. As far as she knew she didn’t have any family. Now this woman, who did resemble her mother, was talking all kinds of nonsense. Was this a trick or could it be true, her and Sophie weren’t alone in the world? The idea of having a family made her heart race. The thought was too good to be true. Besides, how would Drew know about a family she didn’t even know about?
“I’m sure you have a lot of questions. Would you like to rest some more, or would you like to see Sophie before you go back to sleep?”
Mackenzie nodded. She was hoping Sophie was here, but if she wasn’t she would claim ignorance about this Sophie person later.
“Mamma!” Sophie ran into the room and landed on Mackenzie’s chest. The wind rushed out and pain brought dark spots in front of her eyes, but Mackenzie didn’t say a word.
She glanced up at Sophie and forced a smile. “Hi, baby.” Sophie’s head rested on her chest. Mackenzie found the strength to run her fingers down Sophie’s back.
“You was sleeping for a long time. I wanted to wake you, but Aunt Renea said to let you sleep. I’m glad you awake now, momma.”
“Me too, baby.”
Renea placed a hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “I heard Gretchen say something about cookies. Would you like to go see?”
Sophie glanced at Renea and then at her mother. “Go ahead, baby. Momma’s going to take a little nap and then you can tell me all about your adventure.”
Sophie picked up her rabbit from the floor and placed it next to Mackenzie. “My bunny will watch you until I come back. ‘Kay?”
Mackenzie nodded. Sophie ran out of the room, calling for Gretchen and cookies.
“I’m glad she’s okay. Thank you for taking care of her for me.”
Renea stroked her hair. “Get some sleep. We’ll talk when you get up.”
Mackenzie slept for three more days. She only knew that because she heard Renea talking to another woman, who she presumed was Gretchen, when she woke up. Mackenzie sat up. She was surprised she was able to move without too much pain. She stood to find where the voices were coming from.
The women were sitting in front of a window, watching as Drew pushed Sophie on a tree swing.
“You’re up,” Renea stated.
“Yeah.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good. Can you tell me where the bathroom is?”
Renea stood. “I’ll show you. I’ve got some clean clothes for you to change into, if you want to take a shower.”
“Thank you.” She stopped and glanced out the window again. “How long has he been here?”
“He came this morning. He was concerned that he didn’t hear from you, so he stopped by. When he saw you were still sleeping, he asked if he could spend some time with Sophie. I didn’t think you would mind, so I said yes.”
Mackenzie turned back toward the woman. “Why didn’t you think I would mind? You don’t even know me.”
Renea smiled, and didn’t appear to be the least bit offended by Mackenzie’s sudden change of tone. “Do you mind?”
Mackenzie glanced back out the window. Sophie giggled so loud her cheeks were pink. “No, I don’t mind.”
“Are you ready for that shower?”
Mackenzie followed Renea down the hall and into the bathroom. “If you need anything else just ask.”
“Thank you.”
Drew’s heart raced as soon as Mackenzie stepped out on to the porch. He had been looking forward to talking to her, but avoiding it at the same time. Would she want him in their lives? Would she ever love him? Would she ask him to leave? His heart pounded in his chest, his palms covered with sweat. He needed to find out, even if he didn’t get the response he wanted.
She walked down the stairs and Drew and Sophie met her. Sophie ran into her arms.
“Are you going back to ‘sweep, momma?”
Mackenzie laughed. “Not until bedtime.” She nuzzled into Sophie’s hair, taking in the smell of sunshine and flowers that could only be Sophie. “I’ve missed you. baby girl. I won’t be going anywhere.”
“Good.” Sophie wiggled out of her arms. “Did you hear that?”
Mackenzie laughed when she heard Gretchen singing about cookies. Sophie looked at the door and then back to her mom. “Go ahead.”
“‘Tanks!” Sophie started running up the stairs and then stopped. She turned to Drew and jumped from the stair into his arms. “I’m so glad you came to ‘pway with me, Daddy. Will you be here when I’m done with my cookies?”
Drew smiled. “I’ll be here.”
Sophie got down and headed into the house.
Mackenzie’s mouth was wide open. Drew rubbed the back of his head. This was going to be hard to explain, and he didn’t think any explanation he had was going to make Mackenzie happy.
“You told her you’re her father?”
Drew sat down on the step and Mackenzie joined him.
“She asked and I told her.”
“And you didn’t think I should have a say in it? What are you going to tell her when you disappear again?”
“Why would I disappear?”
“When your bitch Master calls you back again.” Mackenzie stood and paced in front of Drew.
“Oh, you don’t know.”
Mackenzie stopped and stared at Drew. “Know what?”
Drew opened his shirt.
“What are you doing, Drew?”
“Showing you my collar is gone.”
“I never saw your collar when you had it on. How would I see that it’s gone?” Mackenzie stopped for a moment. “Your collar is gone?”
He nodded. He watched as Mackenzie’s expression softened. Would she really be willing to have a future with him? She sat down next to him on the steps.
“How?”
“It was part of the deal my dad negotiated.”
“He sure did take his sweet ass time, negotiating.”
Drew laughed. “I guess he did.”
“What are your plans now?” Mackenzie asked, looking down at the ground.
“I plan on spending the rest of my life with you and Sophie. If you’ll have me.”
Mackenzie glanced up. Drew stood and knelt before her. “I love you, Mackenzie, and I want forever with you both.”
Drew leaned in and placed a kiss on her lower lip, then kissed her upper lip. Mackenzie wasn’t responding, but she didn’t pull away either. His tongue darted out and brushed the small part between her lips. Mackenzie let out a small moan. That small sound shattered the last bit of Drew’s self-control. He wrapped Mackenzie in his arms and kissed her deep. Her mouth opened in response.
A giggling sound made them separate as they both raised their heads and saw Sophie standing on the porch with a cookie in her hand.
“Yer’ kissing.” She pointed at them both, laughing.
“I guess we are,” Mackenzie said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink that Drew found adorable.
“Sophie!” Renea called from inside the house. “I have your milk.”
Sophie turned and ran back in the house.
“What do we do now?” Mackenzie asked.
“Live happily ever after?”
“What happened to the men on the island?” Mackenzie asked.
Drew pulled away from Mackenzie. “I have an idea, but none of them are pleasant.”
“Is there any way we can help them?”
“I don’t know.”
“Together. I love you, and Sophie.” Drew bent down and kissed Mackenzie.
He leaned back. He could kiss that mouth all day. She hadn’t said she loved him, yet. He was sure she felt something for him, but maybe it wasn’t love. He looked into her brown eyes, could he ask her how she felt?
“Mackenzie, I was wondering…” Drew sat down next to her. He was a demi-god, why did she twist him in knots? This should be an easy question. Why did he feel like he was going to puke?
“What is it, Drew?”
“I was wondering if you like cookies?”
He couldn’t do it. He would rather live in ignorance then be rejected by her. He felt sick, but how could he expect her to love him? She barely knew him. He left her to raise their daughter alone. He would earn her love. He would become the man she deserved. Drew twisted his hands, afraid to look her in the eye.
Mackenzie got up and sat on his lap. “Cookies, huh? Yeah, I like cookies, but you know what I really like?”
Drew shook his head.
“I really like it when you say you love me, because Drew, I love you too.”
When Tina Pollick isn’t writing paranormal romance about Heavenly hunks, and smart, sassy women, this RN enjoys a quiet home life with her husband, children, two horses, two dogs, cat, chickens, guineas. Well, sort of quiet.
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