A Twist of Fate

by Donna Raider

  The applause in the room was deafening. Only when Leah stopped speaking did Mika realize that she had been entranced with all her wife was saying. Her delivery was powerful, sincere and enthralling. God, she was wonderful. So…everything!

  Mayor Leah Cross was the consummate politician.

  She raised her hand and leaned into the microphone. “We will now take a vote. “All for Mr. Legion’s proposal, please raise your hand.”

  A lone hand went up in the back of the room. The mayor tiptoed to see who it was. “Nick,” she raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. “We thought you were dead.”

  Laughter rippled through the crowd.

  “All for the council’s proposal, please raise your hand,” She smiled as every hand in the room shot skyward. “The council’s proposal passes unanimously, except for one vote. Meeting is adjourned.”

  As much as Mika wanted to run to her and sweep Leah up in her arms, she remained seated observing Leah’s joy as citizens gathered around her. Mayor, politician, boss, call her whatever one wanted. She was their queen. All but two people in that room wanted to serve their queen. Legion and Nick slinked from the room.

  Mika continued to watch as the crowd swept her from the room, leaving Mika alone with the dreams for Leah’s town shining from the screen on the stage. Mika knew she had just witnessed the performance of a great politician. Leah’s ability to influence those around her was uncanny. She didn’t need magic; she had charisma. Mika turned off the power point and began packing up the computer.

  Mika jumped as a hand touched her shoulder. She turned to gaze into deep brown eyes. Leah buried her hands in her thick blonde hair and pulled Mika’s lips to hers. Leah’s kiss was soft, searching, questioning. “I think you promised me ripping of clothing,” she said in her low, sexy voice that dissolved Mika’s bones.

  “Mom! I knew I would find you here,” Richie joined them. “Everyone is looking for you. You have to come back to the diner.”

  Mika caught Leah’s hand in hers, “Let’s go, Your Majesty. Your subjects await.” She leaned down and kissed Leah softly, so glad she was a part of her life.

  The diner was buzzing with talk of the projects the mayor had proposed. Confident the town would back her, she had already received federal and state approval to undertake the projects. She and Mika had spent hours working night and day to submit and resubmit forms required by various levels of government to receive approval.

  She found herself answering the same questions over and over, as various townspeople approached her. “I believe we need to have another meeting so I can answer all your questions,” she announced.

  The diners nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

  “Let me visit with the City Council and our Deputy Mayor and we will get information for you. How does a meeting sometime during the first week of next month sound?”

  Everyone nodded in agreement, then went about ordering their dinner. The Cross family quickly ate dinner so they could hurry home and read bedtime stories to Sara and Adam.

  ##

  The back door slammed as they entered their home. The three shared a concerned glance as Sara and Adam scooted down the stairs. “Queen Mommy, Queen Mommy,” they cried running to their mother. “Read story.”

  “Honey, why don’t you take the children into the family room and read to them,” the priest frowned. “Richie and I are going to check on the back door.”

  Leah nodded. She knew her wife was leaving her with the twins because she was powerful enough to protect them and Mika would take care of Richie.

  A quick search through the kitchen, dining room, and Mika’s study revealed no one in the house. While the back door was unlocked, it was securely closed. Mika locked it and armed the alarm system. She would have another discussion with Nana about making certain the alarms were always set when they were not home.

  The sight that greeted her when she returned to the family room almost made her heart stop. Her gorgeous wife was sitting on the floor with a baby on each leg. A picture book was between them. “The beautiful queen swept the babies up into her arms and hugged them so tightly they squealed,” Leah looked up at Mika as she finished the last sentence, “and they all lived happily ever after.”

  Leah had never looked more beautiful. Mika’s insides ached as she watched her kiss each child’s cheek. Her eyes glistened as she looked up at the priest.

  “I think Queen Mommy has gotten her ‘happily ever after,” Richie smiled as he moved to lift Adam from his mother’s lap.

  Mika didn’t miss the dark shadow that flitted across Leah’s lovely face as she bent to pick up Sara.

  Richie took Sara in his other arm as the priest reached out her hand to her wife pulling her to her feet. “I’m going to run these two little urchins up to Nana,” Richie grinned. “When I get back, we need to talk.”

  “What was the slamming door all about?” Leah turned to her wife as soon as their son was out of the room. She moved to the kitchen as they spoke and began preparing beverages for them.

  “We didn’t see anyone,” Mika grimaced, following her back to the family room. “Nana had forgotten to set the alarm, or someone disarmed it.”

  “Nana swears she had set the alarm before she went upstairs with Adam and Sara,” Richie informed them as he entered the room.

  He surveyed his parents slowly. “Tell me what’s going on? I can’t help if I don’t know.”

  Mika motioned for the young man to have a seat, as Leah handed Richie his cup. She placed two cups of tea on the coffee table in front of the sofa and settled herself beside the priest. Leah knew she had put off the moment as long as she could.

  “I guess this is my story to tell,” Leah started hesitantly. “Please understand Richie, I never dreamed I would have to face the results of my actions.”

  She looked down at her hands, folded in her lap. “I was miserable and without hope in my marriage to the king of Judah. I won’t go into the whys.”

  “Mika told me,” Richie moved to sit beside her and took her hand.

  She nodded, swallowed, and then continued. “Legion offered me a way out. He convinced me my only chance at happiness was magic. He was my court advisor in Judah. He insisted I have the Christian priests slaughtered and Baal’s worshipers installed in the synagogues. He offered to teach me powerful magic in exchange for…” Her voice faltered as she fought back tears.

  “Exchange for what, Mom?” the boy said gently.

  “My first born,” she blurted out.

  Richie gasped, “Sara and Adam?” His initial reaction was to recoil from her. He fought to keep from yanking his hand from her grasp. He knew they were long past the point of placing blame. She had suffered much because of his stupid, thoughtless actions. He wanted her to know that he was here for her.

  “Legion is particularly furious with me now that I have blocked his gambling casino,” Leah frowned. “I am afraid he is getting ready to take action.”

  “So, what do we do now? I mean is Legion trying to steal the babies. What can we do to break the contract? Richie furrowed his brow. “He’s my grandfather. Perhaps he will leave them alone if I plead with him. Maybe a trade. I could enlist Nick’s help. Legion seems to value him.” The boy was grasping for anything that would save his siblings.

  “Legion answers to a darker power than anyone can imagine,” Mika spoke softly. “Defeating Legion would be easy. Your mother is much stronger than he, but that wouldn’t be the end of it. Legion doesn’t want the children for himself. He wants to deliver them to someone else. He is trading them for more power for himself.”

  “If I destroy Legion, another will only be sent in his place. At least we know who Legion is and of what he is capable. Be very vigilant,” Leah sipped her tea. “Don’t ever let Legion get close to the children. Above all, do not ever trust my mother. She is far eviler than Legion. Don’t ever believe she has reformed or that she loves you or the babies.”

  “Needless to say,” Leah added, “If Legio
n had control of our babies, he would have control of me. I would do anything to keep my family safe.”

  Richie gulped, visibly shaken. “Is it okay if I talk to Legion?” He asked. “He has always been fairly civil to me.”

  “I will go with you,” Mika nodded. “Maybe between the two of us we can convince him that it is in his best interest to leave our family alone.”

  “He will want something in exchange,” Richie huffed. “He always wants to make a deal.”

  Leah slumped against her wife. We should tell Richie everything , she thought.

  The priest nodded.

  “There is one other thing you should know,” Leah smiled shyly. “I am again with child.”

  ​ A huge smile spread across Richie’s face. “That’s great,” he laughed, hugging his mother. He grinned at Mika, “But, Mika, don’t you think you should have resolved this dilemma before getting my mom pregnant again?”

  “I…I…I didn’t mean to” Mika stammered. “We had planned on waiting until the twins were five, but…”

  “It’s God’s will,” Leah smiled. “We’re ecstatic.”

  “So am I,” Richie laughed. “This time, I hope it is a little girl that looks just like you, Mom.”

  “My sentiments exactly,” Mika grinned.

  “Let’s keep this to ourselves for now,” Leah added. “At least until we know if it is a boy or a girl.”

  “May I at least tell Amber?” Richie asked shyly. “She is a good listener. She makes it easy to discuss things. She is wise far beyond her years.”

  That’s debatable , the priest thought, knowing the woman had been on the earth as long as she.

  “Yes,” Leah nodded. “It’s good to have someone to talk to and give you feedback. I know.”

  “Is it okay if I call her and see if she would like to get a Coke, go for a ride or something?” Richie grinned.

  “Sure, just don’t discuss this anywhere it can be overheard,” Mika cautioned him.

  After their son left, Mika set the alarm and returned to sit beside her wife on the sofa. Leah leaned her head on Mika’s shoulder. After a long time, Leah lifted her face to gaze into her clear blue eyes.

  “About that ripping of clothing,” Leah smiled, “I believe you promised.”

  “Umm,” Mika moaned, “and I am a woman of my word.”

  ##

  Loving Leah was always relaxing. Mika lay on her stomach with Leah’s arm across her waist and her leg over Mika’s. Leah lay on her side, looking at Mika as she traced small circles on her back.

  “Where do they go?” Leah asked softly.

  “What,” Mika roused from her drowsy state at the sound of Leah’s silky voice.

  “Your wings, where do they go? There’s no trace of them. Your back is so smooth and muscular. There are no indentions or little bumps or anything that would indicate you have a set of wings as tall as you are.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it. I just unfurl and retract them at will.” Mika shrugged and grinned. “Kind of like sticking out one’s tongue.”

  Leah pushed against her, so Mika turned on her side and wrapped her arms around Leah, pulling her tight against her breasts. “I’m worried about Mother. She has always found a way to destroy my happiness.”

  “Don’t worry about her, honey.” Mika kissed her hair as she ran her soothing hands slowly down her back. “We can handle her.”

  Mika gently began to massage her back. “Harder, please,” Leah purred. “Oh, Mika, that feels so good.”

  Mika continued to rub her back until she fell asleep in the safety of her arms.

  Leah awoke the next morning in the same place. She loved waking in Mika’s arms.

  CHAPTER 18 - She Was Truly Evil

  The intercom buzzed in Jezebel’s penthouse. “Ma’am, you have a visitor,” Mrs. Worth’s voice informed her, “a Mr. M.”

  “Yes, I have been expecting him.” Jezebel preened in front of her mirror. “Please send him up. Oh, and thank you, Mrs. Worth.”

  The firm knock on her door told her the long-awaited visitor had finally arrived. She opened the door. Her eyes widened in surprise as she surveyed the handsome man standing on her threshold. She stepped back, welcoming M eagerly.

  “I see you have chosen the dark, handsome, devil-may-care look today,” she greeted him.

  “I thought that would please you,” his easy smile relaxed her.

  “It is rather pleasing to the eye,” she nodded. “May I offer you a drink?”

  “Yes, something very strong. I rather enjoy the burning sensation alcohol causes in the human form.” M smiled mischievously, flashing beautiful white teeth.

  “You have been in town for several days,” she made conversation as she poured him a glass of Everclear on the rocks.

  “Yes,” he grinned. “I have been pleasuring myself with some of the lovely ladies New York has to offer. Some of them are quite imaginative and willing.” He took a large drink from the glass and closed his eyes as the 190-proof liquid blazed a trail down his throat. “That may be the best drink I have had in this world,” he grinned, finishing off the glass.

  “Another?” she raised a questioning eyebrow.

  “Yes, please,” he handed her his glass, “but don’t waste the ice. Just straight up.”

  “So, you like human women?” Jezebel asked indifferently.

  “I do,” he tilted his head slightly, “Some of them are downright depraved.”

  “I am certain you partake of only the most beautiful,” Jezebel settled herself on the sofa with a glass of wine.

  “Yes, why bother with anything else, when one can have the crème de la crème?” He closed his eyes as if recalling a particularly pleasurable experience. “Some of them are extremely perverted. No thanks to me, I might add.”

  “Umm,” Jezebel hummed. “Have you ever desired one you couldn’t have?”

  He poured himself another glass of her delightful alcohol. “Ah, you toy with me, witch. You know there is one, your daughter!”

  Jezebel nodded her head smugly. “Leah.”

  “Don’t forget her precious babies,” he grinned gleefully. “A boy and a girl, I believe.”

  He eyed her curiously, “I’m under the impression that The Vile One is to deliver them to me.”

  “He’s no match for my daughter,” the witch scoffed. “I am the only one who can deliver her to you.”

  “You do understand that she must come to me of her own free will?” He frowned as he recalled all the women and men who had come to him of their own free will. In the end—in that split second of comprehension—there had been none.

  “There is a way,” Jezebel grinned a decadent grin.

  “I have watched her,” he continued. “She appears to be disgustingly devoted to her wife, a priest, I believe. I would give anything for a love like that.”

  Jezebel was surprised. Even demons needed love. She had always found love to be only a useless weakness to be used against her opponents.

  “Offer her the life of her wife, Richie, and her two babies,” Jezebel’s black eyes rivaled the debauchery in her visitor’s. “Guarantee that they can live out their lives free from demonic interference. She will come to you freely. She will sacrifice herself for them.”

  He studied her silently. She truly was evil. Yes, in the end, he would have a very special place for her .

  “I need the babies,” he hissed.

  “No, you don’t,” the witch matched his hiss. “Give me what I seek, and I will help you achieve your desires.”

  “What do you want, witch?” he glared.

  “I want to be more powerful than my daughter.” Jezebel watched his eyes for any reaction. She wasn’t certain he could grant such a wish.

  “As you wish.” With a flourish of his hand, she felt an incredible power surge through her. She held out her hand, palm up, and gloried in the fireball she saw forming there. She quickly extinguished it.

  “She is with child again,”
Jezebel informed him. “Draw the priest to you, then offer her the exchange I mentioned. She will do it to save her. She is desperately in love with the woman.”

  Jezebel moved to the sideboard to refill her wine glass. “You will have her and her unborn children—twins again—the priest is incredibly prolific. You will be able to raise them as you see fit without having to overcome baptism and the Christian raising to which Sara and Adam have already been indoctrinated.”

  “We have a deal, witch,” His eyes narrowed as he tried to fathom what would make a woman sell the souls of her own daughter and grandchildren.

  ##

  Leah rolled away from Mika, gasping for breath. Mika lay beside her inhaling deeply, trying desperately to slow her heartbeat. She wondered if immortals could suffer heart attacks while making love.

  As their breathing evened out and their pulse returned to normal, Mika leaned up on her elbow and kissed her gently. “I love you so much,” she murmured against her lips. You are everything I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Priest,” she pulled Mika in for a firmer kiss, “I didn’t even know the wonderfulness of you existed. You are so much more than I ever dreamed.”

  “We better go if we are going to be on time for your one-thirty meeting,” Mika frowned. “Although I could stay here the rest of the day.”

  “Umm,” me too, but we have tonight,” Leah kissed her then slid from their bed.

  Leah dressed them. “I am transporting to my office. It would probably look best if you walked across the street.”

  “As you wish, My Quee—” her lips covered Mika’s to stop her teasing. Then she was gone.

  Mika ran by the diner to pick up the two chicken salad sandwiches and cold drinks she had ordered for pickup at twelve forty-five. They had just enough time for lunch before her meeting. They had skipped breakfast. She didn’t want Leah to miss lunch, too because of her.

  “Hi, Odette,” Mika flashed one of her sweetest smiles, “is my lovely wife in her office.” She noticed the Out to Lunch sign was still on Leah’s door.

  Odette raised her eyebrows, surprised to see Mika on this side of the door. “Mayor Cross, your wife is here to see you,” she spoke into the intercom.