TERRA: Earth Warder Chronicles

by Adrian M Ferguson

  I gasped quietly in wonder.

  Then the glow slowly retracted, pulling back into the concave of his hands. Uncovering his top hand, he revealed the most exquisite rose I had ever seen; its petals were composed of rare obsidian, delicate but strong. Curving down from these dark petals was an oddly jointed, yet beautiful, stem, a stem made of pure liquid silver. As I looked, the silver gently moved, trapped inside yet liquid at the same time. This was adorned with delicate-looking silver thorns, curving up and glinting in the morning light.

  ‘That is beautiful, Ghob. How did you do that?’

  ‘It is for you, a token of my affection, a rare beauty in this world, strong but delicate looking, and also my deepest apology for Agrona once again. Do you accept it?’

  Affection? I looked up into his golden-hued eyes those dark lashes promising wonders. Slowly I reached out my hand, taking the rose gently by the stem; it was strangely weightless, but as I ran my finger along the petal edge, I could feel the strength in its form. This was forged in the palm of an Elemental King.

  I doubted it could be damaged.

  Taking his other hand, I moved closer. He caught my stare and held it. Leaning down, he gently kissed my lips, the barest touch and I felt my skin goose bump in sudden heat and desire, making me want to kiss him further. Not breaking eye contact, he moved back a fraction. Feeling his warm breath on my face, we held there momentarily.

  ‘What’s wrong, Ghob?’ I whispered.

  ‘Nothing, Deirdre, nothing at all.’ Closing the gap, he kissed me again, more firmly and confidently than before. It was a kiss like none I’d ever experienced. I melted into it and felt the energy from his touch pour into me. I realized I was suddenly in his arms again. The kiss became deeper, the passion rose, and I lost all feeling in my legs; thankfully, he was supporting my weight or I might have collapsed. The energy around us rose a notch, and I felt it expand around us. My eyes closed and I lost myself in it, letting myself feel the energy and those hard, yet oh so soft, lips against mine.

  Opening my eyes I stepped back, and to my confusion and alarm felt a hard surface behind me. A circle of rock — high, jutting shards of rock — surrounded us.

  ‘Is this an attack, Ghob?’ I whispered.

  Ghob laughed, surprised but unperturbed. A dark chuckle, brimming with delight, escaped those incredible lips.

  ‘Crap, why are you laughing?’ I demanded.

  ‘Well, that was unexpected,’ he said, amused. ‘Our combined energy called Earth. I don’t believe that has ever happened before, between human and elemental, and I have seen a lot in my time, Warder. I take that back, though — you are not merely human anymore. I forget Earth is now part of you too.’

  Still gasping from the kiss, I looked around me. ‘Wow, that was some kiss, though, Ghob.’ I leaned slightly against the rock to get my breath back.

  Gesturing at the striated rock surrounding us, it rapidly sunk beneath the ground. I blinked feeling the weight of exhaustion fall quite firmly on my shoulders. Damn, I was tired. Clasping the rose gingerly in my hand, I smiled wearily at Ghob.

  ‘Thank you for the rose. I will treasure it, Ghob. But I think I’d better get some rest. I have been up since yesterday and I am definitely feeling the lack of sleep now.’

  Inclining his head, ‘So be it, Warder,’ he murmured softly, ‘You rest and we will talk anon.’

  Nodding my head in acquiescence, I smiled at him, reaching up to give him a soft kiss goodbye. I then turned and trundled up the driveway, only one thing on my mind now: sleep.

  day five

  Waking up a few hours later, I felt refreshed, lying there. I reflected on Ghob’s kiss. We had a deep connection already. I felt it and I felt faint stirrings in my body, wondering how he would feel inside me. My fingers drifted over my thin cotton pajamas, lightly touching the fabric. I hadn’t had any sex really since I moved here. My mind drifted, going over Ghob in my mind’s eye, then my thoughts wandered to Bruce and my feelings for him, seeing those hot dimples in my mind’s eye; even Ford crossed my mind, visualizing his strong muscular arms and the way he handled himself, rugged, confident and masculine. My fingers pressed harder, the fabric growing moist at my insistence. My breath became ragged and heavy, my mind flitting back to Ghob and that sizzling kiss; my breath exploded as I suddenly climaxed, hips thrusting and bucking at my fingers, release exploding in my groin. I collapsed, spent and startled at my newly awakened desires and intense orgasm. Damn, I needed that.

  Ghob, Bruce, and Ford — they all flitted through my mind. I wasn't sure which one I wanted yet, or even if I wanted any of them. But I had a feeling as I lay there that it wasn't going to be an easy choice, especially with all that I had on my plate at the moment.

  After a planned quick lunch, which took up an hour, I realized that I was hesitating about leaving the house. I had to stop in and open the store, but after the recent events, particularly with Agrona being brought low, I’d come to the realization that I was in very real danger. So far my successful handling of the constant attacks had been almost flukeish. I was learning my power on the fly and hoping really for the best. My kitchen was my safe haven. Surrounded by the warm glow of the copper and steel somehow made me feel safe, reminding me of growing up with my mother and her centering all family activities in or around her kitchen. No matter the crisis, the kitchen was where you could go to feel good — having hot chocolate or freshly baked cookies was a definite bonus.

  Forcing myself out the door, I took my Remington with me, tucking it in behind my flak vest, which I camouflaged with a black wool-knit blouse, as the day was quite cool, and made myself face the day. I tested the Earth Circle and found it to be still there and holding up. There had been no warnings of anything throughout the day, so I was fairly positive that I had nothing to worry about from the home end of things.

  Arriving at the store I noticed that the closed sign was down and that there was, I think, a customer coming out of there, since they were carrying a handful of books. What the hell?

  I went in and saw behind the counter a young girl, with Zoey’s coffee polo uniform shirt on, serving another customer. I stood back and watched — shit, she was friendly, competent and upsold another book to the gentleman.

  Not bad — though of course Zoey was still in trouble. Sure, I’d said I might take her up on her offer of a helper, but it seems she hadn’t waited for my go-ahead. I understood why she’d done it, and I was alternating between being thankful and ripping her a new one. Seriously, though, considering what we had shared the other day, I thought forgiveness would be in order. I browsed through to the back of the bookshelves out of view of the girl serving and rang Zoey.

  ‘Oh hi there, Zoey, how’s it going?’

  ‘Hey, Dee Dee, how are you doing? Did you wrap up everything with Big, Dark and Handsome at your place?’ she tittered.

  ‘Ha, yes, it’s all good, though I have a question for you, missy. Who is running my store at the moment, hmmm?’

  ‘Oh crap,’ I heard her gulp. ‘Ummm, well you see, I thought it would be a nice surprise — you know, with all you are going through — to not be worried about the store and losing any profit. I figured I’d hand you a nice big wad of cash by the time you got back, is all. Crap, this is me being too bubbly and nice, isn't it, Dee Dee? And overstepping my boundaries?’

  ‘Yes, it is, Zoey, but on this one occasion consider it a get-out-of-jail-free card if you will, where you are getting off scot free, because I’m watching your staff member right now, and she’s really quite good.’

  ‘Deirdre?’

  ‘Let me finish … which leads me to my next question. I would like to hire her, permanently, as I don't know how often I can get in and I don't want to be worrying about the store. So a swap: my good will — aka, not kicking your country girl butt — for this staff member of yours, and I know you have heaps to spare...’

  ‘Oh god, alright, alright, you know Colleen is one of my best, don’t you, Deirdre? Shit, I really
put my foot in this one, didn’t I?’

  ‘Yes, you have, though you’ve no one to blame but yourself,’ I said with a laugh to take the sting out of my words. ‘Oh and while I'm here … Thank you. You’re a snoop but a lifesaver, and a good friend, Zoey.’

  ‘Oh shucks, it’s no problem, and can I ask you when you went onto these happy meds, ’cause, damn, it’s almost scary,’ she chuckled.

  ‘Hey, now that’s enough,’ I said as my attention was caught by the sound of the door chiming. ‘Besides,’ I added, narrowing my eyes at the sight of a very cocky Ford entering the store, ‘we need to catch up and have a jog together. What do you say?’

  ‘Together? You never like jogging with someone, let alone chatty ol’ me.’

  ‘Going once, going twice.’

  ‘Alright, alright, I will. When would be a good time for you?’

  ‘If it’s not too much short notice, how would today in, say, an hour or two sound?’

  ‘That’s perfect. I’m finished here so I can get home and change. Geez, I’m so excited,’ she giggled. It’s been ages since I went for a jog.’

  ‘Alright,’ I said. ‘Meet me at the beginning of the Bald Mountain trail in, say, two hours, okay? That’s not too far away for you, is it?’

  ‘No, no — I went there once years ago, so I know how to get there, Dee Dee.’

  ‘Good. Well, I have to go as I have to go and talk to my new staff member.’

  ‘Sure, Deirdre, see yah.’

  Hanging up, I eyed Ford. I sauntered behind the bookshelves, staying out of sight, wanting to see what he would do. Picking up a book I pretended to peruse it, watching him through the gap in the shelving. He strode up to the counter, demanding to know where the owner of the store was, almost pushing a paying customer out of the way. The new girl got flustered, but then her back went up. She told him politely but firmly to wait his turn and purposely ignored him.

  You go, girl! She was clocking up brownie points left, right and center, upselling and holding her ground against an ass like him. Speaking of ass, I couldn't help having a good eyeful of that perfectly curved piece of ass of his. He was wearing khaki pants again and wearing them well…

  Colleen finished with the customer, smoothing his irritation away with a few quick quips and a pretty smile. Even with Ford's bully tactics the customer left smiling, not even giving him a glance.

  She'll do, I thought, laughing to myself at the predicament Zoey had put herself in.

  Deciding I’d left this long enough, I casually eased back around the bookshelves coming in from the back of the store, circling him, walking softly till I was not a meter behind him.

  ‘Boo …’

  Ford jumped, reaching for something concealed under his jacket. But then he saw me and quickly withdrew the hand as nonchalantly as he could, and broke into a cheeky big smile, like I hadn't just scared the shit out of him.

  ‘Little jumpy there, aren't we? What’s under the jacket, Ford?’

  ‘Nothing, mam,’ he drawled, ‘I was just scratching an itch is all. Good to see you well — Deirdre, wasn't it?’

  CHAPTER 25

  ‘You giving my staff a hard time there?’

  ‘No, mam, I was just asking if you were around.’

  Ford stood there, arms tense under his black flak jacket. Once again he seemed to like not dressing in weather-appropriate clothing, as this one was sleeveless as well, showing off his impressive biceps. I noticed this time the capital letters ‘SS’ on his right arm — a small black monogram-like tattoo. It looked branded on. He moved blocking my view of it before I could get a better look.

  I could also see the faint outline of a gun under the light leather jacket. He was a little too good at hiding it; that spoke volumes to me of some sort of military or ex-con background or training. He was standing there casually grinning at my silent perusal. I was still trying to work out what his agenda was — although, having seen him collect those trophy ears from the revenants, what came to mind was some sort of bounty hunter. An unusual occupation, but he had obvious knowledge of paranormal creatures. He clearly wanted something from me. What the hell that was had me puzzled.

  More importantly, did he have any idea of the elemental side of things and furthermore who was paying him for these trophies? Dammit, more problems — interesting but complications I could do without.

  Sidling up closer to me, he whispered, ‘So, how are your runs going, sweetie? See anything weird or different out there? I was mightily impressed with how well you took to seeing those undead nasties. Made me very curious.’

  Eyes narrowing at his proximity to me, being as this was my personal space, I grinned back and put my hand on his chest, pushing him slowly but firmly back.

  ‘Curious about me, huh? Well, isn’t that the shits. I'd be getting rid of that curiosity of yours if I were you, no matter how damn charming you may think you are.’

  His cocky grin widened; he was sexy as hell, fuck it. I was surrounded by a whole pose of hot guys, never felt luckier, though this one was dangerous and definitely not my friend. He was a pleaser as long as he got his own way, and then I figured he'd have a knife buried in you back without a hint of remorse.

  Back in New York I'd already have had him on the ground and cuffed, after a serious smack around.

  ‘Mam, I was thinking that …’

  ‘No, stop,’ raising my hand, cutting him off. ‘Don't think. I barely know you and so far I don't like what I see. You’re trouble with a big ol’ fat capital T, and no one in these here parts wants any of that. So take your charming curiosity and keep it to yourself,’ I said, pointing at my shop door. I hardened my eyes and went silent.

  ‘Hmmm, alright, sugar,’ he drawled, emphasizing the endearment, grinning as he noticed my eyes narrow.

  ‘You won't be seeing the last of me. You and I need to chat some more.’

  ‘Good luck with that, Ford. Out before I help you out, ass first, hey?’

  I could see our previous encounter flit across his mind.

  ‘Now that would be fun,’ he quipped, leaving my store, his chuckles drifting back. ‘See yah around, sexy …’

  Leaving my new staff member to it, not wanting to distract her too much, I headed home to freshen up and change quickly before my run with Zoey. I'd left a clean jogging ensemble ready to go, having decided earlier today that I was going for another jog. Laid out was a black zip-up, form-hugging waterproof top, black tights and a pair of track runners. I popped into all that quickly enough, tied my hair into a rough ponytail with a few quick twists and was out the door. Less than an hour later I was pulled up next to Zoey’s car. The rough car park area was deserted, thankfully — it looked like we had the area to ourselves. Zoey was ready and raring to go, judging by the way she was beaming and bouncing on the spot.

  I got out and slipped my backpack on. I had come a little bit more prepared this time, not wanting to run the risk of not being able to handle any situation that might come my way. I had a Ka-bar tucked away and some rations, and water — plus, of course, my Ruger hand pistol, tucked into its usual spot in the small of my back. I could feel the cool steel press into my skin and found the pressure comforting.

  Running up to me, perky as a fresh daisy, Zoey had on a tight pair of fluorescent pink running shorts, and a top that hugged places I didn’t think a top should hug, also in fluorescent pink. Her hair was tied back with; you guessed it, a pretty pink ribbon. Holy crap, I didn’t think we'd have a problem getting spotted in the forest if we happened to get lost at all — she was almost blinding.

  ‘Nice outfit, Zoey, not conspicuous at all,’ I sarcastically quipped.

  ‘I know, isn't it just darling? I had to buy these off the rack, as I had absolutely nothing to wear for a jog. I am so happy that you wanted me along with you. It’s been an absolute age since I had an actual run, so you have to be easy on me, alright? I am so bloody unfit, compared with you. God, I wish I had your legs; I need to burn some calories. My God, I wish I h
adn’t had that chocolate croissant,’ she panted out.

  ‘Whoa, whoa, Zoe! Take a breath or you'll have none left for the run, missy,’ I said with a laugh.

  She chuckled. ‘Sorry, it’s just I haven't been out with a girlfriend for ages I usually don't have the time, running the coffee shop and all.’

  ‘Nah, it’s okay, that’s a good thing, that’s why we’re friends. Anyway, let’s get started. We really don't want to be out here when it gets dark — oh and FYI, don't mention this run to Bruce. He put me on a run curfew, so he might question what we did today. If you run into him at some point, you never went on a jog with me, okay?’

  ‘Hey, that’s no issue. My lips are sealed.’

  The track I’d chosen was a relatively easy one, as I already knew Zoey wasn’t able to do anything difficult; only possible downside was it was a little bit more remote than even I was used to. But I figured with the both of us we'd be alright. The track hugged the top of the treeless mountain providing a breathtaking view; the air was slightly thinner up here being so high up, but it certainly was worth it.

  Even Zoey was quite for a while, taking in the vista. Walking at a steady pace, she looked at me.

  ‘I think I needed this, Deirdre. I’d forgotten how spectacular it is out here, stuck in my coffee shop. I haven't had much time or any time for that matter. It’s a constant whirl of orders, restocking, and customers.’

  ‘No problem, I've been feeling exactly the same way. Even with not being in the shop lately, I've been dealing with a lot of that past family shit.’

  She looked at my sympathetically.

  ‘So this is my escape,’ I said, ‘my way of releasing my excess energy. Aim to switch off, you know.’

  ‘I’m hearing you. No wonder you love it out here on your jogs.’

  Turning a corner, I suddenly yelled, ‘Race yah!’ and unexpectedly sprinted forward.

  ‘Oh, shit,’ Zoey yelled and put on speed, chasing after me.