Kiss Like a Fist: A Paranormal Harem Pulp Novel (Hell's Belles Book 1)

by Jake Richter

  Ash touched Alex’s hand, and Alex looked down, almost without recognition until he heard her voice and smelled her vanilla scent. She whispered through the pain and anger, “Alex, we need to get to the well.”

  “What good is it anymore,” Alex replied. “He’s gone. Spence is gone.”

  “He may be gone,” Ash replied, “but the rest of us are still here so we have to keep going. We have to finish this for Spence and everybody else. There’s no other choice.” She held up the map and pointed to a spot. “There’s a symbol for a well there, Alex.”

  “What good’s a well?”

  Ash held Alex’s look. “If the legends are true, it may contain the secret to everything we need to find the sickle.”

  Realizing there was no other choice, but to keep moving forward, Alex slowly nodded. Ash and the Belles secured Spence’s dead body on Camille’s horse and then Alex led the group on a winding trail that was interspersed with trees. They continued upward and finally settled about a couple of miles from a tiny spiral of stone and wood that appeared to lay directly in the middle of the castle compound. At first glance, Alex thought the structure resembled a small ancient church.

  It was a humble place for a small church given that it stood in the shadow of the massive castle. A forgotten spot that was perfect for the pensive and mindful who wanted peace instead of conflict. A paradox in the wake of the castle and keep.

  Everyone dismounted, and Alex watched the Belles lower Spence’s body and carry him into the building, vanishing from sight. Alex dismounted from his horse and followed them in.

  At first it was hard to see, but Alex glimpsed three figures close by. He called out. “Ash!”

  A strange, beautiful sound began to build, echoing off the stone wall. Alex moved forward through the semi-darkness, listening to the song, his footsteps echoing.

  Suddenly, a flame burst into life.

  A candle glowed, the fire dancing on its short wick. Alex was drawn to the light. Soon other candles began to glow with yellow and orange flames, and now Alex could see the Belles.

  Alex watched each Belle disrobe. Even though he was still in pain from losing his friend, he couldn’t help but watch as they shed their garments. Each Belle was a wonderfully erotic candlelit image.

  It was there by the altar that Alex saw a simple well. His thoughts immediately went back to the well at the church on Earth that provided the messages from beyond, reminding him of his grandfather. He had a faint hope that maybe his grandfather could provide him with the guidance he needed, but he wasn’t sure what to think at this point. Still, it was an odd spot to have a well, right where the preacher might deliver a short Sunday sermon, but Alex had seen enough by now to expect anything.

  He moved through a row of wooden pews, looking up to see Ash’s outstretched hand reach for Camille’s and she for Minnie’s. They formed a circle around the well.

  He heard them chanting in a mixture of languages, what he thought was Greek and Latin and a whole host of other tongues he didn’t recognize. As the whispers became louder a shaft of light emerged from the center of the stone well. It was bright and green. The color of emeralds. Soon the interior of the church was awash with light as Alex squinted to see each Belle dive head first into the well. And as quickly as it came, the light from the well and the candles were gone. As were the Belles. They’d vanished.

  Alex collapsed against one of the pews, staring down at Spence who lay on the stone floor. He was alone and hurting. Suddenly he heard a sound. At first it was faint as a whisper but then it grew louder, and suddenly it sounded like a whoosh of angry wind, and as it became louder and the decibels rose, almost crippling to Alex’s ears it stopped. Completely. Nothing but silence and then...

  A voice.

  A familiar voice.

  “Alex?”

  He turned and spotted a figure hovering in the air.

  He couldn’t make out the features for a moment and then the figure drew near.

  It was his grandfather!

  Alex gasped, because he looked different from the last time he’d seen him.

  Younger, much younger, so much so that it was as if Alex was looking at a reflection of himself. Only his grandfather’s eyeglasses made his appearance different.

  Gone was gray hair around his temples.

  Alex was amazed. “Grandfather, you look so...”

  The once-old man winked, and he smiled as he took a good look at his grandson. “Young?”

  Alex took a halting step forward. “I have so many questions.”

  “I know,” his grandfather replied. “But our time grows short.”

  “I’m lost and I don’t know how to find what I need. What I’m looking for.”

  His grandfather smiled. “I was lost too but then I made a decision. You must make the same decision, and soon.”

  Alex was mesmerized by his grandfather’s presence and stepped closer to him. He reached out and the two embraced. Alex wasn’t one to cry but when he let go of his grandfather, his cheeks were moist.

  His grandfather grabbed Alex by the shoulder. “You look hale and hearty, my boy. For a while I feared you might not make it here.”

  “How did you know I was coming?”

  “When I couldn’t get back to Ash after I hid the sickle, I thought maybe Ash would come after me. I sent messages up through the well, the best way I could, but I didn’t know for sure. Of course, I always believed that when one door or in this case, portal closes…”

  “Another one would open,” Alex said, finishing his grandfather’s thought.

  “It appears Ash was able to guide you to get to that open door and locate me.”

  “And the sickle?”

  “Well, that’s where I wasn’t as successful as I thought I would be once I got it here. Word gets around, and there were others who knew its value. While they may not be able to use it, they quickly made sure I couldn’t keep it. The most important thing to focus on right now is the fact that you’re on the right track to finding what I couldn’t keep.”

  Alex’s grandfather nodded and continued, “Do you have it?”

  “What?”

  “The cartouche I gave you.”

  Alex reached in his pocket and pulled it out.

  His grandfather stared at for a moment then touched it. “This is the key, Alex. You have what you need to open the door, now all you need to find it is to maintain your faith and courage.”

  “But I don’t have faith,” Alex said. He pointed to Spence. “My friend is dead.”

  “For the moment,” his grandfather replied. “You need to keep trudging forward. Your walk with purpose will produce what you seek and you will be able to reap great rewards, my boy.”

  “Will you help me find the sickle?”

  “I’ll do what I can.” Alex’s grandfather reached forward and made a grab for the map tucked in Alex’s belt. He stepped back. Much as he loved his grandfather, his instinct was to keep his grip on it.

  His grandfather was amused by this. “I see time has taught you. Fine. Spread out the map. I want to show you the best way to get to where you need to be.”

  Alex spread out the map over one of the pews. Alex could see instant recognition and visualization of the area in his grandfather’s eyes.

  “My boy, I’ve studied this castle a good long while, and its heart is the most magnificent structure ever built. Within that core, the pulse, the thing that binds and holds it together, is the castle keep.”

  The old man directed his grandson’s gaze to the map. “There are three main levels to the keep. Each level has various doors. You have to be careful. Some can lead to places you don’t want to be. Behind others, you will find what you seek. Some of the doors are guarded by a harem of demonic women, a succubus and her offspring, and they will not easily let you depart with the sickle. It will be a challenge.”

  “Could you be a little more specific?”

  Alex’s grandfather nodded, and took off his glasses. He cleaned
them with the fabric of his suit, and put them on again. Alex could see himself reflected in the lenses.

  “I made it to the first level in the castle, but once there, I wasn’t able to go on. Rather I was unable to do what I had to do to get to the next level. It required a surrender I was unable to make. If you can surrender what you care for the most, then you will pass. If not, then your quest is over.”

  “I don’t know if I can do this alone.”

  Alex’s grandfather smiled. “Do you remember the words I taught you? The ones that were engraved on my cartouche?”

  Alex paused, trying to remember. And then it came to him. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I want to get our worlds right. Grant me the power that I need to make it happen. Keep my friends safe, and help us battle to the end and be victorious.”

  His grandfather touched Alex’s head, heart and then the cartouche on his neck. “Remember those words. You’ll need them.”

  “Come with me.”

  “I can’t. The destiny and purpose you seek is your path, and your path alone. You will see. There is a bigger picture than you know.”

  “What?”

  “All will be revealed later.”

  Alex’s grandfather reached into a pocket and pulled out a silver object the size of a chicken egg. He handed the object to Alex, who ran his fingers over the smooth cool exterior.

  “Keep that hidden on you at all times.”

  “What is it?”

  “Something I acquired during my journey down here. If ever you are confronted by true evil, remove that item. It may prove to be the difference between life and death.”

  Before Alex could utter a word in response, there was a bright flash from the well that swallowed up Alex’s grandfather.

  “Grandfather!” Alex yelled but he was gone. The light filled the entire church and almost blinded him as water spewed from the well. The flood of illuminated liquid spread across the church floor.

  He wasn’t sure what to expect as the building began to shake and rumble. And then WHOOOSH!

  Ash, Minnie, and Camille appeared.

  There was a sheen on each of their lovely faces and they were all dressed in black leather and thigh high boots. Silver chains dangled from their skintight clothing and they each wore lace gloves. The trio looked powerful and sexy.

  35

  Alex embraced Ash and then tried to kiss her, but she moved away. Alex was confused. “I’m happy to see you.”

  “I’m happy to see you too, but I need to do something. We need to save Spence.”

  “But my grandfather, he was here and—”

  “We can discuss that in a minute, Alex. Right now I have to work on Spence.”

  “But he’s gone, Ash.”

  She smiled. “Not for long. I’m going to bring him back.”

  “You can do that?”

  She nodded, then looked to Camille and Minnie who gestured for him to leave. “Please go, Alex,” Camille said. “We’ll come for you when the time is right.”

  Alex was reluctant to leave, but did as he was told. He walked outside, and the door to the church closed shut behind him with a thud. It was so quiet that he could hear the rustling of the leaves on the nearby trees, and the haunted wails of creatures off in the distance.

  Impatience has a way of making time stop. Each second seemed more like a minute to Alex’s grief-clouded mind. Thoughts of what was going on inside the church kept running through his head. Then he remembered what his grandfather had said, as clearly as if he could hear his voice: Trust the process but not those who are around you.

  Alex crept near a church window and peeked inside. He saw Ash and the Belles clearly.

  He watched as Ash bent over Spence, his body naked and nipples hard. Camille took Spence’s mouth and kissed it, slow and seductive. Minnie rubbed her long fingers over Spence’s torso as Camille moved down to kiss Spence’s feet.

  He watched in awe, his mouth gaping open, as Ash lowered her body against Spence, grinding her sweetness against his manhood, which showed the first signs of a full erection. Alex reacted with a flash of jealousy and his eyes flickered with rage. He clenched his fist and reached for the door but something in his gut stopped him.

  He released the doorknob and returned to the window. Every fiber of his being wanted to stop what was going on as the Belles continued to caress and kiss Spence all over. Ash kept her body over Spence, arched as if ready to pounce. Then she slowly lowered her body, her thighs quivering as she opened herself to Spence.

  His friend’s body started to move and the Belles rolled off of him as Ash took over. They made wild passionate love. Alex watched it all until he couldn’t watch anymore.

  He sank on the ground, shocked.

  The door opened, and Camille emerged. Her face showed no emotion as she sat next to Alex and buried her head in her arms. She cried quietly, and Alex whispered softly to her.

  Then Minnie slipped outside to join them, and she caught Alex’s eye. He nodded to her. “Is she done?”

  “It was the only way.”

  Alex face tightened. “Is she done?”

  Camille asked, “Would you rather—”

  Alex pushed her off and stood up. “IS SHE DONE?”

  “Yes,” a voice said, and Alex turned to see Spence.

  He was overcome with emotion, shocked to see Spence back from the dead and troubled by the manner in which he was resurrected. The old friends shared a long look and then Alex willed away his unease and hugged Spence.

  Camille and Minnie then ran over to Spence and they embraced and kissed wildly, oblivious to the others. Alex moved back into the church to find Ash slipping her clothes back on. Her bare breasts visible when she turned to him. For the first time, Ash covered up quickly as Alex took her in.

  “I don’t want to lose you, Ash.”

  Ash mustered a smile. “Not that you need me...”

  “What?”

  “You’re different now, Alex.”

  “I don’t feel any different.”

  “On the inside. All of us can see it. You’ve grown during the journey. You’re a leader now. And there’s more. We’ve been rejuvenated.”

  “How?”

  “The well. It has the ability to restore powers.”

  Alex nodded. “My grandfather showed me something while you were gone.”

  “I’d hoped he might come to you.”

  “He showed me the way.”

  Ash inched closer to Alex until they met. Her body exuded the fragrance of warm vanilla and their whispers against each other blended harmoniously, but they did not touch lips. They continued to tease each other, pressing themselves against one another, aroused by the forbidden nature of their passion. Alex felt alive and wanted more but Ash pulled away, and he understood they were unable to go further at this time.

  Ash looked down at her tattoo, which was almost gone. “There’s very little time left. We need to go now.”

  Ash gathered up her belongings and finished dressing, and followed Alex outside as he mounted his horse without effort. The stallion reared and Alex pulled the reins to steady his ride as Spence climbed aboard with Minnie.

  Then Alex signaled to the group. “Move out!”

  They thundered up the hill on the mighty stallions, determination etched on each face. Alex and the Hells Belles cavalry, loaded with grit and purpose. Alex relished the pull in his gut and savored the waves of adrenaline that pumped through his veins as his stallion galloped on.

  In the near distance he glimpsed the outer wall of the castle and the interior keep. From his vantage point the fluorescent paint-smeared structure appeared more like a stone beast than a protective hold for those lurking inside.

  Minnie rode up alongside and yelled, “By the look of things, it’s been spelled by a shapeshifter.”

  “What does that mean?” Alex asked.

  “Somebody knew we were coming and apparently they’ve conjured up a spell.”

  “You mean—” />
  “We’ve been spotted,” Ash said, finishing Alex’s thought. The structure undulated like a serpent. Pieces of stone peeled off and reformed as the building roared to life. Its tower, awash in turquoise light, became both the neck and head of a three-headed beast.

  The beast opened its stone jaws and bellowed a frightful howl then it heaved itself up off its foundation and bristled, shrieking and plodding forward so violently that it felt to Alex as if the area was in the grip of an earthquake. Ash was nearly thrown from her mount as the monster rampaged forward.

  Though it lacked arms, the stone fiend was able to shower debris upon Alex and the others that surely would have crushed them if they hadn’t moved so deftly, weaving between the incoming debris.

  Alex barked to the Belles when they were ready to take the offense against the castle beast.

  “We need to find a way past it! The sickle’s inside!”

  Ash spurred her horse, bringing it up alongside Alex.

  “There’s only one person who could’ve done this,” Ash said.

  Alex’s face went wooden. “Grimwood?”

  She nodded. “Maybe we didn’t escape him after all.”

  The stone monster flung hunks of stone that whizzed through the air as Alex watched Ash bring her Bitch Killer gun around.

  “Can you distract that thing?” she asked.

  Alex nodded and spurred his horse, galloping out and away from the others as Ash ran laterally.

  The stone beast charged at Alex, hurling hunks of masonry that slammed into the ground, mushrooming debris up into the air.

  Suddenly, visibility was down to a few feet as Alex wheeled his horse around.

  The stone monster was squaring up on him, rising to its full and terrible height, readying to take him down when—

  BOOM!

  A percussive blast echoed across the field of battle. Ash fired a shot that slammed into the creature’s midsection, creating an explosion that resulted in several secondary blasts.

  There was a flash of light and then the now-crippled creature fell forward, toppling in stages before finally coming to a rest.