The Magic in her Gift

by Missy Martine

  Elias followed her through the house. “Not to worry, Miss Sara. I stocked up before I left for the states. You’ll find pretty much anything you could want here.”

  Sara turned and grinned at him. “You were that sure of me?”

  “No, honey, I was that hopeful.” He walked over and kissed her cheek. “I’m going back to my cottage. Get some rest and call me if you need me.” He turned and walked toward the door.

  “Elias?”

  He stopped, but didn’t turn around.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  He nodded and walked out the door, closing it behind him.

  Sara took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and grinned. There was enough food in there for an army. She grabbed a Pepsi and turned to leave. The blinking light on the phone caught her eye.

  Walking over, she picked up the receiver and keyed in the code to play the messages. There was only one.

  “Sara, how could you embarrass me this way? You need to get back here as quick as you can and straighten this mess out. I know my mother has something to do with the way you’re acting. She never wanted to leave that Godforsaken island and something she’s done is affecting your judgment. I’ve talked with Bart and he’s willing to forgive and forget if you get back here right away.”

  Sara hung up on her mother’s voice and grimaced. She’d have to get started early in the morning in case they decided to come after her. She wouldn’t have much time. She turned out the lights and headed up to bed. Maybe Meloir will come to me in my dreams tonight.

  The next morning Sara awoke refreshed, but disappointed. She didn’t remember any dreams interrupting her sleep during the night. God, please don’t let me be too late. She hurried through her shower and dressed. Taking only a moment to grab a glass of juice and a pastry from the kitchen, she hurried upstairs to her grandmother’s studio.

  Sara moved the easel closer to the large windows and sat a blank canvas on the stand. She pulled over a stool and sat down. Her eyes closed as she pictured Meloir’s words in her mind.

  The sky is shades of pink and red with white fluffy balls of clouds.

  Sara took a deep breath, picked up her palette and began mixing her paint. Slowly, she touched the brush to the canvas.

  Dense forests filled with fruit bearing trees that abound in oranges, blue green and yellows.

  Sara set her brush in the cleaning container and picked up a clean one. She began to mix her colors again.

  The grass is green with rainbows of colorful flowers.

  “Here, girl, you need to eat to keep your strength up.”

  Sara turned and smiled at Elias. “What did you bring me?”

  “Just a sandwich and that dang Pepsi we both like so much.” He set the plate on the table beside her stool. “It’s looking real good, Sara.”

  She stared down at her brush. “You’ve seen it, haven’t you?” She raised her gaze to his. “I mean, for real.”

  He smiled and kissed her cheek. “You’re doing fine, little girl. I’ll be back later when it’s time for dinner.” She watched as he disappeared through the door. Sighing, she wolfed down the food and went back to her painting.

  The oceans are deep green with pale green caps on the waves. They’re filled with colorful, tasty fish.

  Sara continued to paint, stopping late in the afternoon to turn on the bright lights. She remembered he said they had two suns and two moons. Choosing to make her picture at twilight, she added the moons to the canvas.

  I only have a small room now, but if I get my wish granted, I’ll have a house near the ocean much like yours.

  Sara changed out her brush again and started drawing a house on her sandy beach.

  “Sara, you need to let this go and get some rest, girl.”

  She didn’t bother turning around. “I can’t leave it, Elias. It’s calling to me. He’s out there somewhere waiting for me, depending on me to make things right.”

  “Can I stay and watch you paint?” he asked quietly.

  “Sure,” she mumbled and picked up a fresh brush. Slowly she began to paint Meloir from memory.

  Tall, at least six feet, with broad shoulders and a smattering of hair across his muscled chest.

  Her brush seemed to have a mind of its own as his shape took form on the canvas. Carefully, she filled in the blue of his mesmerizing eyes.

  “Damn, girl, you’re even more talented than Elizabeth.”

  Sara started to work on the image of herself and thought back to all the torn paintings of Karl she’d discovered in her grandmother’s closet. She turned and looked at Elias. “Can you keep this painting safe and never allow it to be destroyed?”

  He gave her a slow smile and squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture. “You don’t have to worry, Sara. I’ll never let anything happen to this painting.”

  Nodding, she went back to the canvas. Two hours later, she stopped before putting the final touch on her face. She turned to find Elias watching her with a satisfied smile on his face. He nodded his approval and came to stand by her side.

  Sara closed her eyes briefly. I’m coming, Meloir. Please, oh please be there. Opening her eyes, she leaned in close and finished the eyes on her own face. Satisfied, she stepped back and looked around the room. “It didn’t work?” she whispered.

  “What did you think would happen, Sara?” Elias asked.

  Sara thought for a moment. “I thought—”

  A bright light filled the studio, blinding Sara to everything. “Elias,” she screamed, grabbing blindly for his arm. Her hands found only empty space. Heat filled her body and she felt as if she was falling aimlessly. She wanted to scream in fear, but her voice remained frozen in silence. After what felt like an eternity, the air cooled and she could feel a soft breeze cooling her skin. She could hear the sound of waves lapping at a shoreline as she slowly opened her eyes.

  She was lying on warm sand with greenish tinged waves washing in and out. A clean scent filled the air that she’d never experienced before. She slowly sat up and looked around. The beach bordered a forest and everywhere she looked, there were vivid, bright colors. Turning, she gasped as she realized where she was. There, at the edge of the clearing, sat Meloir’s house. Somehow, she was in her painting. She stood and looked around again. Where’s Meloir? He should be here if I am.

  Sara had started toward the house when she heard her name on the wind. Turning, she saw Meloir running down the beach toward her, a huge smile across his face.

  “You’re here, you’re here,” he cried. Meloir grabbed Sara in a bear hug and swung her around in a circle. “My Heart Mate, you’ve come to me.” He sat her on her feet and took her face between his calloused hands. “How, Sarafina? How did you get here?”

  Sara couldn’t stop the tears running down her face. “I found Grandmother’s magic, Meloir. The magic brought me to you.”

  A bright light flashed in front of her eyes, leaving Elias standing on the beach in front of them. Sara stared in amazement as Meloir dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

  “Rise, Meloir. You know I’ve never asked my people to pay homage like this.” Elias held out his hand to the young man.

  “What are you?” Sara asked in wonder.

  Meloir put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “He’s our protector, the giver of all. He watches over us.”

  Sara gave a slight shake of her head. “I don’t understand.” She looked around. “Where are we?”

  “This is what you would call another dimension,” Elias explained. This is a haven I created many eons ago to reward my people. Those who are deserving are brought here to await the call of their Heart Mate.”

  Sara glanced at Meloir. “You said I was your Heart Mate.”

  “That’s correct, Sarafina. You are my Heart Mate.”

  “Most of my people find their mates and choose to live their lives away from my haven. For whatever reason, they can’t or won’t find their way back here.”


  “Like my grandmother?” asked Sara.

  “Exactly, Sara. Your grandmother wouldn’t leave your world because of your mother. Even though your mother didn’t return her love, she never failed in her devotion to her.” Elias smiled at Sara. “I admired her dedication, Sara, even though it saddened me.”

  “Why would it make you sad?” she asked.

  “The souls that don’t return here are destined to live their lives as human with human life spans and human frailties. At the end of that existence, they are no more.” He looked around out at the ocean. “For the few that are lucky enough to find a true love that puts their desires first and their own needs last, I bring them to this paradise.” He turned his green eyes on Sara. “You can stay here with Meloir and have his children, Sara.”

  “I can have his children?” Sara asked, her voice almost a whisper.

  “You can build a life with him here, Sara. Your children will grow to be adults and be given the same choices I give my people.” He took a step closer. “But you and Meloir will never age past what you are now. You can spend eternity loving and making each other happy if that is what you wish.”

  Sara thought for a moment, trying to take everything in. “Is my grandmother here?”

  Elias slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sara. You’re grandmother never put Karl’s needs before her own. They couldn’t spend eternity here, but they are together in the next life that your souls travel to.” He looked at Meloir and then back at Sara. “If that is your wish, I can send you back to the island with Meloir. You’ve seen the pictures of Karl so you understand what will be required to keep him there.”

  Meloir looked at Sara with hope in his eyes.

  “You came to me on the island, didn’t you?”

  “In your dreams,” Meloir whispered.

  “No,” Sara argued. “You came to me in person. You didn’t look the same, but you’re Mel.”

  His face reddened and he looked away before nodding slowly.

  “What is your answer, Sara? You must choose.” Elias took two steps away.

  Sara looked at Meloir and smiled. “I choose you. I want a lifetime with you and our children right here in this paradise.” A bright light flashed and they were once again alone on the beach.

  Meloir grabbed her up and spun her around in a circle, her feet dangling above the ground. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he cried. He stopped and lowered her to her feet, his hands coming up to frame her face as he gazed down into her eyes. “I love you,” he whispered, kissing her eyelids softly.

  Meloir cupped the back of her head and rubbed his lips softly against hers, murmuring her name against her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his lips feathered along the seam of her lips, his tongue stroking in a gentle caress. He licked and then gently bit her bottom lip.

  “Please, tell me this is real,” Sara groaned. “I’m not going to wake up and find it’s all a dream.”

  Meloir pulled back and smiled. “It’s real, my Heart Mate.” He bent and swept her up into his arms. “I want you, Sarafina.” He strode toward the front of house.

  Sara wiggled in an attempt to make him put her down. “Meloir, let me walk. I’m too heavy for you to be carrying me around.”

  He paused and scowled down at her. “You’re perfect, Sarafina, and I never want to hear you say anything different.” He threw open the door and carried her inside the house.

  “Oh my, God,” she breathed, staring around in wonder. She’d only envisioned the outside of the house in her painting. The door opened into a wide-open living space. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows covered one wall and looked out over the ocean. The moonlight shining through gleamed softly against the hardwood floors. Overstuffed sofas and chairs flanked a fireplace to the left of the door, while a beautiful oak table and chairs filled the other side of the room. “Where did all this stuff come from?” she asked in awe. “I never painted the inside.”

  “I’m a carpenter, a builder of furniture.” Meloir glanced around. “I’ve been working on this furniture for some time in hopes of furnishing a home for my Heart Mate.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I guess the magic that brought you here knew that.” He leaned down and smoothed his mouth over hers, taking her lips in a hard kiss that left her breathless. “Let’s see if the bed I made is here.”

  Meloir carried Sara down the hall and turned into the first room they came to. Her eyes drew immediately to the huge bed dominating the center of the room with windows overlooking a colorful garden on each side. The massive headboard had an intricate pattern carved into each of the various posts. A multi-colored patch quilt adorned the top along with several fluffy pillows.

  Sara felt herself sliding as Meloir lowered her slowly to her feet beside the bed. He leaned in close and kissed her, his tongue swirling languorously inside her mouth, moist and hot. He took his time, coaxing her tongue to come out and play.

  Groaning, Meloir trailed his kisses along her cheek to her ear and nibbled before flicking his tongue inside. She tilted her throat to give him better access when his lips slid lower, his teeth nipping at the soft flesh.

  Sara pulled his face around and pressed her mouth to his, her tongue sweeping inside as she brushed the tips of her breasts against his chest. Their tongues twined while he shoved his hand up her top and cupped her breast, setting her body on fire. She let her hand drift to the button on his jeans and popped it open. The rasp of the zipper echoed in the room as it descended slowly.

  Meloir grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it up over the top of her head, his hands immediately going to the front fastening of her bra. One flick of his finger and her breasts spilled from the lacy cups. He dragged the front of his shirt apart and pulled her close, her hardened nipples crushed against his sinewy chest.

  Sara let her hands wander up his arms and across his shoulders as she leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the center of his chest. She left a damp trail across the sparse hair from one brown disc to the other while her small hand cupped his impressive bulge.

  Meloir allowed his fingers to glide over her breasts, playing across her pebbled nipples. She couldn’t contain her cries as a fiery sensation whipped through her when his fingernail raked across the sensitive nub.

  Sara gasped and held on tightly when Meloir bent and scooped her up into his arms and promptly deposited her on the firm mattress. He climbed onto the bed and laid his warm body next to hers. She lifted her butt when he dipped his hands inside her waistband so he could slide her jeans and panties down her legs. She lay naked before him, her hand caressing down his chest, as he shrugged out of his shirt and dropped their clothing onto the floor.

  He leaned close and flattened his tongue over her nipple, drawing it between his teeth and nipping sharply. Her nails dug into his skin at the strange pleasure-pain sensations.

  “Did I hurt you, my love?” he asked, a look of worry on his face.

  “Oh, God, no,” she moaned. “Do it again,” she begged.

  Meloir let his tongue paint her lips while his fingers tangled in the curls between her legs. He licked softly at her ear. “You’re already so wet for me,” he whispered. “Your cream is trickling down your thighs.”

  He grabbed her knee and pulled, spreading her legs wider apart. His hand smoothed up her leg, easing his way to her core. She began shivering, moving sensuously on the bed, as his erotic words flowed through her mind. “I love all this naked, soaked flesh.” His lips skimmed over her abdomen right before he placed one knee between her parted thighs, covering her body with his. Heat pooled in her center and she had to fight the urge to reach for her clit.

  Meloir rubbed small circles on her belly before seeking her hot sheath. She moaned and arched into his touch as he probed her with a thick forefinger. He stroked her puffy lips and then reached for her clit and circled it.

  “You’re shiny wet and you smell so good,” he groaned.

  Sara tightened her legs around Meloir’s shoulders while his fingers
plucked and teased at her clit. He slipped a finger down her drenched slit, stroking into her core, his fingertips easily gliding over the sensitive flesh, moving slowly in and out before he traced her cleft again.

  Sara rocked her hips, moving against his hand as she felt moisture gush between her legs. “Touch me,” she begged.

  “I am touching you, my Heart Mate.”

  “No,” she groaned. “Not that way.”

  “Tell me what you want, Sarafina. Tell me what you need.”

  “Your mouth, oh, God, I want to feel your mouth on me.”

  Meloir replaced his fingers with his tongue, licking up the length of her slit and settling farther into the cradle of her thighs. He withdrew and blew on her clit, making her muscles clench and then opened her folds with his thumbs and began to lick the small bundle of nerves.

  Sara’s head fell back, her eyes tightly closed as the tingling pressure inside grew stronger. He took her clitoris into his mouth, pursing his lips around it and sucking. His tongue swirled through her folds, right up into her channel as his teeth captured her clit and gently tugged. Sara fell over the edge, moaning his name and moving restlessly beneath him, caressing his arms, his shoulders, his back, every part of him she could reach.

  Meloir slid up her body and took her hand, leading it down to his erection. “Touch me,” he whispered. “Take me in your mouth. I need to feel those sweet lips around my cock.”

  Chapter 10

  Sara ran her hand across the bulge inside his pants and smiled. “You have too many clothes on.” She watched as Meloir pulled back, jerked his pants off and tossed them to the floor. She put a hand on his chest and pushed him to his back before crawling up between his legs. Her hands lifted to his chest and then skated upward, clutching at his shoulders. She leaned in close and sucked his earlobe between her lips, nipping at it gently with her teeth. Her kisses trailed down his neck and across his chest, leaving a damp path down to his navel.