by Jaye Shields
“I was afraid you would think I was making the wrong decision. You were both so worried for me.”
“You were practically catatonic when we returned from Ireland.” Her sister shut her eyes, obviously pained by the not-so-distant memory. Egret had disappeared for two days during their Ireland vacation, only to be found unconscious on the shoreline after a police search.
Morgana reached forward and helped Egret to her feet. “You know that we will always support you no matter what.”
Melissandra followed and wrapped them both in a tight hug. “As a matter of fact, we’d love you even more if you were crazy. Then maybe I wouldn’t look like the nutty one.” Her sister’s hot pink lipstick landed on her cheek.
“Ever since the accident, I’ve felt so lost.” Hot tears left track marks down her cheeks. “I used to spend hours wondering what happened to me in Ireland. I had dreams of what I thought was reality. And it was beautiful, but I knew it was a stretch. I told myself that I should be glad I can’t remember what happened that night I left you guys in the pub.”
A hot flood of emotion surged through her, and she choked on a sob. “But now, I don’t care what happened. Whatever it was, however dark, I’ve been blessed with something light. I’ve seen her, and-”
“You saw her in your puke?” Melissandra’s voice was joking, but Egret heard the tears.
“Yes.” Now it was Egret’s turn to laugh through sobs. “And I love her so much already. And you’re going to love her, too.”
“We already do.” Together, they forgot about the nightmarish night in Ireland and finally moved forward. Morgana and Melissandra wrapped their arms around her, and together, they cried.
Chapter Five
It was business as usual in the Portal Realm. Rowen had already arrested a couple incubi trying to sneak into the Human Realm. When he noticed the sex demons approaching the Amsterdam Portal, he did a routine check for the contraception required for incubi breeds to travel. He’d known immediately by the hungry look on the demon’s face that it would try to get past the knights. Well, not on his watch. The last thing they needed was for the population of the Human Realm to explode even more. They were already bursting at the seams. If humans ever found out about the nether worlds, they would certainly demand access to more of them. Greedy humans.
But as Rowen navigated the fog that clouded the Portal Realm, he recalled the bravery he’d recently seen from the mortals. The women had been incredible in their battle. And he had to admit, the damn vampire had proved gallant as well.
Rowen hoped the beautiful young angel was well. Her sweet face had plagued his mind ever since he’d returned.
He shook off the memory as the acrid stench of a Chaemer demon infiltrated his senses. The revolting smell could only mean one thing: the eight-foot, slimy mess of a creature was on the hunt for a female. How any female, demon or not, could stand that smell, he had no idea. The scent of rotting eggs became stronger. Rowen turned to see the beast’s jaw wide open, drool dripping from its fangs. The serrated daggers protruding from his mouth would tear through dragon skin or other animals found in most of the realms. Since dragons were on the endangered species list, it was Rowen’s job to ensure the Chaemer didn’t get any ideas to ensnare a forbidden meal to attract a mate.
Unfortunately, the Chaemer seemed to have its blood-shot green eyes set on something else altogether. A short, fat little troll strolled through the fog, most likely on its way to the Aerion Realm. They liked to find new places to burrow in his home land.
“You! Chaemer, where is your destination?” Rowen spoke to the beast in its language. Speaking multiple languages was a requirement to be a knight.
Sudden focus struck like lightning in the demon’s eyes. He’d spotted a mate. Rowen glanced over his shoulder to determine what was tantalizing the Chaemer. The scent of rotten eggs exploded in waves off the beast, and then Rowen was rushed.
The three-hundred pound beast trampled over him. As the pressure crushed Rowen’s chest, he grabbed the demon’s leg. The Chaemer lurched forward toward the troll in a desperate attempt to attract the passer-by. Instead, Rowen used all his might to pull the creature down. The ground shook with the beast’s heavy crash.
The travelers scattered from the impact, and the troll took a quick appraisal of the situation and quickened its pace. Holding back the frantic demon with just one hand, Rowen secured his knight-assigned handcuffs on the demon. Drool and canines chomped at him as he fought to bind the second leg of the creature. Luckily, his handcuffs would expand to fit any being. A kick in his face made Rowen wince, but he continued to focus, not bothering to signal for help from other knights. Rowen pulled back once more on the demon’s leg and slapped the other handcuff on. The Chaemer disappeared. The demon would arrive in the Knights of the Fog prison and spend two days there until its heat was over.
“Move on,” he commanded.
Rowen stood and tried to wipe the drool and grime off his face. Disgusting. He had to admit, though, the quick thrill was worth it. There was no applause from the various demons drudging by, but he didn’t need it.
A soft mass collided with his knee. A tiny palm wrapped around his leg and held on for dear life. Looking down, the fog was thick, but his gaze penetrated with no problem. Firmly attached to his leg was a Menehune. Her eyes were the size of his fists as white as the brightest light. Her hair was pure shining gold that fell to the ground in a heap at her bared feet. Her stature topped out at three feet, and her body was wrapped in plain black cloth.
The cheeky little soothsayer didn’t seem to have any desire to leave him. Its chubby legs were wrapped around his ankle. Meaty little limbs clung excitedly to him, and the cherubic face glowed with excitement. The glint in its brightly lit eyes was pure mischief. The soft mounds rubbing against his leg meant the Menehune was female.
“Good work, knight.” The voice was youthful and feminine, but Rowen knew that the creature was anything but innocent.
“Thank you, Menehune. Now be on your way.” Rowen didn’t waste the effort trying to pry the creature off his leg. Instead, he stood his ground and scanned his region for other signs of trouble.
“Don’t you want your message?” the creature whined.
Rowen ignored her touch, and instead, focused on business around him. The Portal Realm was bustling, for it was nearly solstice in the Aerion Realm. Creatures from all over were flocking there to vacation in the peaceful, serene plane.
“I have need to go about my business, Menehune. Now be on your way; you’ll find no amusement here.”
Rowen barely acknowledged the serrated teeth cut into his leg. Those Menehunes were like tiny little sharks. The cherubic demon retracted its bite and smiled up at Rowen. “No worries, knight. I promise, nothing bad will happen for at least some time. But I have an ominous message for you.”
“I would expect nothing less from a soothsayer.” He smiled at the feisty little creature. Despite the blood dripping from the wound in his leg, there was little pain, and it was hard to be mad at something that looked like a cupid.
“You’ve found your heart mate, knight.”
He shifted his weight, but was unable to find a comfortable stance. The image of the young woman from the battle drifted through his mind.
“You have fought many incredible battles in your time. You have achieved immortality.” The sing-songy voice was unimpressed, and her brow hinted pity.
“But when you declare your love for her, it will be her demise. There will be no saving her.” The creature released its hold on him and began to walk away, but not before it left one last warning. “Your love will know only torture and death.”
The words were like acid coursing through Rowen’s veins. He’d been alive long enough to know that soothsayers were rarely wrong. He’d just have to make sure he didn’t fall in love.
“
Did that Menehune just take a chunk out of your leg?” Sodor broke through his thoughts, using the mental language of the Knights of the Fog to communicate silently from a distance.
“Already healed.”
“What business did she bring to your attention?”
“You could tell it was a she from so far?”
Sodor laughed as he came into view. “You know this area is my forte.”
“Isn’t it your day off? I’d think you’d be chasing humans in Praha about now.” His friend had an infamous taste for the women in the region. Well, women and brews.
“You did not hear?”
Rowen shook his head. Even though knights could receive communication telepathically, he hadn’t received any message from their leader, High King Breasal.
“King Breasal has summoned us to bring the mortals from the battle. He plans to award their bravery with a visit to the Kingdom. Sabin has gone to retrieve Tera and her friends. I’ll meet them at the portal later when they have been readied for the trip.”
Rowen instantly recalled the human with the angelic face. She was more than just a human though, she was a gifted woman. He witnessed her burst into light and take flight into the sky to battle fire-breathing dragons. The little woman had been an incredible sight to behold.
“This means the girl survived?” His heart swelled with warmth. In his centuries of immortality, he’d never known excitement until now. Yet instantly, fear overcame him. The soothsayer …
Sodor interrupted, “That Quetzalem blood works wonders. She’s probably primed and ready for some affection.”
His comrade’s referral to the Quetzalem blood-induced erotic dreams made Rowen’s blood boil. He fought the urge to punch Sodor right in the middle of his cocky smile. “They are our guests. And the young one just survived a near-death experience; try not to jump her bones just yet.” Rowen gritted his teeth at the idea.
“I’m not making any promises.” Sodor winked before dodging a playful punch that Rowen sent his way. “Now go get the boat ready, brother.”
Chapter Six
Sparrow stood in front of her bedroom mirror and examined her reflection. Her blond hair dangled down the subtle curves of her figure. Every layer of clothes atop of her skin became heavier as seconds passed. She gazed in the mirror, becoming a perverted stranger in her own body.
She ached to be touched. Her sweater hugged her body like a second skin. Claustrophobic, Sparrow peeled it over her head. A tingling sensation reduced her flesh to goosebumps. The impression that someone was watching compelled Sparrow to turn and examine her bedroom. Empty.
When she returned her eyes forward, a familiar face gazed back from the glass. Pyrrhus’ golden cat-like eyes appraised her body from the mirror. His lips were curved in an expression of approval.
Sparrow stepped backward and plastered her hands over her chest. Heat flooded her cheeks, but a cold draft blew through the room and puckered her nipples against the thin fabric of her bra.
Pyrrhus’ hand motioned to the lacy black bra covering her pale breasts. The blue scales etched into the Quetzalem’s skin were soft, not hardened for battle but smooth for lovemaking.
“Strip for me.”
She stepped back once more, but her skin prickled with such need that removing her bra seemed like the only comfortable option. Reaching back, she fingered the clasp.
It’s only a dream.
When she dropped the bra on the ground, Pyrrhus stepped through the mirror, his huge body filling her room. The demon was tall enough to make the vaulted ceilings of her Victorian home seem tiny. In the darkness, the shadows curving around each crevice of his muscular body stood out. His masculinity caused her to swallow, gulping down her fear of the man she’d already tasted in her dreams. His deep blue lips were still curved into confident anticipation and a shiver coursed through her body.
“You’re not done yet, human.”
He reached forward and grabbed the waistband of her jeans. Heat flooded the space between her legs. His fingers pulled the top button loose.
Just a dream.
But as Pyrrhus’s hand slid beneath her jeans, sliding down the zipper, the throbbing in her womanhood seemed very real.
“It’s your turn this time.”
Without further warning, he slipped a finger between her folds. Her legs immediately closed against the sudden intruder. Pyrrhus spun her around with his free hand and backed Sparrow against the mirror. His knee pried her legs open. She gasped as his finger slid farther into her core, pleasure exploding as he pressed deeper and deeper.
Once again, she tried to squeeze her legs shut, but Pyrrhus continued to massage the internal walls of her womanhood.
“You’ve been waiting for another dream, haven’t you?” His whisper was hot as fire as it caressed the skin of her ear. From so close, she could smell the brimstone from his breath settling on her skin. He smelled of charcoal and fire as he continued igniting an inferno between her legs.
His fingers thrust deep, each time causing her to rock against the mirror. The wood slammed back into the wall causing a thud with every gasp that escaped her lips.
Just when the overwhelming amount of pleasure turned to pain, Pyrrhus removed his fingers from her core. The sudden emptiness shocked her system and her body cried out for him.
“Call my name, Sparrow. Tell me you want me to make you come.”
When she didn’t, his finger encircled her bud. The teasing made her clit throb with want. Wetness seeped from her, a flood demanding she cry for release.
Pyrrhus used his free hand to tilt her chin up so she’d be forced to look at him. “Tell me.” His finger pressed harder against her skin as it massaged the flesh around her bud.
When he spoke, his mouth revealed tiny fangs. The erotic sight sent a new wave of pleasure spiking through her body. She couldn’t take it anymore. “Please.”
One word sent him into action. His fingers plunged upward into Sparrow once more. As he stretched her core, filling her with his fingers, his thumb massaged her clit. Explosions of heat soaked her from the inside, waves of ecstasy making her weak in the knees. But Pyrrhus’sstrong arm held her up. The cold mirror pressed against her back as he continued to thrust and massage, demanding every last pleasure he could wring from her body. Her climax came in repeated waves.
“Remember me when you wake.” The demand was uttered just as he released her.
Sparrow opened her eyes to darkness. She bolted up in bed only to be held prisoner by sheets wrapped tightly around her legs. Sweat drenched her body and the comforter around her. As Sparrow tried to unwind the fabrics, she recalled how real the scent of smoke had been when she was in Pyrrhus’s arms.
Glancing down at her body, Sparrow realized that although she was scandalously pleasured, she was also miraculously healed.
It wasn’t going to be easy falling back asleep.
• • •
Later that day, Café Cauldron was crowded for open-mic night. The walls were decorated, as usual, with the work of local artists. This time, they were dark, comic-style images in black and crimson, with fantasy-esque images. Just her style. She’d have to get one for sure.
Music nights brought even more people into Tera’s coffee shop where Sparrow helped out. And tonight, wine, beer, and potions were selling like hotcakes. Maybe it was the mulled wine they were selling, but romance seemed to be in the air, and few people left the shop without a love potion. Little did the patrons realize that the drink was actually spiked with damiana and spelled with self-confidence.
Sparrow sat at the table, fully recovered, with all of her friends. Even her mom had arrived after work. Thank God — her mom worked entirely too much.
“So, how was real estate today?” She watched as Egret dragged a hand through her short blond hair and massaged her scalp. Cl
early, it had been a stressful one. “I don’t get why you spend so much time at the office when we’ve already got everything taken care of.”
“Sparrow, just because Grandma broke the rules a couple times, using magick whenever it suits her, doesn’t mean we aren’t real people.”
“Okay, okay,” Sparrow knew where this was going. “Please don’t lecture me on being Wiccan versus being normal. I have a job, don’t I?”
“Yes, because your best friend, not even a human might I add,” her Mom paused to lean forward and kiss Tera’s cheek, “has a coffee shop. Darling, why don’t you want to go to school and find your own dream to chase?”
“Mom, Tera had around three hundred years to figure out what her dream was. For now, I’m perfectly content tending the coffee bar and singing the nights away.” With that, she took a sip of the Sierra Nevada in front of her. The taste of the beer settled splendidly on her tongue, and she clanked glasses with Duncan across the table. “To music!”
The vampire, also a music lover, eagerly met her cheers, but instead of drinking, handed it over to his girlfriend. Michelle laughed, and took the sip for him since he only drank blood.
“C’mon darling,” Michelle nestled her face against Duncan’s smooth, pale skin. “Why don’t you go up there and show these girls how it’s done.” She motioned to the stage with her head. Sparrow couldn’t agree with her friend more. She loved open-mic night, but the current singer was more of a screecher.
“Whatever darling, you know I love you no matter what.” Sparrow looked puzzled for a moment at her mother’s loving gaze and recalled the original point of conversation. Thank God she had such supportive family. She probably could have ran off with a gypsy band and they wouldn’t have minded. Sometimes she wished her mom was as free-spirited as herself. True, her mom had given birth to her at a young age, but now that Sparrow was grown, she couldn’t imagine why Egret didn’t do more for herself.
“Hey. I have a great idea. Why don’t we celebrate my surviving a demon battle and epic fall from the sky with a mother-daughter vacation? Let’s take a cruise or something.”