Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2

by Black, Jaid

  A moment later she heard water dripping into a container. The sound deepened with every drop collected. Soon, Darron returned holding an earthen bowl of water. He stood before her and offered it. “Drink.”

  She hesitantly sniffed the water. It carried the faint scent of minerals but other than that, the water appeared fresh and was very welcome. She bowed her head to eagerly drink. She also noticed Darron’s scent had subtly changed. He no longer smelled like a beast. His skin now carried the light, musky scent of a man. A scent she found strongly enticing.

  Darron tipped the bowl and helped her to drink it all.

  She instantly felt better and was ready for more water, but was afraid to ask. She thought it best to show gratitude first and whispered a shaky, “Thank you.”

  He moved closer, brushing his chest against hers. A slight puff of moist breath bathed her face. A glimmer of what looked like pure male ferocity flashed in his eyes.

  She tensed. Now what? “You seem decent,” she pleaded softly. “Let me go or do what you’re going to do, but please don’t hurt me.”

  Darron softly exhaled. His hands stroked the sides of her bare arms. “I don’t wish to hurt you.”

  The light touch of his broad hands on her skin caused a cascade of unsettling sensations. Her arms already tingled from being hoisted above her head for so long. She gently rolled her wrists to bring some blood to her fingertips.

  Darron’s hands traveled toward her raised wrists. His fingers brushed against the leather bonds and hovered there.

  She wondered if he was deliberating about whether or not to untie her. Her heart pounded with hope. Would he set her free?

  His hands lowered to gently cup the sides of her face.

  She tipped her chin upward. He was studying her, seemingly drawing in every detail with intense focus. There was an awed spark in his eyes that almost verged on worship. No one had ever looked at her that way. His expression left her breathless.

  He leaned closer and she felt the firm nudge of a hard cock against her belly, and gasped.

  “I need this…” His hands lowered to her thighs and gently stroked their rounded curves. “Will you allow it?”

  Larisa was too stunned to answer.

  She simply nodded.

  He lifted the hem of her tunic to her hips and slid his hand between her legs to part them. His fingers slowly circled the thick tangle of dark curls before one dipped between the lips of her sex, searching for the tiny bud hidden there. He carefully explored her body until he found it and pressed down with lazily, circling strokes.

  She sighed at his restrained tenderness. His gentle touch and obvious interest in her pleasure eased her fears. A rush of heat flooded between her thighs. She arched toward him and moaned when a surprisingly strong jolt of pleasure rocked her body.

  Abruptly he took hold of her hips and lifted her against the column. Larisa felt weightless in his grasp. A blissful feeling of surrender followed.

  Darron pinned her body with his and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He slowly rubbed her wet sex with the head of his cock, making it slick, then pressed gently but persistently between her thighs.

  His thick cock slid deep inside her in a single unhurried thrust.

  She gulped a startled breath at the first stroke’s harsh stretch but by the second and third slow thrusts, she loved the faint burn. The silky hair on his thighs brushed lightly against her skin. The sensation of being completely filled was stunning. She tightened her legs around his hips to lock him in place as he moved cautiously inside her. She wished her hands were free to stroke her bud and add to the rising pleasure, but the tether held her wrists taut.

  Heat rolled off his skin as his body covered her. His hips pumped with smooth, graceful motions but as he grew more excited, the pace sped and his breath panted near her ear.

  Judging by the gruff, breathy sounds, Larisa knew he was close to climax. Her mind reeled. A god was taking her—and it felt wonderful. She floated on every exciting sensation as the slick stroke of his shaft began to rub against her bud at exactly the right angle.

  Larisa rolled her hips against him with abandon; their bodies fit perfectly. The feeling was so unbelievably good it surprised her when it got even better, and a shudder of unbearable pleasure broke over her with a wave of gripping contractions. The final release was so strong, her lips parted on a long, sweet moan.

  Darron’s hands firmly gripped her hips and hoisted her higher. His uninhibited strokes sped. His chest pinned her firmly against the column as his body tensed. He came with his own crashing climax that left him trembling. He pressed close and remained almost motionless inside her for what felt like forever, wringing every last bit of pleasure from the act.

  She gulped a deep breath as full realization of what she’d done rushed forward. She had mated with a god. And loved it.

  What kind of woman did that make her? A goddess or a doomed consort? In every tale of mortal women who had been abducted, ravished or who’d willingly made love to a god, it always ended badly for the mortal. Everyone knew contact with a god drastically changed a woman’s fate. Darron seemed so caring. The act of shared pleasure had been beautiful…but surely tragedy lay ahead.

  Darron carefully lowered her feet to the floor. Larisa immediately felt his warm seed trickle down her thighs.

  He untied the tether from the bronze ring and unbound Larisa’s wrists. He tossed the tether aside, swept her into his arms and drew her close to his chest. “I’m going to keep you.”

  Her fingertips tingled from being lowered too quickly but she allowed herself to relax in his arms and lightly brushed her face against the soft strands of hair running down the center of his chest. He was big and solid and she felt herself melting against him from sheer exhaustion.

  Darron cradled her in his arms. His tail swished quietly as he walked beyond the cavernous chamber and into the narrow passageways of the labyrinth, which were lit with a blazing torch at every turn. She tried to ignore the unsettling sound of the tail by listening to the thump of his heart deep in his chest.

  There were many twists in the path as they journeyed deeper into the labyrinth. Darron walked for what felt like forever. The ground slightly trembled beneath their feet regularly, as if the island were a great beast shifting its weight and groaning. Tiny plumes of dust and debris trickled down the walls.

  Finally they came to a small chamber furnished with lush furs laid atop a sweet-smelling straw mattress. Darron stopped and gently lowered her feet to the floor.

  His eyes drooped. “This must be what tired feels like?” He lay down on the mattress with an exhausted sigh, his long body stretching the length of the bed. He reached out, took hold of her wrist and pulled her down beside him. His big arms locked around her, holding her captive against his chest. “If I fell asleep, would you run away?”

  She felt comforted in his arms. “No.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I like having you near.” He held her close as his breathing slowed.

  Soon he slept, and not long after, so did Larisa. A beautiful but strangely agitated dream followed…

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Larisa was floating in a beautiful place that appeared to be made of blindingly bright, rainbow-colored light. The atmosphere was as thick as honey and hummed with vibrancy. These seemed no distinct impression of up or down and nothing around her possessed true solidity.

  She glided beneath a roaring waterfall of shimmering light, passing right through it with no physical sensation at all. Fluid, translucent walls of pastel-tinted light also proved to be no barrier; she easily crossed through those as well.

  This place slightly resembled the Palace of Asterion, with its pattern-embellished columns of light and its soaring grandeur, but its ethereal beauty was far beyond anything she could compare it to.

  She became aware of male voices arguing and moved toward a glowing gathering of tall, slender beings that reminded her of candle flames. They flickered with colored light and
shifted shape as they spoke.

  The tallest, brightest being spoke in somber tones. “We made a grave mistake opening portals on Earth, helping some Earthlings while ignoring others. We’ve done irreparable damage to the Earth beings and will no doubt face council censure.”

  A second being, this one with a coppery glow, angrily flared upward. For some reason, Larisa was certain this being was Darron.

  “That’s not true.” Darron’s words weren’t actually spoken by a mouth but his voice clearly addressed the other. “Earthlings are eager to learn. They show more promise than any group we’ve ever contacted. They are special, and possess a tenacious strength of spirit we could learn from. They know things we don’t. Deeper partnering with Earthlings could evolve into a relationship of equals.”

  “Equals?” The tall being indignantly expanded in size until he glowed white-hot. “How would that be possible? Asteria is a world of pure thought and abstracts. If we agree upon it, it manifests. The people of Earth are still stabbing each other with metal and scratching in the dirt to survive. We are not equals.”

  “Pardon me, Elder, but you’re wrong,” Darron insisted. “I’ve observed Earth for a millennium. You wouldn’t believe how difficult and short men’s lives are. Every day they’re mired in hardship but their hearts and minds are noble. They’re intelligent and have high aspirations. To endure all they do, I’m certain the creator who made us all granted them something extra. They do many things we do but in limited bodies that feel great pleasure and deep pain. They face death as an unknown. Unlike us, they have no idea what comes next. They embrace each harrowing moment of life knowing there may never be another.”

  “Darron.” The flickering Elder cooled his light to a pale golden glow. “The Asterions have been on Earth for too long. We’ve taken the form of beasts and men and walked among the people of Earth. In the early days, it did no harm, but humanity has reached a crucial point and must now move forward on its own, if it is to move forward at all. We should step back and observe the seeds that have already been planted. If Earth is worthwhile, we can return someday and teach them something more.”

  “It’s not all about us teaching them. The people of Earth can teach us!”

  The Elder balked. “Where is the merit in that?”

  “You’ve never taken a body. You don’t know the many lessons Earth could offer us,” Darron persisted. “We’ve been going about our transactions with Earth all wrong. If I am allowed to use the island portal one last time, I’ll try to master the many difficulties of becoming a man; take my chances in a human body and relish what lessons I receive.”

  “It is too great a risk.” The Elder flared upward again. “Your life on Earth will be short and uncertain. The island’s condition is precarious, molten rock is roiling beneath it as we speak. It will not last much longer. Maintaining the island’s labyrinth portal placed humans in unnecessary danger. That’s why it was sealed to the world years ago within the enchanted fog.”

  “I don’t care if my Earth life is brief. A single day in a body would be worth it.”

  The Elder loomed taller still and flickered an angry shade of red. “But there is an even greater danger to you. If you bond with Earth, your spirit may become trapped in the soil indefinitely. It is possible you might never return to Asteria. Century after century I’ve waited in vain for the return of many young Asterions. Your own sister Hathor stubbornly continues to reside in Egypt. When one of her physical bodies dies, she immediately takes another. She has birthed generations of Earthly children and is now so strongly bonded to Earth that I fear we may never see her again. Your brother Brahma has all but disappeared in the east and also shows no interest in returning to Asteria.”

  “Is that your worst fear, Elder? That my siblings and I will stay on Earth and never come home?” Darron’s flame flickered warmly with what felt to Larisa like compassion. “Asteria is perfect. Nothing changes here. There are no challenges left to be conquered and I know there is much more to learn elsewhere. Earth can be harsh, but it is a good teacher. Please allow the Minoan portal to be opened one last time.”

  “No,” the Elder said. “There is no sense in provoking an already unstable situation. Anything you might teach the people of Minoa will only cause a greater imbalance with their neighbors.”

  “Or it could speed their progress in ways that benefit all,” Darron pleaded. “Elder, it’s already too late for me. I’ve fallen in love with Earth. For a thousand years my spirit has beaten a well-worn path to the island. In my thoughts and dreams, I go there endlessly. I can’t even image using another portal.

  “In the island’s last days, may I be given permission to take physical form if a human who needs me comes to the island?”

  “Darron.” The Elder’s voice softened on a sigh. “You know it’s more complicated than that. The council will consider granting permission for a final trip to Earth…within strict limitations. You would be allowed one purely human incarnation but that body will be as vulnerable as anyone else’s. As an Asterion, you would be able to manifest physical matter, but I ask that you rely on your wits and abilities to inspire instead.”

  “Thank you.” Darron flickered brightly.

  “There are no guarantees.” The Elder’s light cooled to amber. “Your time within the labyrinth will be lonely. The island has been emptied of people. Incorporeal guards have been put in place to protect the portal until the island’s demise. The guardian priests will be your only company. It’s entirely possible your spirit might remain trapped in the labyrinth without a physical form for months or even years. Without the proper blood rituals and grounding, you might never receive a physical body. During your time away, you could lose your place of honor on the Asterion council. Are you willing to journey to Earth and take that chance?”

  “Yes.” Darron’s voice rose. “Send me now.”

  Chapter Three

  Larisa awoke to the sound of a rumbling growl. She gasped in alarm, bolted upright on the straw mattress and stared at the unfamiliar surroundings of the torch-lit labyrinth.

  “You’re finally awake.” Darron stirred beside her. His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back down. “I was just thinking of home and feeling restless.” He patted his abdomen. “There’s a strange emptiness inside.”

  A low growl grumbled again. She realized the rumbling noise was her own empty stomach. “We’re hungry. I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

  “I haven’t eaten ever.” He chuckled. “I was waiting to share my first meal with you.”

  She glanced to her right and saw several clay amphorae and a platter brimming with fresh fruit, bread, olives and cheese. She sat up again and impulsively reached for a pear. “This is a welcome surprise. I’m starving.” She bit into the juicy pear, savoring its sweetness.

  Darron sat and also picked up a pear, brought it to his lips and bit it nearly in half. The large chuck lodged in his mouth and stretched his jaw wide. Juice dribbled down his chin as he tried to bite the unwieldy portion. He looked startled and froze, seemingly at a loss as to what to do next.

  “Chew smaller bites.” She smiled at his dilemma. “Be careful, don’t breathe in and swallow food at the same time.”

  It appeared to be too late. He choked a bit and his eyes watered as he grimaced and swallowed. Darron spit out the uneaten portion of pear with a gasp. “That hurt. Eating looks so simple, yet it’s not.”

  Larisa reached for an amphora, which she hoped was filled with water, and passed it to Darron.

  He held the amphora to his lips and drank. A trickle of dark wine escaped the side of his mouth. “This I like.”

  “Go lightly with the wine, especially since you’ve not had it before. You might want to start with water.”

  “I tried water.” He took another long drink. “I prefer wine.”

  She watched with amusement as he drank. Every few moments he looked directly at her with a sleepy, sexy expression. He appeared young, perhaps a few years older
than her. His large, dark eyes were luminous, reflecting just the slightest hint of something otherworldly.

  “I dreamed I saw Asteria,” she cautiously said.

  “That wasn’t a dream. It was a shared thought. Asterions do that. I was remembering my decision to come here while you were sleeping.” Darron paused. “I’m very pleased you were able to share the thought too.” He leaned closer. “When you’re ready, we can share more. But first I want you to eat something.” His voice carried a note of formality. “May I feed you?” His gaze focused on her with bright intensity as he reached for a small bunch of red grapes and tugged one free.

  Her stomach growled loudly. Everything on the platter looked delicious and she wanted it, but beneath Darron’s sweet gesture, Larisa had a feeling the act of sharing food with him meant more than simply filling her belly.

  He held a dark grape to her lips. A look of expectation shone in his eyes.

  For a moment the fruit hovered unclaimed in front of her. “What exactly am I saying yes to?”

  He smiled slightly. “In allowing me to feed you, you give consent to take the next part of the journey.”

  Her curiosity to know more was overwhelming, and so she accepted the grape from his fingertips, enjoying its tart flavor.

  A surprising thing happened next.

  Larisa looked directly at him and, briefly, his face shimmered, becoming a sparkling beacon of light and not a man at all. His image was so brilliant she could barely look upon it. She squinted against the glare and glanced away, waiting for the brief but startling vision to fade.

  A moment later he was once again a handsome man with big brown eyes and an ivory set of horns sweeping outward from his head. She gasped in quiet astonishment.

  “That’s my true face, and it’s not appropriate for Earth.” Darron’s hand lightly brushed against hers. “From the first moment I heard tales of Earth, I knew I belonged here, and waited patiently for the opportunity to cross into your world. So few Asterions are allowed to come. I’ve dreamed of living as a man and being part of Earth.” He gently fed her another grape. “There are no vineyards, orchards or animals where I come from. Sex, as you understand it, does not exist. I observed Earth for years but I’d never experienced anything so pleasurable as taking the form of a man and enjoying my first sexual taste of you. I want to thank you for that gift.”