Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2

by Black, Jaid

  He rose from between her parted thighs with a proud smile. “I’ll do that every day if you’ll allow it.”

  Her mind had gone completely blank. “I’d love it!” she gasped, then laughed. She really couldn’t image Alecto putting her desires first, or even caring if she received pleasure. Darron’s surprising attitude was welcome.

  Darron took hold of her and once more lifted her into the spring, turning in a lazy circle. “I’ll try my best to make you happy every day.”

  She wrapped her legs around his waist. The sole of her foot brushed against the solid curve of his buttocks, but…

  She didn’t feel a tail.

  Larisa bolted upright, straining to glance over his shoulder. “Where is it?”

  “The tail’s gone.” Darron grinned. “You’re not going to miss it, are you?”

  She kissed his lips. “No.”

  “The more you share with me, the more human I become. Taking an Earthly body brings great responsibilities.” A note of somberness crept into his voice. “Larisa, I have one more important thing to show you.” He moved toward the edge of the spring once more. “Will you walk to the heart of the labyrinth with me?” He climbed out of the water and offered his hand. “I need your help making a decision.”

  She took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. “What decision?” Water sheeted from her body as she reached for her rumpled tunic and pulled it over her head.

  “The heart of the labyrinth is a direct portal to Asteria. If I am to stay on Earth in physical form, I must have the Asterion council’s permission to do something that’s never been done.”

  He picked up the torch and beckoned her forward. “Come.”

  Chapter Four

  They walked a sloping passageway that eventually opened into a spacious, domed cavern with a ceiling that soared upward into shadow. The curved walls were embellished with meticulously carved glyphs. The floor of the cavern was covered in an intricate mosaic of twisted knots leading to the center of the design, which held a beautiful star.

  Darron pointed toward the star. “That’s the star of Asteria. It’s the gateway home, but this portal has become unstable. The Asterions will not use it again.” He closed his eyes, bowed his head and appeared to fall into deep thought.

  A blindingly bright flame appeared in the center of the star and stretched upward toward the highest point of the cavern. The deep, authoritative voice of the Elder spoke.

  “Darron, are you ready to return? The council senses that indeed the island will soon be destroyed when Thera erupts. The inevitable is near.”

  Darron drew a tense breath. “I wish to stay on Earth.”

  “That will not be possible,” the Elder insisted. “This portal will close.”

  “I ask permission to open a new portal in a new land.”

  “What new land?” The towering flame flashed an acidic shade of yellow and flickered erratically.

  “I’m not sure.” Darron’s chin dipped. “I have not yet left the labyrinth to explore Earth.”

  “You don’t even know where you’re going?” the Elder huffed. “The portals we currently maintain are controversial enough. We don’t need another. What inspired such a rash notion?”

  “A young woman was brought to the labyrinth. I believe her people could benefit from contact with the Asterions.”

  The Elder’s flame flickered wildly. “But you’re not certain?”

  “No.” Darron hung his head.

  “Darron,” the Elder scolded. “You will not be allowed to wander aimlessly. You can stay on Earth only if you have a clear purpose.”

  “I wish to be a teacher,” Darron insisted.

  “To retain an Earthly body, an Asterion must also take a mate.” The Elder’s height shortened and the light became a soothing shade of pale blue. “Do you have an Earth partner willing to work with you?”

  Darron glanced at Larisa. “Elder, may I have a moment of privacy to settle a personal matter?”

  “Privacy?” the Elder scoffed. “Asterions do not require or embrace privacy. You are already speaking the sort of nonsense I hear from Hathor. I believe Earth is a dangerous influence on Asterions.”

  “Please, Elder. I must speak with Larisa.”

  A long moment of silence followed.

  “More time will be granted.” The Elder’s light flickered to a warm glow. “The council has suggested to me that you be allowed to take care of this matter in your own way. Limited permission to remain on Earth for one lifetime is granted.”

  Darron beamed. “Thank you.”

  “Because you are the last Asterion to go to Earth, the council has granted you liberties previously not given. You shall be allowed to live as a man without council supervision. Your victories and mistakes shall solely be your own. Do not waste this rare opportunity or provide cause for me to be summoned again. This place holds no appeal for me. As we part, I ask that you not completely abandon Asteria. What you learn about Earth will be of interest to us.”

  With that, the Elder’s light became a stretched, transparent wisp before fading completely.

  Darron knelt on one knee in the center of the labyrinth and looked into Larisa’s eyes. “Larisa, would you willingly accept me as your husband and welcome a child from me? Asterions mate for all lifetimes. What I ask of you is nothing trivial, and I will understand and respect whatever decision you make.” He paused and bowed his head. “If not, please tell me now. I’ll make sure you safely leave the island before I return to my realm. Whatever you choose, know that I have only gratitude for the beautiful experiences you’ve shared with me.”

  Larisa inhaled a tense breath. “For all lifetimes? What does that mean?”

  “It means with the council’s permission we could share many lives together on Earth, or possibly you might visit Asteria someday, but that time would be a long way off. Today, all I can offer is one lifetime, but as an Asterion I’m hoping to spend many with you.”

  She slowly lowered to her knees beside him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Darron, you’re the only man who’s ever shown any respect for my feelings or offered me a choice. The Asterions will have to wait a little longer for your homecoming. I’m keeping you with me on Earth.” Her hands gently stroked the side of his face, encouraging him to look up. “I think you’re the right mate for me.”

  He lifted his face, joy brimming in his eyes—and the horns on his head fell to the floor with a hollow clatter. More dark, wavy hair immediately took their place, leaving no visible sign they’d ever existed.

  Darron gently picked up one of the newly shed horns. “We’ll need this later.”

  He took hold of her hand and stood, helping Larisa to her feet as well. As he straightened to his full height, suddenly the shadows of the labyrinth receded. A burst of bright light lifted them upward.

  In a heartbeat, the labyrinth faded away and they found themselves standing on the sunny mountain road that led to Larisa’s home village of Kreios.

  Larisa gaped in shock. “How did we get here?”

  Darron smiled. “I thought us here. It’s an Asterion trick.”

  She laughed. “It’s amazing! Are you sure you’re not a god?” She glanced down and gasped as she saw her tattered linen tunic had vanished and an elegant white gown of flowing silk had taken its place, its sweeping sleeves embroidered with gold thread. Larisa twirled in awe. The long sleeves floated around her like snowy wings. “It’s beautiful!”

  Darron wore snug leather leggings and armor fit for a king. He was stunning in a gleaming bronze breastplate with the ornately hammered imprint of a bull emblazoned across the chest. To her eyes, he was everything noble.

  He smiled and tucked the horn into his belt. “My bride looks lovely. Do you like the dress? Can we get married in your village?”

  She froze. “Darron, I can’t go back to my village. I won’t be welcome. Catullus will have me shunned.”

  “No he won’t.”

  “You don’t understand—”


  “I do.” His eyes lit with their first real touch of mischief. He determinedly marched uphill. “I know exactly what needs to be done.”

  Larisa hurried to catch up. As they approached her home, the villagers turned out en masse to stare at her and Darron.

  An old woman bravely walked up to Larisa and touched the hem of her sleeve. “You were sacrificed to the Minotaur. Are you a ghost now?”

  “No.” Larisa’s gaze swept the crowd, looking for Catullus. “I’m very much alive—and I want my land back.”

  She finally spotted Catullus lurking behind a tree.

  “Don’t touch her or look into her eyes!” Catullus blubbered. “She was claimed by a frightful creature of the underworld and she should have stayed there!”

  “I am the frightful creature.” Darron’s armor shimmered magnificently in the sunlight as he addressed the crowd. “I’m Larisa’s new husband…and I’d like to be your chief.”

  “I’m the chief!” Catullus bellowed. “You’re not one of us!”

  Larisa smiled proudly. “Darron is an honored leader in his realm, and he has much to share with us that will make our lives better. He’s the Master of the Palace of Asterion, and it is dazzling.” She pointed at Catullus. “Catullus himself saw it. Darron’s people know so much. Give him a chance and you will be amazed at what he can teach us.”

  “Like what?” Catullus sneered. “What could this stranger possibly do for the village that I couldn’t do?”

  Darron pulled the horn from his belt. “I’ll give Larisa a new home. I’ll also build the village a grand palace, where peoples from all tribes can gather and learn. You will be able to study mathematics, philosophy and architecture. You may not understand now, but you will. You’ll quickly see the benefit of uniting with your neighbors and advancing together instead of constantly warring against each other. It will change your lives greatly.” He looked toward Larisa. “Where is your land?”

  She pointed toward a nearby rolling hillside of orchards and fields.

  Darron strode toward the hillside, the entire village walking a short distance behind. When he reached Larisa’s land, he waved his hand in warning. “Everyone stay back.” As soon as the villagers walked a safe distance away, he thrust the horn into the ground. “The new portal shall be here!”

  The moment the horn struck the earth, the ground rumbled violently. Many gasped in terror and ran toward the village. Stones reared suddenly from the trembling ground and a beautifully constructed alabaster palace appeared, with grand halls and tall stone columns. Platters of food and jars of wine magically filled the front arcade.

  Larisa stared in utter shock.

  “Do you like it?” Darron asked gently. “It is a wedding gift.” He looked down the road at the frightened villagers. “Larisa, call them back. Tell them they’re welcome to all we have.” He turned toward Catullus and took a menacing step closer. “Do you think you could offer the same?”

  Catullus blanched and backed away.

  “Run!” Darron demanded in a booming voice. “Run as fast as you can and never come back to this village or I’ll throw you to the Minotaur! You’ll be trampled, slashed and your blood drank dry. Your hideous death won’t come soon enough!”

  Catullus screamed and ran like a fool.

  Darron grinned at Larisa. “Is there anyone else you would like me to deal with?”

  “No.” Larisa smiled and walked up to Darron, hooking her arm through his. “If you wish to be a trusted teacher to my tribe, it might be wise to distance yourself from the Minotaur. My people fear it. Perhaps this is a good time to change the Asterion approach?”

  “I’m sure you’re right. See, I’m already learning from you.” Darron drew her close to his heart. “Let’s go to the village and bring everyone back so we can have a wedding.”

  “I have a better idea.” Larisa rose on tiptoe and kissed Darron’s lips. “Why don’t you show me our new home first?” A tingle of excitement warmed her skin. “Would any of those elegant rooms have a mattress?”

  “Every room has a mattress,” he said innocently.

  She led him up the gleaming steps of their palace home. “Let’s make a game of it. Why don’t you pick your favorite room and we’ll test one of the mattresses?”

  Larisa bolted away from him with an echoing burst of laughter and raced through the polished halls of the palace. The new home was tremendous and she was able to dash full speed without bumping into anything. Her sandals skidded across the slick floors as she darted ahead of Darron and swung behind a marble column to catch her breath.

  Darron caught up to Larisa with ease and lifted her into his arms, laughing. He strode down a long hallway and entered a simple but lovely room with a veranda that opened onto the orchard beyond. He gazed toward the rolling hillside planted with blossoming fruit trees. “I like this room.”

  He gently set her down on a straw mattress covered in linens and colorful blue and green silk. He took hold of her gown, tugged it over her head and tossed it aside.

  “This room’s a good choice.” Larisa leaned back provocatively and stretched naked across the bed. “It has a great view.”

  Darron looked at her with lust brimming in his eyes. “I like the view of you best.” He quickly stripped away his armor and clothing and reclined beside her on the mattress, lazily rolling onto his back. “Mount me, Larisa. I wish to look at your beautiful face while you climax.”

  She gracefully slid on top of him and brushed her fingertips across his chest, stopping to tease his tiny nipples. She bent to kiss his lips.

  “This is wonderful. I already love this life.” His eyes fell to half-mast as she kissed him. He looked completely lost in the experience. “Put me inside you,” he pleaded.

  She took hold of his shaft and guided him inside her body. She was already so wet, his entry was easy. A tiny cry of pleasure escaped her lips as she sank down and felt the full stretch of penetration.

  He slowly arched his hips with the most blissful expression on his face. “I’m so glad to be on Earth with you. My heart feels like it’s going to burst. I can’t image anything better than this.”

  “Oh, it gets better.” She slowly rocked her hips, already feeling the beautiful tension building. “Wait until you hold your firstborn…”

  Decadent Dance

  Aubrey Ross

  Chapter One

  “Just one more stop and I promise I’ll call it a night.” Sophie looked at Zoe with her puppy dog eyes and Zoe knew she was doomed.

  “Auditions start at six a.m. and I should be there before they start. This is the first time I’ve worked with this director and I’ve heard she can be a regular pain in the ass.”

  “Unlike you?” Sophie laughed. “I’ll be quick. I promise.” She looped her arm through Zoe’s to ensure her cooperation then hustled along the narrow sidewalk. They were only nine blocks from the Theater District, but the personality of Manhattan’s neighborhoods could change drastically with the turn of a corner. “My mom will only have one fiftieth birthday. I want to find something really special.”

  After releasing an exasperated sigh, Zoe relaxed into the rhythm of Sophie’s brisk walk and accepted the inevitable. “Are you sure this place is open?” Did Sophie even know where the hell they were going? It wasn’t unusual for her enthusiasm to get them into trouble.

  Sophie was the first person Zoe had met when she came to New York seven years ago and they were still best friends. Zoe’s pragmatic nature was the perfect balance for Sophie’s willingness to try anything.

  “There it is!” Sophie rushed them across the car-lined street. A motorist honked as he passed and flipped them the bird. “Oh bite me! You weren’t even close.”

  Zoe just shook her head and dragged Sophie up onto the opposite sidewalk, having long since grown accustomed to her friend’s passionate outbursts.

  The faint scent of incense tickled Zoe’s nose as they stepped over the threshold and into the cluttered store. Glass cases c
ontained all sorts of jewelry and small curiosities, while the walls were lined with shelves displaying less valuable wares. Zoe could detect no rhyme or reason to the shop, but it certainly offered a large selection. Some of the items looked antique, yet others were obviously modern.

  “Are you looking for anything in particular?”

  The man’s deep voice startled Zoe and she gasped as she turned around. “I didn’t see you there.”

  His lips curved with the hint of a smile. The man wasn’t tall or broad, and with mouse-brown hair and common blue eyes, there was nothing remarkable about him, yet Zoe’s skin prickled and a tingle sped down her spine.

  “I’m just waiting for my friend.” She motioned toward Sophie, who was being helped by a woman about the same age as the man.

  Not easily dissuaded, he asked, “What interests you?”

  “I’m a dancer.” No, that wasn’t accurate anymore. “Actually, I’m a choreographer.” Like so many in her profession, her ambition had held up longer than her body. One nasty ankle break and she was tossed from the footlights and banished to roles behind the scenes. She’d tried every form of rehabilitation Western and Eastern medicine had to offer, with the same result. The doctors swore she was lucky to be walking, but she would never dance professionally again.

  “A ballerina?” His gaze narrowed and he shook his head. “No, you strike me as more in tune with modern rhythms. Something sultry and flowing. You want to tell stories through movements.”

  She smiled. “You’re very perceptive.”

  “And you are totally stuck.” Suddenly his common blue eyes pierced her with laser intensity and his features seemed to sharpen. “You’ve been struggling for months, searching every source you can think of, but nothing interests your muse.”

  Zoe swallowed hard, trying to conceal her shock. How the hell had he known…

  His shop was spitting distance from Broadway. Who wasn’t hungry for inspiration in this ultra-competitive district? Relaxing her shoulders while maintaining her guard, she looked at the salesman with more respect. Anyone who could read people that easily could be dangerous.