Death Waltz

by A. M. Hargrove

  “What do you mean? What happens if I don’t?”

  Jurek was silent for several moments. “The Praestani won’t recognize you as one of theirs or as my mate.”

  “Then there’s no choice. We’ll do it and hold our heads high and show your world and Tak our love and our power. I’m not ashamed of how I feel about you.”

  “First off, it’s our world Liasare. Second, you know what this means, don’t you? You know when we share our power, we’ll both climax, and the public will see it. Are you willing to do that?”

  “Will we be naked?”

  “Of course not! But do you think I want the world to see you like that?”

  “No! Do you think I want to show that to the world? But what choice do we have?”

  “There’s one more thing.”

  “Oh God. Now what?”

  “You’ll have to show all your markings so they’ll be able to see them change when we do this.”

  “What? My markings are all over my body. How the hell am I supposed to do that and not be naked?” she asked, shocked to her very core.

  “That was my argument. They told me to get some clever designer to come up with something. That’s another reason why I’m so furious. I honestly could kill Tak. And to think he didn’t have the balls to come to me first with this.”

  “I’m so sorry. This is my fault. I knew something was up with him. He acted so strange the last few times we were together when he tried to teach me how to mind block. I tried to get it out of him. He was the one who said I was interfering. I believed him.”

  Jurek rubbed his face and said, “And you didn’t come to me with this?”

  “I didn’t want you to go all psycho over nothing. I thought he was right at the time because I was causing all sorts of problems. It was before I could mind block. What a douche he turned out to be.”

  “The thought of you in front of all of Praestan like that makes me crazy, Liasare. I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle that.”

  “Alaric, sometimes we’re forced to do things we hate. You’ll shower me with your love and we’ll be surrounded by the colors of our power so we won’t be clearly visible. Keep that in mind.”

  “I’ll have to do something, because I’ll seriously go crazy if I don’t.”

  “When are we supposed to do this?”

  “The Triumvirate has suggested we do it as soon as we can.”

  Liasare moaned. “Okay, then who will we get to do my dress, or whatever it is I need to wear?”

  “Naroo. She’s extremely clever and if she can’t do it, she’ll know someone that can. I’ll go back to the Triumvirate tomorrow and we’ll set a date. This will be a large ceremony Liasare, with a huge celebration afterward. I was wondering if you’d like to invite your sister.”

  “Oh, God no! I would die if she saw this.”

  “No, love, that’s not what I meant,” he said smiling. “I meant that we could invite January and Rykerian for a private ceremony, of your kind, before we did our thing in front of the Praestani. Then they could be present for the celebration. If we do, I’m sure you’d like to include your brother and I’d like to include Xarrid.”

  “Oh, yeah, I’d like that! A wedding! Maybe we could do it right before with a small private party. I’d love for Jaylen and Naroo to be here too. Is that possible?”

  “Absolutely, anything for you. Just make your list.”

  Oh, that’s easy. Tommy, January, Rykerian, Jaylen, Naroo, and Shandro.”

  “Shandro?”

  “Don’t be jealous.”

  “No, I’m not. In fact, I’ll be gloating!”

  “Gah, you’re terrible.”

  “No, I’m the lucky one who gets to be with you every day, love. I have great reason to gloat.”

  “So do I.” She crawled on his lap and straddled him. “I think I’m sort of in the gloating mood right now.”

  “Is that so. How much of a gloating mood are you in?”

  “Why don’t I just show you? But I want you to know something first. Whatever happened in the past, present, or future, I’m yours to lean on for good times and bad. Love doesn’t get up and walk away because someone did something they regretted. Love doesn’t turn its back on someone because they sinned. True love is eternal as mine is for you.” She held nothing back that night, letting every bit of her passion pour into him. Liasare wanted Jurek to understand that.

  Chapter Six

  Liasare woke up alone. There was a bouquet of flowers on the pillow beside her. They were extraordinary; she had never seen this kind before. She brought them to her nose and inhaled their beautiful fragrance. Exotic and sweet scents filled her head but this time, painful memories didn’t flood her mind. She smiled. Seconds later, Brinna entered her chambers.

  “Good morning, my lady. Here is your breakfast.” She set a tray on the bed next to Liasare, covered with all sorts of delicacies on it. “I will return for you in thirty minutes, my lady.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked Brinna.

  “It is a surprise,” Brinna smiled.

  Liasare ate and anticipated what awaited her. Brinna returned carrying a silk robe. Once Liasare donned it, Brinna flashed them to the sanctuary. Liasare couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw what had been done. The whole place had been transformed into a spa. Brinna handed her a thick envelope and she withdrew a note card from within:

  To My Beautiful Liasare,

  You once told me you had never visited a spa before. After today, you can no longer make that claim. The day is yours to enjoy. Let them spoil and pamper you my love, for you deserve it. Rest, because I intend to spoil you in other ways tonight. I have nothing but mere words to thank you for your love and understanding.

  Forever yours,

  Alaric

  Her belly immediately felt heat move within it as she flushed and thought about being in Jurek’s arms again. The mere thought of him aroused her. She looked up to see Brinna looking at her, smiling.

  “You are his first, my lady.”

  “His first?”

  “His first to bring here and call his own. His true mate. We had despaired we would never see it again.”

  Liasare beamed. “Then I’m happy you are pleased.”

  When the day came to an end, Liasare decided her first spa experience would not be her last. She was rubbed, massaged, exfoliated, put under hydrotherapy, manicured, pedicured, and pampered with the utmost care and attention. They even stood her in the shower, pressed a button and all her body hair, with the exception of the hair on her head, eyebrows, and lashes, completely disappeared. Liasare was shocked and didn’t quite know what to think of it. She emerged red-faced and tongue-tied. She wondered what Jurek would think about that.

  The women gushed over her markings, which now covered the sides of her body, running from her arms down to her feet. They got close and personal with them, with her permission of course, touching, inspecting, and admiring them. They were amazed by their beauty and abundance and assured her they had never seen markings such as hers. Afterwards, they bowed to her constantly. Every time she turned around, they bowed to her. She kept bowing back and it went on and on. She felt foolish, but she didn’t know what else to do.

  She ended her day in the pool of waterfalls, where she was served a variety of fruits and a glass of delicious champagne. As she floated in the pool, she smiled, thinking how wonderful her day had been.

  Her body surged with energy as she felt his presence nearing. He was in the water with her in the next moment and she launched herself at him, spilling her champagne in the process.

  “Thank you,” she kissed him, “thank you,” she said again between kisses. “This was the most wonderful day ever!”

  “Ever? I thought the first time we made love was,” he said laughing, as she poked him in the ribs.

  “You know what I mean,” she said, as she wrapped her legs around him.

  “Do I detect something different about you down there?” he asked, slip
ping his hand between them.

  Her face flamed, as she stammered, “Well, yeah, they, er ... there was this ...”

  “Liasare, I love it. You don’t have to be embarrassed about it,” he murmured against her neck.

  “But I didn’t know they were going to do it.”

  “It was my idea.”

  “Yours? You wanted this?”

  “Oh, yeah. I can’t wait to see it. And run my tongue over you.” He kissed her then, tasting her sweetness, and explored her mouth eagerly. “I’ve come to tell you that we need to leave here tomorrow.” He noticed her face fall with his news. “I know. I’d like to stay here with you forever, too. I met with the Triumvirate today and we’ve discussed several things.”

  “Our wedding?”

  “Yes, of course. But we discussed the issue with Abaddon and it is their belief that being here won’t force any action on his part. He won’t come here because he knows he can’t defeat us on our turf. So they think us being on Praestan only allows him to grow stronger ... allows his army to gain strength. I have to agree. I feel confident in your strength now. You’re strong enough to defeat me Liasare. You may have surpassed me in power by now. We need to return to Earth and put this whole thing to rest, before his plan takes further root. The universe is at stake and unfortunately, its outcome rests on your shoulders.”

  “But what about the demonstration of my power and all?”

  “I’ve convinced them that this needs to take precedence. They believe, as do I, that the universe’s safety is more important than satisfying someone’s desire to see how powerful you are. However, we will still have to demonstrate this to the people. The challenge has been put forth so it is now our duty to answer that challenge.”

  Her head bobbed in agreement, but she said, “I see. I guess we’ve been given a reprieve then. I’m still afraid. When I was young, the devil scared the crap out of me and still does. I bled at his hands and felt his torture before. I tremble when I think about what I am faced with Alaric. I wonder if I have what it takes to accomplish this task that’s been put before me.”

  “Listen to me Liasare. You are my warrior. You are power. You are the fiercest soldier I’ve known. There is no other like you. I know you can do it and I’ll be by your side every step of the way, fighting with you. It’s not just you ... it is us ... together. I hate like hell to send you in there, but this is what we have to do.”

  Liasare stared at Jurek for a moment. Though his eyes were that lovely shade of lavender she adored so much, there was fierceness behind them. Framing his face with her hands, she leaned into him and said, “I know. Let’s forget about Abaddon just for this night. We leave in the morning to face hell. But for this one night, let’s have heaven with each other, in each other’s arms, so if hell does claim me, I’ll always have heaven with you to remember.”

  “Heaven then it is ... tonight with you Liasare.”

  They stayed in the pool for some time, but then Jurek surprised her by saying he had a special dinner planned. They returned to their quarters in the main house to prepare themselves. He wouldn’t give her a clue to what the surprise was about, though she needled him to death over it.

  He slipped away, leaving her to get dressed alone. She was surprised to find a garment bag lying on the bed with a note on it.

  For My Beautiful Liasare,

  In celebration of our last night here, I wanted to make this a special evening. I hope you are pleased with what I have chosen for you to wear. If not, please don’t feel obligated to wear it. You will find a gift bag in the closet with your name on it ... the same goes for those contents as well. There are some other items in there for you. I hope you aren’t intimidated by them as you were the last time. Please make me the happiest man alive by accepting them. I anxiously look forward to seeing you.

  Yours always,

  Alaric

  Liasare unzipped the garment bag and caught her breath at the vision on the hanger. It was a strapless dress made of golden silk. There was a sheer layer of chiffon that draped over the silk and gathered at her waist. The dress hit thigh high, showing off her shapely legs and was perfect. She slipped it on and loved how it brought out the gold flecks in her eyes. She excitedly made her way to the closet and found the gift bag with ribbons on it. A card with her name was tied to the bag. She tore it open and read it.

  Lovely Liasare,

  I can’t wait to see you in these. The dress is one thing, but these will be my undoing.

  I love you forever,

  Alaric

  She tore open the bag to find a pair of metallic stilettos that matched her dress perfectly.

  Hmm ... so he’s excited about these shoes!

  She put them on and tightened the straps around her ankles. No doubt they were high, but she didn’t mind since she wouldn’t have to walk far. She picked up the bag thinking it was empty, but heard something rattling in it. Reaching her hand in, she pulled out a large velvet box.

  Oh, dear God. This can’t be what I think it is.

  She slowly opened the box and inside was the stunning diamond choker and earrings she’d worn to the Xanthian party.

  Oh hell! Her vision blurred but she quickly swiped the tears away. She put the jewelry on and walked out of the bedroom. Jurek stood with his back facing her, but turned when he felt her approach. He was dressed elegantly in black pants and a crisp black dress shirt and his eyes smoldered as they skimmed her.

  She froze, expecting him to say something, to tell her how he thought she looked. But he said nothing. Finally, when she began to grow uncomfortable, he moved to her and said, “Nothing like I expected.”

  At first Liasare felt hurt by his comment, for she misunderstood.

  “I could never have imagined anything like you, Liasare. You’ve stolen every coherent thought from my mind, leaving me speechless.” He stood before her and simply stared at her.

  When she smiled at him, he pulled her into his arms and his mouth crushed hers. He hitched her up against him and she could feel his hardness against her as his hands found the zipper to her dress.

  “I’ll never make it through what I have planned if I don’t have you right now, love.”

  Her dress fell to her feet in a silky pool and his hands found her sex, ready and wet for him.

  “Alaric …”

  “Shh, don’t say a word, Liasare. Let me love you here, now.”

  He picked her up and said, “Put your legs around me.” When she did, he thrust into her and she cried out. Their power erupted around them, their bodies tingling with the charge between them.

  “Look at me, Liasare. Look at us ... at what happens between us.”

  She opened her eyes to see them surrounded by a myriad of colors, dancing and moving around them. The sensations roaring through her body were so intense, her fingers dug into Jurek’s shoulders as he moved deep within her.

  “You are mine, forever mine, Liasare.” Then his mouth was on hers again as his tongue pushed past her lips to taste her.

  Liasare was on fire, all over. Her heels dug into his hips as he rocked into her over and over and finally she screamed his name as she felt her muscles clench around him. The room exploded in a kaleidoscope of color as Jurek followed her to his own climax.

  When the colors faded and their powers receded, Liasare looked at him and said, “I don’t want to wait.”

  “Wait for what?” he asked, puzzled.

  “I want to show all of Praestan that you’re mine and that I’m yours, Alaric. I want to marry you before all of our people. And soon. They need to witness our love firsthand.”

  Jurek had never been one to show surprise, but he did now. Liasare could’ve knocked him over with the slightest of touches, that’s how shocked he was by her statement.

  Chapter Seven

  “You can’t possibly know what you’re saying!” Jurek insisted.

  His agitation showed in the way he kept tearing his hands through his hair.

  Liasare kne
w him so well by now that she walked up to him and took his face into her hands. “Alaric. It’s going to be fine. I promise. We love each other so why not let this world know?”

  “But … but … goddammit, Liasare, do you think I want them to see how you react to me?”

  She grinned and said, “I love how I react to you. Why not share it with them.”

  For a moment, she thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head.

  “What!” It wasn’t a question. He all but screamed it. “You can’t be serious?”

  “Why can’t I be? Look at what just happened between us. Did you see the colors? My God, they were amazing!”

  Jurek looked up to the ceiling and mumbled something. He shook his head then turned to her. “Sweetheart, you will be nearly naked. They’ll see the length of your body. They’ll see you have an orgasm for fuck’s sake and you don’t care?”

  “Well, we won’t be naked and I’ll try not to scream.”

  “Since when have you had an orgasm and not screamed?”

  She was stumped on that one. “Seriously? I don’t pay attention to that.”

  “My point exactly.”

  “So, what you’re saying then is you don’t want marry me.”

  Three paintings flew off the wall and shattered into hundreds of pieces. Jurek squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. He started murmuring all sorts of things Liasare couldn’t understand. Then he paced and gesticulated like a wild man. She eyed him for a few more minutes and decided to keep her mouth shut and let his craziness run its course.

  Jurek moved to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a tarynyac, eyed the glass, and then drank straight from the bottle instead. After taking a long deep breath, he turned to Liasare and inspected her for a moment. She was still naked from their love making session and she looked radiant. He wanted to grab and kiss her, but then knock some sense into her. But he knew it was no use. She was every bit as hard headed as he was, perhaps even more so. Gods, he had met his match with this one.