Firelight flickered in her eyes. Her body stilled, but her skin burned as if it were aflame. My lady of flame, he thought. He suddenly brought himself back up to her, capturing her lush mouth in a deep kiss. Then he clenched her jaw with his teeth again, but more gently this time. Her long legs wrapped around his waist.
He plunged into her. With deep thrusts and slow withdrawals, he pushed them both into heaven. He could feel them rising above the bed. Shaila was urging him for more. “Please, Darius. Oh goddess. Darius, I need you with me.”
He felt like he was in a dream. Floating. Little wispy white lights drifted toward them. Quickly at first, but then their pace slowed. He wondered what they were and why they hesitated.
“Darius.” He heard her voice calling out to him urgently. “Darius?” He looked down at her, his beloved immortal goddess. She was reaching for him, but he felt like something was pulling him away, tearing him from her embrace. Growling viciously, he vowed that nothing would take her from him.
Shaila was wrapping herself tighter to him, and he felt earthbound once again. He was still inside her, and still painfully full. Gritting his teeth, he withdrew. She started to moan desperately, but in one swift move, he flipped her over onto her stomach and entered her from behind.
Rubbing her inside with his erection and outside with his fingers, he sent her just where she needed to go. A feline scream burst from deep inside her, and her skin flamed with the blue light of pure energy. He felt his own skin burn with a bright light as he released inside her.
Utterly spent, they lay together motionless. Breathing. The blue glow slowly faded.
“Darius.” She sounded gloriously tired. “It came to me. I did not have to go looking for it. My spirit came to me. It found me.”
Darius felt a strange vibration through her skin. He slowly drew her back around to face him. “Are you…purring?”
She laughed as she nodded sleepily.
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
Shaila responded by snuggling into his chest and fingering one of his nipples. “I feel like a hot, bubbly bath.”
“I always thought cats hated water.”
“Wherever would you get that idea? I love water.” Her emerald eyes darkened with renewed mischievous energy. “Let me show you what a cat can do in water.”
He let out a long, tired sigh. “Okay, if I must.”
Hell, he would let her show him anything. Anytime.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Barely a few miles away, demons gathered by the dozens in a basement deep beneath the Troy Estate. Once used in aiding fugitive slaves and later in trafficking booze, the estate now served a new darker purpose. Stone floors lay bare and dusty from years of neglect, but the walls had been given an eerie makeover.
On three of the walls, hieroglyphs had been painted in bold colors accented with gold. The pictures depicted the darkest part of the prophecy, the Age of Awakening. The frightening imagery showed the resurrection of millions of souls who would serve the dark lord as his demon army. Other scenes depicted horrific battlefields and bloody rituals of sacrifice.
On the fourth wall hung a massive black tapestry. Strange alien symbols were stitched into it with gold thread. In front of the tapestry, the floor was raised a couple of feet higher. The right side of platform held a white granite altar already stained with the blood of sacrifices. The next victim lay motionless under a dark red blanket.
A massive black granite throne loomed in the center of the dais. Currently, it was occupied by a large figure cloaked in a blood red silk robe. The robe shimmered as if blood actually flowed through its threads. From underneath a large hood, bright red eyes glowed with malice. Fury radiated from the form.
Gathered in front of the dais, the small force of demons stood waiting for the next sacrifice or mission. From somewhere in their midst, twelve sharp beeps announced the arrival of the midnight hour.
The dark figure on the throne grew agitated at the sound. Bony, gray fingers snapped angrily, followed by an anguished cry from one in the crowd — a demon in preppy college clothes who still wore a new Fossil watch on his wrist.
Until now. The watch imploded on his wrist, sending his hand skittering across the dirty floor. Looking up at the evil one on the throne, the demon wisely held back further screams.
Shivery darkness seeped into the room. Demons scattered to the sides to give a wide berth to the eerie figures that entered from the outer corridor. Five malevolent beasts slithered up to the cloaked leader. Robes of black fog cloaked their forms, but torchlight reflected off of shiny talons and teeth.
“Your Grace,” a screechy voice echoed indignantly. “There is new light in our dark world.”
“How did you not stop her?”
“The spell on the house prevents our entry. We regret the failure.”
“You regret nothing.”
“As you wish, your Grace.”
“She will fight to the death to protect the humans.” The cloaked leader paced across the dais. “But we can still control the prophecy if we have her under our command.”
“Yes, your Grace.”
The skeletal fingers appeared again, pointing toward an alcove. “Bring me the box.”
A demon appeared from the alcove carrying a gold pyramid the size of a lampshade. His progress slowed until he was dragging his feet. His hands carrying the item sagged downward with each step.
“Come quickly, you idiot. We haven’t got all night.” Bony fingers reached up and tossed the hood back. The demon with the box nearly stumbled at the true sight of their leader. Gray skin barely stretched over the bones of the skull. Jagged teeth and four glistening fangs protruded from a lipless mouth. The blood red eyes glittered under translucent eyelids. Black ears hugged the skull, pointing back like arrows.
A hush spread through the demon horde as their leader transformed in front of them. The skin grew soft and supple, and took on a more golden glow. A beautiful mane of blonde hair grew out of the skull. Malice still glittered but now in tawny colored eyes. Pearl white teeth flashed from behind full, luscious lips. Lilith smiled at her minions.
“If I want something done right, I apparently have to do it myself.” She snatched the pyramid box out of the demon’s hands. Removing the lid, she held up a very delicate pair of golden wrist cuffs. The torchlight flickered in her eyes. She laughed bitterly, before smashing the box on the floor.
She faced the five stygian souls in front of her. “I have an important task for you, and you will not fail me. Go to the astral plane and find the old man’s soul. Make sure Shadiki Aria never awakens. Go.”
“As you wish, your Grace.” They disappeared through the back corridor from whence they arrived, as she turned to face her small army.
“I have promised Apophis an Anunnaki soul.” She thrust the golden cuffs in the air above her head. “Tomorrow night, we celebrate the birth of a new age.”
Cheers hissed and growled from the demon horde. “All hail, the Great Dragon Queen!” The crowd took up the chant, while the object of their cheer retreated into the hallway behind the tapestry.
Nervously, Bessie slunk from her spot in the shadows. Her ears pricked back in annoyance from the bloodthirsty din in the room, she leapt on to the altar. Nostrils flared, she gathered the scent of the victim hidden under the blanket. Silently, she retreated through the same hallway behind the tapestry.
*
Shaila smiled as the fresh aroma of creamy coffee wafted under her nose. She had to put some effort into prying open one eyelid and attempting to sit up. From the open window, the frosty morning air chased her back under the thick cover.
“I hate being cold.” She moved to curl up next to Darius as he sat on the edge of the bed. “I think I was cold inside that statue.”
“Papa Shadi loves the snow, although he hates the wicked winter storms. They can be pretty nasty.”
She finally braved the chill to reach for her cup of coffee. She had to. Darius made no move to han
d it to her, the big tease. And, he showed no sign of being bothered by the cold. She stubbornly refused to show weakness of any kind.
Snatching her cup from the tray, she noticed that it was accompanied by a bowl of fruit and slightly burned omelets. “What is this?”
“It’s called breakfast in bed.”
“It is burnt.”
“If you’re going to criticize,” he started to pull the plate away from her, but she held on tight.
“I meant no affront, Darius.” She leaned forward and kissed him soundly on the mouth. He generously released the omelet for her enjoyment. She had a mouthful of egg when she continued. “I think you might want to consider taking some cooking lessons from Marcus.”
Darius made as if to pounce on her, causing her to laugh, nearly dropping the eggs.
Instead, he leaned in and nibbled her neck. Shaila moaned as little goose bumps spread across her arms. Oh, goddess, to hell with the eggs.
She reached around his waist and drew him down on top of her. Even through the thick down covers, she could feel his desire pressing against her. A familiar sensation vibrated against her hip. She planned to ignore it, when it happened again.
“Damned timing. That’s probably Bakari.” He sat up and flipped open his cell phone. “Hey.”
During the call, Darius paced up and down the hallway. Within a few moments, he appeared in the doorway.
“Hey, Shaila, we need to get ready to….go. Oh. You’re already ready. Damn, I hate that you can do that.”
Shaila looked down at herself. She had flashed on the usual leather pants, boots, and halter. “Yes, I am ready to go.”
Darius licked his lips. “Those boots really are a huge turn on. Remind me that tonight I’d like to see you wear nothing but the boots.”
It was going to be a great day. She finally felt powerful again. Her skin tingled with renewed energies. She double-checked. Yes, her dagger was safely tucked into its sheath and strapped to her thigh. Soon, she would face Lilith, and destroy that witch’s plans.
Darius joined her downstairs. “We’re going to meet up with the guys at the lab. ALICE has found some interesting facts for us. Apparently, my computer is flourishing under Marcus’ charms. Okay, let’s go.”
Dashing out the door, Darius hesitated at the bottom of the stone steps thoughtfully. “Let’s go the long way by Beacon Street. That way we can bring fresh coffee and bagels for the guys.”
As they turned onto Beacon Street, they were swamped by a huge crowd of humans. They poured down the street in an angry wave, engulfing everything in their path. The swell of the crowd forced her in the opposite direction. She nearly tripped over one of the young people in front of her. The energy of the mob around her sizzled red with fear. They were carrying signs and shouting for more protection.
A tight sensation squeezed her senses and her mind flooded with memories of being trapped within the statue. She mentally shook off the images before they clouded her mind. The crowd continued sweeping her along its current path. When the rush finally slowed and started to spread out, she caught her breath in large gulps. Turning around, she found herself in a large space filled with green grass and tall trees. The buildings of the city towered beyond the treetops. Dozens of fat brown birds skittered across the ground cooing nervously.
But there was no Darius. She swirled around and around, searching the thinning crowd for him. She spotted a shaven head, but the bearer of it had a green beard. Definitely, not Darius. By now, she had turned around so many times, she had lost her bearings. Shaila had no idea of which way she had come.
Instinct drove her to keep moving along the path. She would find her way out of this place and back to Beacon Street. She paused next to a large object with small children crawling over and around it. She smiled at the small humans bundled up against the chilly morning.
Finally, she spotted a man with an official-looking coat. She tapped on his back. “Excuse me. Can you help me find my way back to-”
“My dearest little goddess. How good of you to show up…Shaila.” As he turned her way, her name spat from lips like snake venom.
Shaila turned to run away, but he caught her arm.
“Let me go, Therion. Or-”
“Or what? Look up in that tree.” He pointed to a limb half way up. A dark figure perched there. The demon did not scare her, but his location above a little redheaded child did. She understood the threat.
“Make him go away, and I will go with you.” But while she watched the demon fade into the shadows, she felt something cold wrap around her wrists. “What are you doing?”
Therion snapped golden cuffs onto her wrists. The searing pain she felt from them took her breath away. She gasped for air as she sagged to the ground.
“I am making sure that you cannot use your newly-engaged powers on me.” His evil black eyes flared angrily at her. “Yes. I know who and what you are. I also know what your powers can do for me.” He pulled her fully against him, breathing heavily into her ear. “I can offer you so much more than that pathetic thief, Darius.”
“But you are human too.”
“Not for long.” His mocking laughter echoed off the trees. “You are going to give me back my god powers, Shaila. There’s an easy way, and a hard way. I am so hoping you pick the hard way.”
She spit in his face, a useless gesture but the insult was acknowledged as he yanked her towards a big, black vehicle.
Looking through the back window, she finally saw Darius. He sprinted toward them, but then he suddenly dropped to his knees, his face buried in his hands.
I love you. Shaila was certain Darius would find her. She prayed that they would all make it through this.
*
Darius finally found her, but it was too late. He was just in time to see Therion shove her angrily into a van. He swore every kind of vengeance possible on his rival.
His blood pumped violently through his body as his fury reached a level he’d never felt before. His skin prickled as if it were energized by a strong current of electricity. His jaw ached miserably, like he’d been punched a hundred times. Then, the pain turned sharp and zinged through his skull.
What the hell’s happening? The pain dropped him to his knees and nearly blinded him. He rubbed his jaw, trying to ease the torment. Blood rushed loudly in his ears, drowning out the sounds of city traffic. Darius stumbled out of Boston Commons and headed as quickly as he could towards his lab.
Darius collapsed down the stairs as dozens of light orbs danced around in his vision. Marcus caught him before he crashed into the computer. Darius gulped for air through jaws that now felt on fire. He screamed in blind torment.
“What the hell, Dare?” Marcus let him go and backed away very quickly. “What are those?”
Bakari rushed in from the back room, his jaw dropping in shock. “Gods in Hell, Shadiki, you cagey old mage. How come you never told me?” He rushed to Darius and grasped him on the shoulders.
Warmth spread from Bakari’s touch, and finally Darius began to feel his body calm. His vision cleared, and the pain in his face ebbed to a dull ache. Bakari pulled out a linen handkerchief and dabbed away a trickle of blood on Darius’ chin.
“What the hell just happened to me?”
“Destiny.” Bakari chuckled like someone with an inside joke.
“What’s so funny?” Daruis looked at both of them, their faces a mixture of shock and awe. “Somebody tell me something or I’ll start slamming all of you.”
A familiar voice rang out clear and strong. “Don’t pay him any mind. He is just angry that he didn’t start believing me a long time ago.”
“Papa Shadi,” Darius whispered. He rushed over to hug his grandfather. “You…you look great.”
“Ach.” Papa Shadi waved it off. “I just needed some good sleep for a change.” He looked around the room. “Where is Shaila?”
Anger welled up anew in Darius, his skin taking on a slight glittery sheen. He looked at his own arms in confusion
. “What is going on with me? You know what it is, don’t you?”
Papa Shadi pushed Darius backwards until he was sitting in a chair. “My boy, I have raised you all these years as my grandson. But my grandson, you are not.”
“I know that. Shaila told me that much last night. I am the son of Nefertiti.”
“Yes. Her only son, whom she gave birth to not long before she was murdered.”
Darius finally figured out what had been bothering him. Information he hadn’t been given yet. “Who’s my father?”
Marcus whistled. “So you’re the deliverer?”
Papa Shadi nodded.
A big smile spread across Bakari’s face, and he knelt down before Darius. “You are the prince of our people, Darius. You are the son of the Lord of Command.”
“Who the hell is that?”
“Seth.” Both Papa Shadi and Bakari answered emphatically, and with great pride.
Marcus looked confused. “I thought Seth was the God of Chaos.”
“Well, he is very dark and dangerous-looking, but he was not in the habit of fostering chaos,” Bakari answered. “Although the Egyptians did peg his personality pretty well. You have definitely inherited some of his…irritability.”
“And his cunning.” Papa Shadi added quickly.
“So is that why he stumbled in here with glowing skin and a set of mini fangs?” Marcus asked.
“What?” Darius felt his jaws, and looked for a place to catch his reflection.
“You are half-human because of Nefertiti, but you are also half Anunnaki because of Seth.” Papa Shadi looked square into Darius’ eyes. “I am sorry. I should have told you long before this who your real parents were. When I brought you home from Egypt, I did not know anything about how to take care of a child. My daughter fell in love with you. She had lost a child, and you filled that hole for a while until the drugs destroyed her. And when I took you in, you would not believe any of the ancient prophecies. You thought me to be a nutty old man, and I let you go on without the truth. I did not see this coming so quickly. I am sorry, Darius. Can you forgive this old man?”
Immortal Dynasty Page 20