by C Zinnia
Dana hugged him back just as tightly. When she pulled away, she gave him a quick kiss. “Let me go change, Nana,” she said.
“Okay, I’ll meet you on the porch,” Nana said.
Papa stood up. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he said. He escorted Nana out of the kitchen.
“So, what happened to the door?” Eli asked. “And the chair?”
“I took out the chair while Lee handled the door,” Mel said. “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“We’re still a little edgy from the recent attacks,” Lee said. “I’m scheduling us to see May.”
“That’s a good idea. If May doesn’t have three time slots back to back to back, you can schedule Mel separately and I can take her,” Eli said.
“That’ll make scheduling easier. Thanks,” Lee said.
“Dana seems to be handling the trauma better than us,” Mel said.
“She handles stress differently is all,” Lee said.
“It makes sense for y’all to be on guard after everything that’s happened,” Eli said. “You seem tired, Mel.”
“It did wear me out a bit,” Mel said. “But I’m still ready to work on my gifts.”
Viola and Daren entered the kitchen and they were both soaked with sweat.
“What did you do to the door, Mel?” Viola asked.
Mel was slightly offended that Viola automatically assumed it was her. I did rip off a tree branch the other day, she reminded herself.
“That was actually me,” Lee said with a sigh. “I better fix it.” He picked up pieces of the broken door and left.
“What about the chair?” Viola asked.
“That was me,” Mel said faintly.
“You need to be more careful,” Viola said sharply.
Mel flushed with shame. She looked down at her feet. She was then miffed that Viola didn’t point out to Lee that he needed to be more careful. She also didn’t appreciate that Viola was speaking to her in such a tone in front of everyone. “I heard a couple of loud bangs and I panicked,” she said. “I thought it was another attack and I just- One minute I was sitting and the next I was under the table. Lee broke the door trying to get in here when he heard the loud noise from upstairs.”
Viola frowned. “Still, you need to keep your powers in check. I understand you’re afraid, but you can’t lash out like that,” she said.
Mel’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and irritation. “I’m aware of that,” she said. “It’s not like I wanted to break the chair.”
“I’m going to shower and then you and I will go train. Try not to break anything else,” Viola said. She left before Mel could respond.
Daren was frowning as he watched Viola leave. He turned his attention back to Mel. “Don’t worry, Mel. We know you didn’t mean to break anything,” he said. “I can’t say I wouldn’t have reacted the same way if I went through what you had.” He glanced at the doorframe his father had damaged.
“Thanks Daren,” Mel said. She bit her lip to keep herself from asking why Viola was acting the way she was. She didn’t want him to think she had an issue with her. And what if he gets upset with the question? she thought.
“Daren, do you think you could come back here during your lunch break today? There is something we need to do,” Eli said. “I would do it before you go, but it appears Viola has claimed Mel’s time.” His tone of voice wasn’t discernable to Mel, but it made her gut knot.
“Viola wants to go over self-defense moves before she goes to work,” Mel explained.
Daren nodded. “Sounds like V. When she makes her mind up about something, there’s no stopping her,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s smart,” Eli agreed politely.
“It is,” Daren said. “I’ll call you when I’m on my way back over here during my break, okay?”
“Sounds good,” Eli said. “Thanks, Daren.”
“No problem,” he said. “See y’all later.” He left.
Mel looked at her feet. “You haven’t told Daren about what I had done yet. Have you?” she said quietly.
“Not yet,” Eli said. He pulled out a necklace. “I made this to protect him, but I’ll need you to test it and make sure it works.”
Mel was sad. “He’s going to be afraid of me after he finds out,” she said.
“Don’t be so sure of that. He may surprise you,” Eli said.
But my own mate is afraid of my gifts, Mel thought. How can I expect anything different from others?
“Do you think we can work on healing today? I want to be able to heal others,” Mel said.
Eli shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea just yet,” he said. “We don’t know where you’re getting your energy from to heal. You could be using your own energy and, if that’s the case, healing others will quickly deplete you. You’ll essential drain your soul and I’m sure you can understand it would lead to terrible ramifications. And we really need to work on protection today.”
“Okay,” she said, disappointed.
Viola came back into the kitchen looking like she was in a better mood. “Are you ready to train?” she asked.
“Sure,” Mel said.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” Eli said. “Will that give y’all enough time?”
“Yes, it’ll give us plenty of time. Thanks, Eli,” Viola said.
Eli nodded politely.
“Let’s go,” Viola said. They walked outside.
Most of the member of the pack had already gone off to work. There were a few pack members here and there that waved to Viola and Mel in greeting. Viola led Mel down one of the trails.
Initially, Mel was nervous. She cautiously looked around, ready for someone to attack. Mel then remembered that Bill was currently still being held captive. Even with that knowledge, it was difficult for Mel to relax.
Mel shivered. It was a cool morning.
“Don’t worry, amor,” Viola said. “You’ll warm up soon enough.”
Viola and Mel stopped at a small patch of grass that was covered with leaves.
“Let’s warm up,” Viola said.
After ten minutes of gentle movements, Viola went over the self-defense moves she had taught Mel the day before. Mel did her best to keep up as Viola increased the speed. It wasn’t long before Mel was covered in sweat. She was suddenly grateful for the cool air.
“Good job,” Viola said. “Now, we’re going to work on getting up from the ground and onto your feet again. It’ll be easy for someone to throw you to the ground. It’s important that you can perform the kip without your arms. If any of the movements hurt your shoulder, let me know, okay?”
“Okay,” Mel said. She was upset she had to perform kips again. She lied on the ground and tried over and over again to get up. Each time, she landed on her back again. Her back was still sore from yesterday. She wondered absently if her back was a huge bruise. Surprisingly, none of the movements bothered her shoulder.
“How’s your shoulder?” Viola asked.
“That’s the only part of my body that isn’t hurting,” Mel said.
“That’s amazing,” Viola said. “Are you going to work on your healing abilities with Eli?”
“I asked him just now if we could. Eli said it wasn’t a good idea yet because we don’t know if I’m pulling the energy from myself. If I’m using my own energy, then using it on someone else could hurt me,” Mel said.
“Oh,” Viola said. She frowned, disappointed with the information. “When are you going to find that out?”
Mel shrugged. “We haven’t had a chance to really talk about it,” she said.
Viola nodded, but there was a sudden coldness in her energy that hadn’t been there before. Mel’s gut churned at the sensation. “Let’s go over a few more drills,” Viola said.
By the end of the session, Mel was panting and felt like all of her limbs were going to fall off from exhaustion. She sat on the ground. Even though it was cold and hard, Mel didn’t have the energy to
get up.
“One more set of kips, Mel,” Viola said.
“But, I’m tired,” Mel said. “Can’t we stop? I can’t do any more.”
“Just one more,” Viola repeated.
“You said that last time,” Mel said.
“Come on,” Viola said. “You’ll be glad you did.”
Mel highly doubted that. She was sore in places she didn’t know existed. Her muscles were shaking and she felt like a great big bruise. She was sure one more set would only make it worse. “I can’t,” she said. Her voice cracked.
Viola’s energy softened. It became loving a manner Mel was accustomed to. “Yes, you can, amor. Just try,” she said sweetly.
Mel looked at Viola and saw how much faith Viola had in her. She truly believes I can do one more set, she realized. The sight was humbling. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had believed so much in her, especially when she didn’t believe in herself.
That revelation got Mel through the last set of moves. Her body protested as she attempted, and failed, to perform kips again. She pressed through the pain for as long as she could.
“And time,” Viola said.
Mel collapsed to the ground. “No more,” she said.
“No more,” Viola agreed. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.” She leaned over and gave Mel a kiss. “Let’s go back to the house.”
Mel slowly lifted her arms above her. “Carry me,” she begged. “I don’t want to move.”
Viola laughed and helped her up. “It’s important you walk,” she said. “It’ll help keep you from getting DOMS.”
“Getting what?” Mel asked.
“Delayed onset muscle soreness,” Viola said.
“Oh, okay,” Mel said. “Why did you have to get all technical on me?”
Viola laughed. “It’s good for you to learn something new,” she said.
As they walked to the village, Viola glanced over at Mel. “Do you understand why I’m pushing you so hard?” she asked.
“No,” Mel said. “And I don’t like it. I feel like I’m being pushed from every direction. You’re pushing me. Bruce wants me to know more about the hunters and Chris. And I’m pushing myself. It feels like any moment I’ll break.”
“I know you feel that way, but you won’t break,” Viola said. “How you train is how you perform in real life. There are going to be times where you feel like you have nothing left. You’re going to want to give up. You are going to be so drained that you’ll feel like you have nothing more to give. I want you to get to the point where you can push past that limit. Being able to push past that point is what separates a champion from the rest. It’s also what separates a survivor from the rest.”
“I can respect your logic,” Mel said. “I just don’t like it.”
“I know, amor,” Viola said. They went upstairs to the bedroom. She gave her a clean set of clothes. “You need to take a nice long shower. The hot water will be good for your muscles. Okay?”
“Okay,” Mel said. She fiddled around with the doorknob. “Will-” Mel broke off and bit her lip. “Will you join me?”
Viola was surprised by the question. She tried to hold in her happiness. Of course, I do, she wanted to say, but she held back. She said slowly; “Only if you are comfortable, amor. I don’t want you to push yourself because you feel pressured.”
“I know,” Mel said. “And I’m grateful for your thoughtfulness.” She gingerly took Viola’s hand. Mel gently tugged her along.
Chapter 14
Viola followed her into the bathroom. Mel made sure to lock the door. Viola watched Mel, studying her. She could hear the beat of Mel’s racing heart. She also could smell Mel’s arousal. Hell yeah, she thought. She savored having that effect on Mel. “Are you sure?” Viola said.
The heat in her voice caused Mel to shiver. “Yes,” Mel said. Mel took off her clothes and jumped in the shower. It wasn’t sensual or elegant like in the movies, but Mel was just grateful she didn’t fall over. She turned on the water and waited impatiently for the water to heat up.
Viola chuckled, endeared by Mel’s shyness. She undressed, reminding herself to take it slow with Mel.
She felt Viola move behind her into the shower. Viola wrapped her arms around Mel’s waist. Mel sighed and leaned back against Viola. She loved the way Viola felt against her.
Love, Mel thought. It’s hard not to believe that this is love. Can two people love each other in so short of a time? She liked to think it was possible and that that was what she was experiencing.
Viola slowly washed Mel’s arms and back. When she reached the front, she passed over Mel’s breasts and went to her abdomen.
Mel tried to hide her disappointment, but Viola saw it on her face.
Viola chuckled. “Patience, amor,” she said. Her fingers traced Mel’s tattoo. “This is interesting. What are those shapes?”
“It’s a treble clef and a bass clef,” Mel said, pointing each one out. “You know how music notes are written on those lines?”
“Vaguely,” Viola said as she lightly soaped Mel’s outer thighs.
Mel’s body warmed under Viola’s strong hands. “Well, those symbols indicate which notes are which on those lines. If you have a treble clef, the notes on the lines will be in a different place than if it’s a bass clef,” she said.
“Hmm, that’s interesting,” Viola said as she washed Mel’s inner thighs. Her palm lightly brushed across Mel’s labia.
Mel gasped.
Viola smiled at her before she kissed Mel. Her tongue stroked Mel’s bottom lip before moving into her mouth.
Mel kissed her back, drowning in Viola’s passion.
Viola massaged Mel’s breasts, taking her time to cup them and rub her nipples until they hardened.
Mel moaned in pleasure. The only things Mel could comprehend were Viola’s hands.
Viola moved away and winked. “Rinse off, amor.”
Mel did. She took the soap bar from Viola. “My turn,” Mel said before Viola could say anything. Mel lathered up the soap and rubbed it across Viola’s skin. Mel was surprised by how soft and smooth Viola’s skin was.
Mel caressed Viola’s supple breasts before massaging along Viola’s abdomen.
Viola gasped.
“What?” Mel said, alarmed.
“I’m okay,” Viola said. “That spot is just sensitive.”
“Oh,” Mel said. She couldn’t help but smile as she washed the sensitive area again.
Impatient, Viola grabbed the soap and tossed it aside. She grabbed Mel’s hips and growled. “Amor,” Viola said huskily.
“Yes,” Mel said innocently.
“Just what are your intentions?” Viola asked.
Mel knew Viola was giving her the chance to back out. Instead, she lightly nibbled Viola’s ear. “To seduce you,” she said.
Viola mischievously chuckled. It caused Mel to shiver. Viola kneeled down in the shower as she kissed her way down Mel’s abdomen. Viola slowly lifted up Mel’s leg and placed it on her shoulder. Viola kissed her way from the back of Mel’s knee up to Mel’s inner thigh.
Mel trembled from the tender caresses of Viola’s tongue along her thigh. Mel’s vulva swelled with anticipation and arousal.
Viola paused and glanced up at Mel. “I will show you the art of seduction,” she said.
Viola’s mouth caressed Mel’s inner thigh and slowly made her way towards Mel’s intimate area.
Mel gasped in pleasure and grabbed Viola’s head.
Viola chuckled as her tongue eloquently moved across Mel’s swollen labia. Mel moaned. Viola stroked Mel’s clitoris with her tongue at a rhythm that caused Mel to gyrate against her mouth. Viola continued to orally please Mel as she quickened the pace. Mel climaxed.
Viola continued to stroke her clitoris as her fingers joined in.
Mel arched against her as she thrusted a finger into Mel’s vagina.
Viola picked a rapid pace with her hand as she continued to lick and caress Mel with her to
ngue.
Mel moaned as she orgasmed against. She almost fell down.
Viola effortlessly caught her. “Whoa there,” she said. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Mel said. She was grinning widely. She realized Viola was still aroused. Mel kneeled down. “Your turn.”
Viola stopped breathing for a moment. “Are you sure?” she asked.
Mel kissed Viola’s abdomen. She licked her way down to Viola’s vulva. Viola immediately positioned herself so Mel had better access.
Mel licked Viola’s clitoris. She grinned when she heard Viola moan softly. She was clumsy at first with the movements of her tongue. She found a cadence and discovered which strokes Viola enjoyed. She changed her strokes and rhythms according to the way Viola moved against her. She could feel the increasing pressure building up within Viola as she lapped at her clitoris.
Viola’s breathing had increased. Viola resisted the urge to grab Mel’s hair. Instead, Viola lightly guided Mel’s head closer to her. Viola began moving her hips as the sexual tension built up within her. Viola bit her lip to swallow a howled as she climaxed.
Mel looked up to see an extremely happy Viola. “Did I do okay?” she asked as she lightly bit Viola’s thigh.
“Yes,” Viola said. “You were amazing.” She rubbed her hamstring. “I think you gave me a muscle spasm. I hope I can still train today!”
Mel laughed. “I’m glad.”
Viola grinned. She helped Mel stand and kissed her. Viola said; “Now, let’s rinse off.”
Chapter 15
Viola grabbed a protein shake and left for work while Mel got dressed. She winced as she put her pants on. She enjoyed the shower immensely, but her body hurt from all of the training and the failed kips.
“I don’t know how I feel about the whole training thing,” Mel said. She finally managed to get dressed and hobbled downstairs.
Papa was in the kitchen, packing vegetables in jars as he prepared to ferment them. “Hello, Mel!” he said cheerfully. “You look like you’ve been training with Viola.”
Mel sat down with a wince. Her legs had never hurt like this before. “What gave it away? The walk or the wincing?” she joked.