Enchanted Waves

by Ciara Lake

  “Jessica, I didn’t mean to upset you. Have I?”

  “Don’t whine, it’s unbecoming.” She waved her hand.

  Tabitha cleared her throat. “Really? Okay, I didn’t mean to whine.”

  “It’s fine.” Jessica shrugged.

  “It was selfish of me to not call you sooner, but so much happened. You’re not acting like yourself today. Are you feeling okay?”

  “Yes, I am acting like myself.” She stopped and smiled. “I had a bad night, a headache.” She put her hand to her head. “I’m just surprised that you’re marrying a man you hardly know.” She walked out the door. Before she shut it, she looked back. “Beep me if you need anything. I’ll make some fresh coffee. You’ll need it for all the work you have to do.”

  “Thanks, I could use some.”

  “I’ll keep your cup full.” The door clicked shut.

  What was that? Tabitha plopped down in her chair.

  She jumped when her cellphone rang. Picking it up off the desk she saw it was Jax. “Hello, sweetheart.”

  “Hello, my beautiful lover. I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner. I’ve been busy every second. There’s a lot to do here to open on time. I hate to tell you, but I’ll have to pick you up at seven. Or I can slip there and slip you back here with me. You need to learn how to slip. It’s very handy. You can do it, you know. It just takes some instruction and practice.”

  “I’d love to learn, but for now, I’m fine. I have a lot of work to catch up on, so just come after me when you’re ready. I’m a little upset at the moment.”

  “With me?”

  “No, not at all. Jessica’s not acting like herself. It bothers me. I don’t know what I could have done. She’s always predictable, so it’s odd.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too.” Tabitha sighed. “Go back to work. I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay, call me if you need to talk. I’ll make time for you if you’re upset.”

  “Thanks.” Tabitha hung up the phone.

  * * * *

  Jessica stuck her head inside Tabitha’s office. “Can I come in? I have a cup of coffee for you.”

  “Sure.” She waved Jessica in. “Come on in. I’m glad you stopped in before you left for the day.”

  “How did your meeting go with Mr. Lammon?”

  “It was good.” Tabitha smiled. “He was happy to hear I’m marrying Jax Aquila. It seems he sees it as being good for business. Jax has a lot of influential contacts. Mr. Sydon—the gentleman who came in before I left town—has retained the firm to represent his business. So, Mr. Lammon is very pleased with me at the moment.”

  “Nice.”

  Yes, Jax’s father is very nice. Tabitha leaned back in her chair, smiling.

  “How very fortunate for all.”

  “Yes, it is.” Tabitha nodded. “Jessica, I’m really sorry for upsetting you. I can tell you are upset. You know I hate it if you’re mad at me. I want to make it right.”

  “No, I’m not upset. I don’t know why you think I am. I told you, I had a bad headache last night. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed is all.” Jessica shrugged. She carried the steaming mug to Tabitha’s desk and sat it in front of her. “Here’s a nice hot cup of coffee for you. It’s been a long day. This will keep you going. It’s nearly six and everyone else has left for the day. I have interrogatories for you to look over, I’ll email them to you before I leave.”

  “Good, I’ll look them over while I wait for Jax. He’ll be here around seven. Do you want to stay and chat?”

  “I’ve gotta run. He’ll have to call you when he gets here. The doors are locked, and you’ll have to let him in.”

  “I’ll text him and let him know.”

  “Drink your coffee, it’ll give you energy to make your reading easier.”

  “I’m sure it will. Thanks.” Tabitha picked the cup up. “It smells good.”

  “I flavored it with amaretto syrup. It’s tasty, I had some too.”

  Tabitha held the cup closer to her face and inhaled the steam. “Nice.” She took a sip. “It is tasty.”

  “Let me see your ring again.” Jessica leaned closer, and Tabitha held her hand out. “It is lovely, and so big.” She smiled.

  Tabitha took another sip of her drink. “This coffee is perfect.”

  The cup crashed to the desk, coffee spilling all over. Tabitha’s head followed, hitting the desk with a bang. Her limp body nearly fell out of the chair.

  * * * *

  “Yes, Tabitha dear, it is a perfect cup. Made just for you.” Amuliana laughed. “This was so easy. Hurry up, Faryll, she’s out cold.”

  “I’m here.” Faryll walked into the office, carrying the shackles Hecate had bespelled.

  “Put the shackles on and get her out of here. I want her in Hecate’s lair before she wakes up or her lover gets here. I have to leave this deplorable woman’s body. She’s been fighting me. She has strong and loyal feelings for this Forsaken bitch.” Amuliana lifted Tabitha’s head, then released it to hit the desk again. It bounced on the open day planner.

  Faryll strolled over to stand behind Tabitha’s chair. “Why don’t you kill the woman you possess? She has served her purpose. We have the Jin’s daughter now.”

  “No, I think I may have use for her again. This office has a lot of information about influential people.” Amuliana shrugged. “One never knows. Also, I’ll enjoy her confusion when she awakes.” Amuliana waved her hand. “Go now, I’ll be to the lair as soon as possible.”

  Faryll stroked Tabitha’s hair, then released it from its band. He tossed the jeweled band to his mother. “Here, for you, Mother.”

  “Thanks, I’ll enjoy this trinket. No doubt it was made by Axel Venrick. I do hate that troll.”

  “Do you want her ring too?”

  “No, I want her to look at it while she’s imprisoned and longs for her lover. Stupid girl, she’s so proud of that rock. She kept showing it off and looking at it all day, she made me sick.”

  “She’s a pretty one.” Faryll pushed the chair back. He flopped her body back in the chair. Her bottom almost slid out of it. Faryll repositioned her, then put the cuffs on her wrists and ankles. “I’m going to enjoy this beauty. Especially because she belonged to Jax.”

  “Don’t touch her until Hecate allows it, I don’t want to piss the witch off.”

  “Very well, Mother.” Faryll nodded. He bent over, licking the side of Tabitha’s face.

  “Faryll, obey me.” Amuliana stomped her foot. “When Hecate says it’s okay, you can do as you wish.”

  “Of course, Mother, as you say.” He scooped up Tabitha’s listless body. He sniffed her face and hair. “If I could wipe the fucking Mer’s scent away, she would smell good.” In a flash, he was gone.

  * * * *

  “This is the Jin’s child? Hmm.” Hecate stared down at Tabitha, her clawed finger tapped her pointed chin. “She’s curious to me. Rather fragile looking to be such a powerful one. Are you sure she wielded such powers? Perhaps it truly came from the son of Poseidon?”

  “Her power has nothing to do with her size.” Amuliana sighed. “I’m very sure it was this bitch.”

  “Of course you are.” Hecate made a high-pitched squeak and rubbed her hands together. “What a gem she is. To have her here with me is delightful. To be able to tap into her Jin power, to make it mine, will be orgasmic.” She touched Tabitha’s head in a loving way as she pushed back her hair. “So pretty too. But not for long.”

  She touched the side of her face with the back of her hand, then she cackled. After smoothing her hair back several times, she placed her hand on Tabitha’s forehead and began to tremble. Her dark hand glowed reddish. A low buzz emanated from Hecate, then the cavern’s floor vibrated.

  “Feel the power.” Hecate’s lips pushed out as if she was going to kiss something, and her black eyes became glossier. Her white hair turned dark as the night. “I will have some now.”

  Hecate’s lips turned up into an
ugly smile. Her body vibrated, and her hand froze on Tabitha’s forehead. A white light surrounded Tabitha’s body. It was a hot light—Amuliana could feel the heat from where she stood. Hecate screeched, screaming in agony as she was thrown across the room and hit the stone wall. The sound of her bones cracking echoed loudly. The earth began to shake violently, knocking Amuliana and Faryll to the ground too.

  “The bitch is still sleeping.” Amuliana sprung up, floating above Tabitha. Her fists were clenched at her sides. “How is this possible? She can’t be as powerful as to rival goddesses such as us. It’s impossible.”

  Hecate stood, brushing off her gown. “Obviously it is not. She has some protection against anyone taking her power. I must learn how to overcome it and take what’s now mine.” She slowly approached Tabitha. “She will awake soon. Perhaps I’ll need to take it from her while she’s awake. The shackles were supposed to stop such an attack, allowing me to siphon from her. This is very puzzling.”

  * * * *

  Tabitha moaned, then grabbed her head, it hurt. She opened her eyes slowly. Wherever she was, it was dark, damp, and cold. She was lying on some coarse material, it scratched her. The place smelled, making her want to retch. Holding her arms up, she examined the cuffs binding her. She shivered as she tried to sit up. Her hair was loose, wild all over, blocking some of her view. With shackled wrists it was hard to push her hair out of the way.

  Slowly, she righted herself and looked around. She was in some sort of cave. “Jax, help me! Jax!” She tried to stand, but the chains connected to the cuffs on her wrists and ankles made her stumble. She abruptly fell back down. Her bottom hit the hard unforgiving ground. “Jax, can you hear me?” Hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “What’s going on?” she screamed into the darkness. “Why am I here? Jax, help me!” Her voice echoed off the stone walls. “Where am I?” She tried to get up off the floor and this time she turned to get up on her knees. “What do you want?” she screamed as loud as she could.

  “Hush, child. Don’t wear yourself out.” Black smoke rose from the floor. A strong smell of sulfur made Tabitha gag. “Jax cannot hear you here. No one can. Don’t hurt your voice trying, there’s much we need to discuss.” A hideous looking woman appeared from the smoke with Amuliana floating behind her.

  “Amuliana, I should have known.”

  “Yes, perhaps you should have known. Did you think what you did to me would go unpunished?”

  “I did nothing that you didn’t deserve. You attacked us. I simply defended as anyone would.”

  “Really? You have no respect, you foolish girl.”

  “Let me go.”

  “Now why would I do that? You will remain here indefinitely. Also, I want to let you know, your friend Jessica was very helpful to me. I left her on the street behind your office.” Amuliana shrugged.

  “How dare you. If you’ve hurt her, I will. . .I will hurt you.” Tabitha pointed her hand at Amuliana. Nothing happened.

  “You will what? Hurt me? I don’t think so.” Amuliana shook her head, laughing.

  “My dear, I’m Hecate.” A revolting, yet well-dressed female stepped closer to her. Her eyes glowed bright yellow. “You’ll not be able to wield your powers here as long as you’re my prisoner. Those shackles hold you defenseless.”

  “Who are you?” Tabitha shook from fear combined with rage.

  “I’m not surprised you’re ignorant to who I am.” She moved closer as if she was floating. “As a Forsaken, you have lived blind to the immortal world. Stupid, like most humans.”

  “Fine, so who are you?”

  “I already told you I’m Hecate. I do hate to repeat myself.” She held her head up high, her chin jutted out. “I’m the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. I have power over the heaven, earth, and the sea.”

  “I doubt you have anything to do with heaven.”

  “Be silent, child. You’re subservient to me in all ways. Bow to me. Worship me.” She pointed to the ground. “On your knees, worship me and your goddess Amuliana.” She gestured to Amuliana.

  “I won’t bow to either of you foul creatures. You’re disgusting. Let me go before Jax comes for me. You’ll be sorry when he does.”

  “Jax cannot save you from us. Anyway, he’ll never find you here. His father can’t find us here either. You’re within the bowels of the earth. This is my domain alone.” Hecate’s yellow eyes glowed red. “I’m going to take your Jin power from you and make it mine. I’m going to allow Faryll, Amuliana’s son, to do with you as he pleases, as long as he keeps you alive so I can use you myself. If you want to be more comfortable while you’re here, you’d best worship me and show me affection. Otherwise, I’ll make your existence miserable.”

  “And don’t count on ever seeing Jax again. You’re now lost to him and to all others who have known you. You might as well realize that now.” Amuliana put her hand on Tabitha’s head and pushed her back onto the ground. “Stay down on the ground like the bitch you are.”

  “Faryll, she’s yours until I return for her.” Hecate bent over to look closer at Tabitha. “You should enjoy her. She looks to be a good fuck.”

  “I intend to.” A man appeared at the foot of Tabitha’s pallet. Amuliana and the witch vanished.

  “Leave me alone.”

  “I am for now.” He was a handsome man, but the sneer on his face was sinister. “I have a few errands I must attend to, but then I’ll be back for you.” He walked closer to her and reached down. He touched her hair. “It is as silk. You are a beauty. This does not have to be unpleasant between us. You can give yourself to me, I will make it worth your while. I’ll help you enjoy your captivity.” He rubbed his finger over her lips.

  “Enjoy it?” She tried to bite him.

  “No, no, don’t bite the hand which will feed you. I will be your caretaker. Those two will leave your day-to-day care to me.” He rubbed his hand over her blouse, feeling her breast.

  “Stop it.” She tried to slap him away. “Don’t touch me, you fiend.”

  “You’re not being sweet.” He made a tsking sound. “Your life here will be much better if you’re nice.”

  “I don’t intend on staying here, and I’ll never be nice to you.”

  “I’m just saying.” He shrugged. “Let me show you what you’ve missed while you’ve been in the arms of a merman. He has nothing on me. You’ll see how the son of Amuliana fucks. I have passionate blood within me, not the blood of a cold fish.”

  “You’ll die for hurting me.”

  “No, my sweet, I will not. But you may die a small death each time I fuck you, because the pleasure will be so immense.” He vanished.

  “You’re an arrogant bastard, just like your mother.”

  A gust of cold wind swirled around her, making her shiver more.

  * * * *

  Jax slipped into Tabitha’s office. “Tabitha, where are you? I’ve been calling you for some time.”

  He studied the scene. Her mug lay broken on her desk, coffee spilled all over her papers. Her chair was on its side. Jax checked her door. It was locked from the inside.

  “What’s happened here? Tabitha, where are you?” He paced the floor. “Tabitha, where are you?” After waiting a few moments for her response, desperation took over, twisting his stomach and making his heart stumble in his chest. A cold sweat gathered on his forehead, on the back of his neck. He stopped, looking up at the ceiling. “Father, help me. Something has happened to my mate.” Jax fell to his knees. “Help me, Father. I sense this is not good. It smells of Amuliana.”

  “Son, I’m here.” His father touched his shoulder. Jax looked up at his father. “Get up, my son. Let’s find your mate.”

  Jax’s stomach clamped down tighter as he noted his father’s expression. His face was etched with concern. Poseidon never seemed worried over anything. Yet, he was now.

  Jax got up. “She does not answer me when I call.” The words nearly caught in his throat. “I sh
ould have been more careful with her. I thought she would be safe here. After all, she has power of her own—she saved me before from Amuliana’s assault.” He turned around in a circle, his hands nervously pushing his hair back. “Damn, I was neglectful, careless, and now my mate is gone.”

  “You were not careless or neglectful. No one would have thought she would be taken here, in her office. We’ll find her. I sense that Amuliana and her son Faryll have been here. I’m sure they have her.”

  “Can you sense where they’ve taken her?”

  Poseidon stood quietly for some time. He closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes he slowly moved around the room. Finally, he stopped in front of Jax. “I’m sorry, my son, I can’t detect where they have her. Amuliana has taken your mate to a place outside of my powers. It must be deep within the earth. That’s the only place in our world it could be.”

  “At least we know that. So let’s look for her.”

  “The earth is huge. It would be very difficult to locate her by doing a blind search. I’ll find Amuliana when she surfaces—she will not be able to avoid me for long—and I’ll force her to return Tabitha. All will be well.”

  “I am going to kill that evil goddess. I’m going to fucking take her head off.” Jax held his fist up in the air.

  “Son, one day we’ll do just that.”

  * * * *

  Tabitha attempted to pull her hands free from the cuffs. They cut into her skin as she tried to squeeze her hands through. With desperation, she struggled to free both hands. The lower part of her hands as well as her wrists began to bleed. Blood flowed down her arms. She could smell its coppery scent.

  She began to feel sleepy, her eyelids were heavy. “No.” She shook her head. “I can’t pass out. I can’t.”

  She stood up, trying to keep alert. Her body ached from the hard, cold ground. She moved as far as her chains would allow. They were attached to the stone wall. Tabitha pulled on the chains, trying to yank them out of the wall. She tugged and tugged with all of her now supernatural strength until she could barely move.