by Karen Swart
“Kasadya, what is wrong?” he asked, his face a mask of concern.
“I was just thinking that we don't get enough days like these,” I lied to him.
He frowned at me.
“Things will get better, just hang in there.” he said as he tried to cheer me up.
I nodded and mustered a smile. We made our way to a giant waterfall and climbed down to the base of it. White water rumbled at the bottom and we sat down under a tree.
“Let’s get something to eat,” Chax suggested.
I didn't complain. I was starving. All this climbing and hiking was draining me. He pulled out a bin and opened it, holding it out for me to take. I grabbed a bun, stuffed with chicken and cheese. Biting down, I looked around while chewing. I could see why he loved it here. It was so beautiful and not a soul in sight. Birds sang around us and somewhere to my left we could hear the monkeys playing. My eyes drifted back to Chax and I remembered the battle and how my Hellhound had reacted when he died. Our bond was growing stronger, but how strong would it be when the final battle took place? The agony I saw on the vision Kas’s face was pretty intense.
“Is something wrong Kasadya?” Chax asked.
I looked up at him and tried to force a smile. “Nope.” I lied again.
“You do know that I am aware of every emotion going through you.” His eyes were fixed on mine, locking me in place.
Crap! Damn bond thing.
“Yeah,” was all that I could reply with.
I dropped my gaze and returned my attention to finishing my lunch. Chax remained silent during our break but I could feel him messing around inside me. At first it was alarming, feeling his emotions smoothing over mine. But now, I was pretty used to it.
“Come, I still have a cave to show you,” he said, interrupting my thoughts.
We gathered up our belongings and started the trek. By the time we reached his cave I was feeling really tired.
“Come,” he gestured for me to go inside the cave.
My eyes adjusted to the dark, my Hellhound vision crystal clear in the sudden blackout. The cave was huge. Climbing over a few boulders, we reached a sudden drop off.
“I think you’re going to like this,” Chax said as he gestured downwards.
I took a step closer, making sure I placed my foot in just the right place. I didn’t think cave diving was on my to-do list. Peering down, my jaw gaped open.
Oh my soul! Look at it!
At the bottom was a huge pool. But what was more impressive was that it had clear water and lights were shining from it.
“Do you see the objects in the walls? They are crystals. Somewhere, a small beam of light is coming in and hitting it, then reflecting into the water. That's how the lights shine out of the water.”
This was freaking awesome.
“Wow, it’s beautiful.” I replied.
He was silent for a while, giving eyes time to wander. I could see foliage at the bottom, and some small fish. Looking back at him, I found him staring at me. Blushing, I turned around quickly and started to move back towards the entrance.
“Do you want to return home?” he asked from behind me.
Truthfully, no I don’t.
I wanted to stay out here and admire this beautiful place as long as possible. Going back, I might never see it again.
“I have something else to show you,” Chax continued, when I didn't answer.
I paused and turned around to look at him. He had stopped and was searching my face.
“Yeah, that would be great. Taking a break for a change is kind of nice.” He nodded and offered his hand. This time, I was excited to take it.
We landed on a beach where the waves were crashing over the sand. The sun was starting to set. Purple and orange laid on the horizon, as a final goodbye to the day.
“Over here,” he said.
Chax motioned towards some sort of bunk that was made on the beach. I sat down on it and stared at the sunset. Content, I drew in a deep breath.
“Wait here. I'll be back in a second.” Chax shifted out, leaving me alone.
I watched as the sun disappeared and the first star popped out in the sky. There was a new moon tonight. The air shifted and Chax appeared holding drinks in one hand, and a plate of food in the other. The drinks had little umbrellas in them and I had to smile at him.
“From Hawaii,” he explained, gesturing for me to take one.
I took it from him as he came and sat down, placing the plate between us.
“These are some of the best prawns in the world. Tiger prawns from Mozambique,” he explained, his finger pointing to the little creatures, now cooked, on the plate.
“Wow! You do travel.” I laughed and picked one up.
After a few minutes, it became clear that I had never eaten prawns before. Laughing, Chax reached over and peeled the damn thing for me. Why on earth could I kill demons but not open a stupid prawn, I didn’t know.
“It takes some practice,” he said, barely containing his amusement.
“Here.” Holding the prawn in his hand, he placed it in front of my mouth for me to take a bite.
I swallowed a huge lump in my throat that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Bending towards his hand, I gently bit the offering gently with my teeth. I sat back up and looked at him. He was really smiling a lot today. I chewed on the prawn and had to admit, I really like it.
“Another?”
Again I took the piece from his hand and chewed. He looked up at the stars.
“They’re going to show up anytime now,” he said, his eyes traveling over the water.
I looked up, waiting for something to appear. Then, in the distance, I could see colors dancing in the sky. I held my breath when I saw them coming closer. Aurora lights. They danced in the sky, mesmerizing my eyes.
“They’re about to breach, don't move,” Chax said next to me.
They?
Suddenly, the calm ocean water came to life before me. Whales breached the surface, spouting water into the air. But that wasn't the only awesome moment. As they breached, they started to sing to each other.
“It’s called bobbing. It’s a form of dancing for them, but at the same time they can see what is going on above the water. There in the back, dolphins are coming to join them.” Chax pointed far at the back where I could see dolphins jumping along surface on their way here.
I had a hard time keeping my butt planted. I wanted to jump up and run towards the edge of the ocean to see them more clearly.
I felt him touching my hand and looked at him
“Have you ever danced with the sea?” he asked with a smile.
I shook my head.
This is the first time I have even seen whales.
When in the hell would I have danced with the ocean?
He stood up and pulled me to him. Embracing me, one hand held my back while his other took my hand. Then we started dancing, the whales and dolphins our background music, the Aurora lights our light show. I was so stunned I just kept looking at him.
From where in hell did he come from?
Where have you been all this time?
He smiled down at me, his eyes sparkling against the water and the moonlight. Behind him, the aurora lights danced with us, creating a very epic moment. He stopped and his hand traveled upward to cup my head at the back. We gazed intensely at each other, my heart pounding against my ribs. Leaning down, he gently placed his lips to mine and kissed me softly. My whole body went limp and pressed against his.
Chapter 13
Our kiss deepened and he released my hand to join his other one at my back, pressing me closer to him. A faint moan escaped and I blushed. He must have heard or seen it, because a smile spread against my lips. Slowly, he lifted his head mere inches from me and stopped to look at me.
“Have I told you how many times you stopped my heart these last couple of days? When you went missing and I felt your pain, I almost lost years of discipline,” he said, caressing my face.
<
br /> “And when I shifted in and saw you pinned down with swords, I did lose it. Never before had I wanted to kill more, than at that moment. Do you understand what you mean to me?” He kissed me again, and this time opened up his feelings, funneling them into me.
I didn't know that knees could give away so quickly.
He was breaking through every barrier I had. I reached up and closed my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.
Our kiss was out of control, but I wanted more. If these were my last days, then I wanted to leave this earth knowing that I had felt something that could never be fully expressed with mere words. I wanted to know that when I dove into that hole, that even after all the crap that I had had to endure, one moment in my life made up for it all. I shifted us to the room with the paintings, and stepping back I could feel the bed behind me. Slowly, Chax pushed me back never releasing our kiss. I laid back on the bed. I opened my eyes to look at him; he was so handsome, so beautiful. Familiar pictures greeted me at his back.
Could it be his room?
He laid half on me and half off, and kissed me freaking senseless.
But I wanted more. Slowly and very shakily, I reached for his shirt and lifted it up, slipping my hand underneath. Rock hard muscles tensed under my touch. His eyes flashed open and I could see his pupils dilating and extending. Still moving slow, my other hand also slid under his shirt.
Holy heck! He was sculpted!
I felt his hand move, and he mirrored my movement. The moment his hands touched my belly, goose bumps broke out all over my body.
Is it me or is this room hot?
I started to pull his shirt up. Reaching his head, he stopped kissing me long enough to allow me to pull it over his head. I threw it into the room, not caring where it landed. Now fully exposed, my hands roamed his chest and back, exploring this freaking gorgeous man. I was disappointed that he didn't make an attempt to remove my shirt.
To hell with it!
I pushed him back and grabbed my shirt; it joined his shirt in a split second. He hesitated and stopped, lifting his head he looked at me.
“Kasadya, I don't-”.
“Chax De Luca, you’re not doing this to me!” I was pissed off when I heard my name issue from his lips.
I mean, how much more does a girl have to do to get further then just this?
“I don't-” He started again, but I silenced him with a kiss.
There is no way in hell another guy is going to push me away after going this far, no freaking way!
I pushed him back and in a quick, but not very elegant way, straddled him.
His eyes were huge and he froze.
“Chax I want this. If I am going to die, let me die with a memory that will make all other bad things irrelevant. Let me die knowing I was loved,” I pleaded with him.
He considered me and then used his hand to bring my mouth down to his. This time our kiss was insane! We were both out of control, and I loved it. I felt my bra being unsnapped and then sat back up again so he could remove it. I waited in a mixture of fear and excitement.
This is freaking hectic!
He looked at me and then at my breasts. My heart was pounding out an insane rhythm, and I watched each emotion flicker across his face. A small growl escaped him, and my nerves settled as I smiled. What followed next was beyond words. I am sure that most of our passion could be blamed on our Fallen side. But in truth, it was earth shattering.
Chax was careful and very delicate with me. Not once did I feel afraid or uncertain. I loved his hands on me, and even more his mouth touching me. This was what I was hoping it would be like, dreaming it would be like. We lay in each other’s arms, breathing hard afterwards.
“Go to sleep my Amo.” He kissed me softly and slowly I drifted off into darkness, Chax De Luca holding me.
I couldn’t believe I did it. Finally, I know why all the girls would go gaga over this. It was special, it was love. There was no battle, only new dreams with so much love in them that I woke up breathless.
“Good morning,” Chax greeted me.
He was already dressed and sitting on the bed. I smiled remembering what we had shared.
“Good morning,” I returned smiling.
I stretched my body and yawned. Laughing, he bent down and kissed me. His kiss had become like a drug. When we finally broke apart to draw air, he caressed my face.
“Kasadya. The other bond that I spoke of, last night...” he trailed off, struggling to explain.
I already knew. I felt it taking root in my heart, and I knew that the other bond was almost completed.
“I know Chax,” I saved him and kissed him again.
He looked at me. “It must be completed in full. There are words that need to be spoken,” he whispered, afraid that his words might scare me off.
Silly man. “And they are?” I questioned him.
Intrigued, his eyes roamed mine, making sure that I understand what I was doing.
He lifted me up without any difficulty and placed me on his lap.
“Place your hand here.” He took my hand and placed it over his heart.
He did the same with me and we looked into each other eyes. For a moment he hesitated and I could see he was scared.
Another first for Mr. High and Mighty.
“It's okay Chax.” I encouraged him with a small kiss.
“Are you sure Kasadya? Once these words are spoken we are bonded for eternity. There is no such thing as a divorce for us. You and I will be forever.” He was so serious.
That determined look he always wore was back. A giggle escaped me and he frowned.
“You have to see your own face one day. A long time ago it unnerved me, but now it’s kind of cute.” He paled at my words, making the moment even funnier.
“Cute?” he asked, his jaw dropping open.
I laughed this time and kissed him again. “Yeah, cute,” I confirmed.
It took him a moment to regroup and then he was serious again.
“Are you sure Kasadya?” he asked again.
“Yes, Chax,” I whispered to him. Placing our hands on each other’s hearts once more, we looked into each other’s eyes.
“You must repeat after me,” he said in a hoarse voice. I nodded.
In love be forged. In soul be bound. Forever, until the end of time. Our hearts and souls be united, for eternity in God's light.
With the final word, my chest started to burn. I gasped in shock. The burning sensation reached out towards Chax’s hand and I felt the same happening with my hand. It traveled from our hands to our arms, and then into each other. When it finally settled, I could feel his love for me, inside me. I looked at Chax, and then it freaking hit me so hard, I sucked in a breath.
I... I loved him. I really, really love him.
I reached for him and kissed him with everything I had. No, correction, with everything I was. Our passion ignited yet again, and I was frustrated that he was dressed. We fell back on the bed, and sealed our bond. This time it was not with need, but with love.
I loved Chax De Luca and I made sure he knew it.
“We need to finish up. The others would be waiting.” Chax kissed my head.
Groaning, I rolled away and snuggled into the pillow. He laughed and I felt him get off the bed.
“Are we going to kill a prince today?” I wasn't really looking forward to it.
I had had such a great time yesterday that getting back to war and death was not appealing at the moment.
“No, today we are planning the battle. Luxuria had sent a message that the walls will be breached in two days.”
That had me up and out of the bed in a heartbeat. I stormed into the bathroom and quickly showered. While toweling myself dry, Chax knocked on the door.
“I'll be in the kitchen.” And then I felt the air shift.
I stormed out of the bathroom and grabbed my clothes from yesterday.
Should I get my fighting gear?
No, Chax said there wasn't goin
g to be any fighting today. I pulled on my clothes and shifted to my room to comb my hair. Done, I walked down the hall and towards the stairs. The house was alive with Fallen. Abby and Raven were in the lounge, giggling over something and waved when I passed them. In the kitchen, I found the rest of the gang talking and laughing.
I sat down at the table next to Chax, who gave me a huge smile.
“No way! Chax can smile?” Nanini suddenly blurted from the counter.
I looked at her and gave her a disapproving stare. But her jaw just popped open and hung there. I looked back to find Chax blushing. Stifling a giggle, I focused back on her. And hello, what was this. Max was looking at her, eyes sparkling like diamonds.
“Touché. I see Max is also smiling.” Nanini's jaw snapped shut and turned her back to us.
But not before she turned totally red in the face. Max laughed. Like in really laughed, not the small choked laughs he usually did. I looked at him, and found my own jaw drop. Max was happy. Really happy.
Could the world get any stranger?
Unfortunately for us, the others picked up undertones in the room. The guys were drilled with stupid comments and jokes. By the time we finished breakfast, Chax, Max, Nanini and I were blushing from head to toe. Chax even threw a cup at Caim. We stormed out, trying to escape the gang. Chax grabbed my hand and gave me a reassuring squeeze, which I returned.
This is so embarrassing!
We all ended up in the Lab where Abby and Ben were showing us how the balls were constructed and what to expect from them.
“I think we should test them just to make sure,” Lotan said.
“I agree,” Chax said, motioning us to head outside.
Once outside, we picked a spot where the environment wouldn’t be harmed too much. Ben lifted up into the air and threw the first one. It exploded, wind whipping back at us. We stood there for a minute, looking at the scene and the smoke rising into the sky.