Arbora laughed lightly, nodding vigorously, the dark green and purple hair around her bare shoulders barely covering small breasts and pale olive skin. She was perhaps the most optimistic of all the spirits and the most playful. Almost as old as Mari, Arbora was the eternal child. She loved everything. Even Gaia listened when she spoke. Many a time she had quieted the angry rumblings of the petulant child when she spewed forth her anger at the living.
"Right as always," the forest spirit agreed, grinning happily. The words floated gently, like a small butterfly carried on the wind. "It's good to see you, Mari. It has been far too long since our last meeting."
Mari bowed her head slightly, acknowledging Arbora's sincere greeting and gentle rebuke. Turning, she watched Sarpe straighten two coils and raise her broad flat head. Black elliptical pupils surrounded by golden-flecked irises stared unblinking into the ice blue eyes of the water spirit. Only Mari could endure the cold, deadly gaze with immunity.
"Sarpe, you honor us with your presence, my old friend," Mari beamed, winking mischievously. Sarpe was always so serious. She was perhaps the most feared of spirits in the mortal world and with good reason.
"As do you, Mari," Sarpe replied, returning the greeting, her speech slow, deliberate, and barely louder than a whisper. Sarpe was next in age to Mari. She took control of the lands when Mari decided to give them up. In time, Sarpe grew weary of the responsibility. When she was blamed for the sins of mortals, she became indignant and abandoned her interest in everything but her own kind. The Earth was left to Arbora.
"Thank you. It is good to see you again. I have missed our long talks."
Focusing her attention on Ladyhawk and Maopa, Mari sat quietly for a few moments. She knew the hawk spirit well, but the human spirit was a stranger. Still the whisperings of her existence had carried on the winds, but she paid little attention to idle gossip.
"Ladyhawk, you look well. I hear you have been busy of late."
"I have my moments," the hawk spirit chuckled, her voice high and throaty like the call of an eagle.
"And as always, you handle them beautifully." Mari grinned. "And you are Maopa," she said, turning to the final spirit.
"That be me," Dakota said, having waited for Mari to finish her greetings. "It be my injun name ifn ya prefers that. I figgers it be a might easier to use that since I has a grandchile with the same name. I gather ya be the top spirit that runs these here meetins."
Mari smiled at the strange-speaking spirit. There were no language barriers in the spirit world, but each retained certain characteristics of its kin. The human spirit, however, had kept more than usual. Mari was intrigued.
"Not really. I haven't bothered much with the ways of your kind or the others in eons. Humans are a disappointment to me... and the others," she said, nodding in the direction of the spirits around her. "They manage quite well without me."
"May that be as it is, but I'm thinkin' ya might at least be a takin' some intrest in that thar youngun of yourn," Maopa admonished, pointing toward the fire.
Mari sat quietly, staring into the eternal flames. The others sat watching, amused at Maopa's audacity. Few had the courage to challenge the eldest spirit.
"I take it you're talking about Yemaya," she confirmed, arching a silver brow.
"That be the one," Maopa answered. "Ifn she had yoh silvery hair, she'd be the spittin' image of ya. No mistakin' that one's blood kin."
"Yemaya and her people are of the Earth now. They abandoned the waters long ago. She is no longer my responsibility," Mari responded, shaking her head slowly.
"Kin be kin no matter where thar reared. Ya ken't just toss them asides cuz they moves on," Maopa said. "Chillin grows up, and they makes their own way. That's how it be."
Mari frowned. There was truth in Maopa's words. Still she hadn't bothered with Yemaya or her ancestors in thousands of years, and they had managed quite well without her.
"As you say, that is how it is. What is it you wish me or us to do now that you have our attention?" Mari asked, aware of the others' amusement.
Maopa looked at each of the spirits before answering.
"Weel, now... trouble's a brewin' for the magic woman and my grandchile, and even ifn ya thanks that thar be my problem, I senses dark forces be behinds this and thar's moh to this than meets the eye."
"I've heard whispers," Mari agreed. The others nodded also. "Again I ask, what is it you expect of us?"
"Ah, now that be a damn good question. To speaks the truth, at this moment, I expects y'all ta looks after yoh own, then ya be needin' to keep an eye on each other's in case they needs some help, too. Ifn ya each does that, then nothin' else need be done fer now."
Amused, Mari turned to the other spirits. Such a simple answer to so complicated a problem. This Maopa was going to bring new life to the council.
"So be it. What say you, sisters? Shall we do as Maopa suggests? I no longer rule over your lands or people. If you agree with our sister, you must be my eyes. You need but call and I will be there."
The other spirits nodded their approval. It would be good working together once again. It had been a long time since the council had convened.
"Very well. Is that everything?" Mari asked.
"Fer now," Maopa answered, satisfied.
All the spirits except Mari, Maopa, and Ladyhawk vanished, each returning to her own domain.
"You and I will meet again soon, spirit woman," Mari promised, her voice dropping to a throaty, hypnotic level.
"That be for shore," Maopa agreed, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "The magic woman shore do have yoh talents."
Mari laughed when she realized she'd unconsciously tried to use her gift of influence on the other spirit.
"Sorry. I'm no longer used to being around spirits. It's been a long time," she explained.
"Nothin' fer ya to be a worryin' about. I seed what ya kin can do with that soft-spoke voice of hers... ya ken't be affectin' me the same."
"So I see." Mari laughed. "Well, I must be gone. I look forward to our next meeting."
"Well, now, that thar sounds like something we can agree on. Ya takes care of yohself, Mari."
"You too, Maopa."
Mari shimmered from view, leaving Maopa alone with Ladyhawk.
"That be one good lookin' spirit, Ladyhawk," Maopa said.
"Yes, she has always been beautiful, Maopa. Her absence from our councils was a great loss. She was devastated when her people left the oceans for the mountains. It's good to have her back," Ladyhawk said sincerely.
* * *
Once back in her own realm, Mari assured herself that all was well before relaxing by the thundering waters of the Great Falls. The pool at its base remained unnaturally calm, considering the volume and the force of the water striking its surface. Staring into the smooth waters, she watched the image of Yemaya slowly uncurl her long limbs from around the warm body of the spirit woman's descendant. It was obvious that both women separated reluctantly — Yemaya's a conscious thought as she awoke at sunrise, Dakota's an unconscious one as she groaned, her hand reaching out to pull the woman back toward her.
CHAPTER 18
IT WAS SEVERAL days before Dakota felt close to being her old self again. Yemaya had insisted that she get plenty of rest and take it easy. During that time Yemaya stayed with her, rarely leaving the room except to take care of her own needs. Raidon had returned and was taking care of the estate business. Maria was always nearby to make sure both women ate properly.
On the fifth day, tired of being bedridden for so long, Dakota decided she had had enough.
"I think it's about time I got my lazy butt out of bed and did something productive," she declared one morning after eating a sumptuous breakfast of crepes, fresh fruit, a small omelet and freshly baked bread.
"What would you like to do?" Yemaya asked, not looking up from the newspaper she had been reading.
It was the opening Dakota had been waiting for. Her hormones had been raging ever since
she had discovered Yemaya wanted her. Now was as good a time as any to solve the problem.
"I think we have some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of," Dakota replied.
Looking up from the paper, Yemaya saw the passion flaring in Dakota's eyes. Putting the newspaper on the floor, she stood up from the chair she was sitting in and walked over to the bed.
"Are you sure you want this?" she asked.
"Yes."
Needing no further encouragement, Yemaya put the tray on the floor. Undoing the buttons on Dakota's nightshirt, she gazed at the erect nipples and felt a rush of heat between her own legs. Dakota trembled as Yemaya cupped the warm round breasts in her palms.. Leaning down, she kissed each one reverently.
"You are so beautiful," Yemaya said, her voice husky with desire.
Dakota ran her fingers through Yemaya's hair, then stroked her cheek. Touching another woman had never been this intoxicating. Their kiss grew hot as Yemaya's hand circled Dakota's ribs. Yemaya pushed the shirt from Dakota's shoulders, tugging it away and tossing it on the floor. Dakota groaned when Yemaya ran her thumb across hardened nipples. She stiffened in anticipation when she felt Yemaya's hand slip from her breast and move downward across her abdomen toward firm thighs. Arching her back, the blonde inhaled deeply, trying to control her anticipation.
"What do you want?" Yemaya whispered.
Dakota could only groan. Smiling, Yemaya began stroking Dakota's thighs. "You like this?" she asked playfully.
"Uh-huh" was all Dakota could say, her body craving more.
Yemaya was eager to oblige but took her time in her lovemaking. Dakota felt the fires of passion rage when Yemaya's fingers finally wandered between her legs. As the taller woman slid her own body down, she lowered her dark head, pressing anxious lips to the mound of blonde hair between Dakota's thighs. Her silky tongue parted the lips, dipping slowly in to taste the warm liquid.
Dakota gasped and grasped Yemaya's hair, unconsciously pushing down on her lover's head. Spasms racked Dakota's body and she groaned, arching her back as her breathing came in short gasps.
"Oh, fuck. You're killing me," Dakota said, moaning softly. She had never felt this fire before.
"No, love, I could never stand the loss," Yemaya replied, straightening up to kiss Dakota.
Seeing the need in Dakota's eyes, Yemaya decided to end her lover's misery. She shifted slightly, easing long fingers between Dakota's legs. Trailing them back and forth across the soft skin, she leaned down and inhaled deeply. Yemaya pulled Dakota's hips toward her. Separating the skin with her thumb and finger, she bent forward. A warm musky scent drifted tantalizingly toward her.
Fingers slowly stroked the vulva before Yemaya leaned in to taste the salty liquid. Dakota pushed her hips upward wanting more. Her legs began to tremble from the strain. Just when she was about to collapse, she felt her body lifted, arms wrapped tightly around her thighs, and a hard tongue enter her vagina. The feeling was incredible. Muscles tensed, at first from a tingling, then from the indescribable sensations coursing through her body.
Yemaya's lips circled her clit and she sucked gently, her tongue firmly stroking the soft skin. Unable to control herself, Dakota screamed Yemaya's name and collapsed. Yemaya gently lowered Dakota's hips to the sheets. Gathering Dakota in her arms, she pressed her lover's head into her shoulder.
"Shh... Sleep now," she whispered.
Dakota felt the words drift slowly through her mind and remembered the first time she had heard Yemaya speak. She thought her voice was seductive then. She knew its power now. Smiling, Dakota nestled into the firm shoulder beneath her cheek. Both drifted into a peaceful slumber.
* * *
"So, ya finally gots a taste of honey, eh?" Grandma Dakota asked and chuckled.
Yemaya did not want to open her eyes, nor did she want to have this type of conversation with Dakota's grandmother.
"Now don't ya go pretendin' ya ain't heard me. I knowed ya feelin' all warm and comfertables, but we needs to jaw a bit."
Sighing, Yemaya opened one eye to glare at the intruder.
"Could you at least wait a while? I am tired." Yemaya groaned, closing her eye.
"Ifn I could wait, chile, I woulda. Taint like me ta go bargin' in where I ain't wanted."
"So you say," Yemaya grumbled. Opening both eyes, she noticed she was still in the meadow. "What can I do for you, Grandma Dakota?"
"I sees ya thinks of me as family now."
"If you are Dakota's family, you are mine," Yemaya stated matter-of-factly. "There is no need to tell you how I feel about her."
"That be the truth. Ifn ya felt tutherwise, ya wouldn't be a tastin' that sweet honey cuz I'd be puttin' the roots on ya."
"I bet you would," Yemaya agreed, laughing. "I imagine you know how Dakota feels also."
"Yep. I shore nuff do. Likes I said, ya wouldn't be a tastin' the honey ifn either of ya twernt a carin' deeply for tother.
"I guess you are right. I am worried about her though. I wonder if we are not moving too fast. She has been injured once because of me. I do not want her in anymore danger."
"That ain't yoh choice, darlin. Ifn yah loves her yah has tah take chances."
"I know. I wish I knew what all of this was about."
"Ya knowed in yoh heart what this bes 'bout, chile. Pawer. There bes them that wants yoh pawer, and willin' ta kill for it. Ifn they succeeds, you and yourn, will be hunted and used to no good. Ya needs to do what ya needs to do to make shore it don't happen."
"I know. I guess I should get moving." Leaning toward the older woman, Yemaya kissed her cheek. "Thanks for all your help and for having such a wonderful great-great-granddaughter."
Patting her knee, Grandma Dakota chuckled.
"Yoh welcome, chile. Ya has waited a long time for someone good nuff for ya. I'm happy for the two of yas. Now yah gets a move on it. Yer gonna have a lotta explainin to do today to that grandchile of mine."
* * *
It had been almost two weeks since Chisholm's men had tried to kidnap Dakota. At Dakota's insistence, Yemaya had continued to share Dakota’s bed---not that Yemaya had any objections.
Dakota felt Yemaya's withdrawal. The absence of her lover's warmth disturbed her even as she slept. Sensing Dakota's efforts to wake, Yemaya tucked the blankets around Dakota and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"Sleep, my love," she soothed, her soft whisper assuring Dakota all was well.
Yemaya dressed in black jeans, a black sweater, and hiking boots.. Fortunately, the attempt failed Simtire, her faithful wolf companion, had returned to the pack but mostly hung out around the estate hoping to see Dakota. Yemaya had allowed the young wolf into the bedroom a few times but preferred not to make it a common practice. She worried about how tSimtire would take Dakota's departure when she returned to the States.
Maria was making breakfast when her mistress strolled into the warm kitchen.
"Good morning, Maria. Any chance of getting a hot cup of coffee?"
Smiling, the housekeeper began wiping flour from her hands.
"No, do not stop what you are doing. I can get it, thank you," Yemaya offered, patting the older woman on the shoulder.
Pouring the steaming liquid in a cup, she picked up a stack of newspapers and walked into the study. Her mornings always started with a cup of coffee and scanning several daily papers from around the world. Rummaging through the stack, she picked up the Miami Herald noticing that it was a few days old. Leaning back in her recliner, she sipped the hot brew and began reading the front page headline.
"Man commits suicide at Wentworth Publications." Late yesterday, Eddy Jones, an employee of Wentworth Publications entered the office of CEO Robert Chisholm, pulled a gun, and killed himself.
Chisholm's attorney, George Killian, said the man was apparently suffering from depression due to personal problems.
"Mr. Jones was obviously a very disturbed man. He entered the office on the pretext of offering Mr. Chisholm valuable informat
ion on a research project he was pursuing. Once inside, he pulled out a gun and told Mr. Chisholm he was tired of living, placed the gun to his head, and pulled the trigger. Mr. Chisholm is very distressed over this matter and has decided to take a temporary leave of absence from Wentworth Publications," Killian said.
When asked about rumors of a federal audit, Killian had no comment. Chisholm could not be reached for comment.
I bet he is distressed, Yemaya thought. Now all I need to do is figure out what I am going to tell Dakota.
As if by magic, the woman in her thoughts knocked lightly on the door.
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