MARI WATCHED the images of Yemaya and Dakota, and unconsciously nodded in approval. The young mortal was a good match for her descendent. Yemaya was a curious blend of strength and fragility, although no one would have guessed the latter. Her childhood had been far too short.
The death of her parents had weighed heavily on Yemaya. Left to care for her younger brother and run the estate, she did her best to fulfill the obligations of her new position.
Eventually Raidon assumed most of the responsibility of managing the estate and their people. He had watched his sister grow lonely executing her duties, not that she ever complained. To outsiders, they acted more like business partners than brother and sister. Outwardly cool and efficient, few caught the underlying teasing in their conversations, and even fewer understood the strong bond and love between them.
At eighteen, Raidon informed Yemaya he wanted to see the world before settling down. Longing to do the same, she understood his need. Three years later, he returned with a young man in tow named Reymone. They had been partners ever since. Reymone was one of those happy people in life, always laughing and joking. His favorite pastime was teasing Raidon until he either frustrated him completely or laughed good-naturedly at his antics.
Always the prankster, no one would have guessed Reymone was a brilliant accountant and stock market analyst. The Lysanne fortunes had never been in danger of depletion, but Reymone ensured they would be around long after they and their great-grandchildren were gone. It was Reymone who suggested that Raidon take over Yemaya's duties, allowing her to fulfill her own dreams. Reluctant at first, she finally gave in and agreed to take time off. After instructing Raidon and Reymone about the affairs of the estate and the town, she began her own journey.
Years later, she made her debut in the United States and Canada as an illusionist. The occupation suited her nature and her needs. She could go anywhere she wanted, have access to anyone of importance, and look for any Carpi who might be abusing his or her power. Her travels, however, did not decrease the loneliness.
* * *
Mari felt a deep sorrow when she realized Yemaya had spent her life so alone. She too understood the desire to have someone. She had lived an eternity without companionship, excluding the spirits that constantly invaded her realm with their petty gossip or complaints.
"Invadin' be it, huh?" a voice asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Looking away from the pool, Mari watched Maopa materialize next to her and plop down on the banks of the lake. "And hello to you, Maopa."
"I thoughts I'd just mind yer bizness," Maopa said, never one to waste words. "See ifn ya has decided to do right by Yemaya and her kin."
"Do right by her? That sounds almost incestuous," Mari teased. "Am I to get no peace and privacy in my own realm?"
"Ifn ya wanted thet, I wouldn't be here now, would I?"
Laughing, Mari could only shake her head. It felt good. She hadn't laughed out loud for eons.
"I guess you wouldn't. So what do you recommend I do?"
"Looks like ya already started. I seed ya watchin' them two. They be somethin' else, ain't they? The magic woman takes after ya. A right purty woman with a brain in that thar head."
"Yes, she is very beautiful and intelligent. Your great-great-granddaughter is equally so. They make a handsome pair."
"Fer shore. There be magic between them. Theys gonna be strong together. But I seed they be a needin' that strength — and ours," Maopa warned.
"I'm afraid you're right. I've been away from my people far too long. I forgot what it's like to feel," Mari admitted sadly.
Maopa patted the water spirit's leg.
"Ya hasn't forgotten. It just be a sleepin' in ya, but I thinks it be woke up now. I be a wonderin', though. How come you and they went separate ways?"
"It's so long ago, I'm not sure even I remember how it happened. At first, when they left the oceans, they lived by the shores. The oceans gave them food and tools. The land provided them shelter and clothing. It was a balanced union and life was good. Eventually, though, they moved inland, and soon the seas were forgotten, and with them, me. They claimed the land as their birthplace, and in time, I lost interest in them."
Shrugging her shoulders, Mari stared longingly into the clear water of the lake, watching the images of the two mortals guarded by the wolves.
"Perhaps I gave up too easily."
"Well, ya knowed when chillins leave the nest, ya has ta let them go. I knowed how painful that be. But they still be yer kin. Doesn't mean they don't luv ya, but they has ta live their own life. Ya seed that with all yer other chillin. Maybe ya jest cared too much and couldn't stand ta seed them gone."
"Perhaps. It's too late now for regrets, though. As you once told me, it bes as it is," Mari said, trying to lighten the situation. "So, now that you've invaded my realm, I might as well show you around."
"Might as well. Ya gots anything ta eat around here? I still likes to pretend to eat, ya knowed. Keeps me well rooted."
Laughing, Mari stood and held out her hand to assist the human spirit to her feet. Maopa took it willingly and immediately felt Mari's warmth. Green eyes twinkled as she was pulled up.
"Thank ya, ma'am," she said, bowing at the waist.
Mari tipped her head slightly.
"You're most welcome. Now let's get you something to eat. Don't want you becoming unrooted, now do we?" she joked.
The two spirits moved away from the pool, the images in the water temporarily forgotten.
CHAPTER 21
THE VOICE WAS right. The meadow was perfect. It was a good hour and a half walk from town. Carrying his prize would be exhausting, but the adrenaline rush from his anticipation would provide all the energy he needed to get her there. Now it was only a matter of waiting for her to appear so he could follow her. Returning to his room, he lay down to rest. The voices were quiet now, having been driven off by the one voice. Closing his eyes, he fantasized about his time with the girl. It would be fairly easy to grab her without attracting attention. The people normally didn't venture out after dark. She seemed to be the exception. Perhaps being so young or living in this town made her less wary. Whatever the reason, he was grateful to the voice for giving her to him.
Of course he would have to make sure she kept silent until they reached the meadow. If she didn't cooperate, a light blow to the head would suffice. It would be easier on him if she just cooperated, but he knew she would probably resist. After all, girls loved to play the game. They were raised to say no, but everyone knew they meant yes. His father taught him that. He smiled, remembering how his mother whimpered and begged, telling his dad he could do anything he wanted as long as he didn't hurt her or her son anymore. That was real power.
* * *
"I see you approve of my gift," the voice whispered in his mind.
"Oh, yes. She's a pretty thing," he answered. "I hope I don't have to wait long," he added, reaching down to rub his groin, drool seeping from between closed lips.
"Not long. She'll be out tonight just before sunset."
"Good."
"You must wait 'til she leaves her friend's house. Only then will you have the entire night to enjoy your new plaything," the voice warned.
"Why can't I just take her when I see her?" he questioned, excitement mounting.
"Don't question me. Have I not guided you well so far? If she doesn't appear at her friend's house, they will call the parents. Then an immediate search will begin. If you wait, the parents will assume she is delayed or staying over. It will give you many hours to get her away and many more of pleasure."
"Yes, of course. Good thinking. I'll wait."
"You are wise to listen to me. Now that I've helped you, you must help me."
"Anything. What do you want?"
The man listened as the voice whispered its wishes in his mind. Nodding, he smiled, then laughed loudly. The night couldn't arrive soon enough.
* * *
The young girl bid goodbye to her fr
iend and waved. It had been fun talking about their futures once they graduated from school. Both agreed they would attend the same university and maybe in time travel together. The Internet had shown them the wonders of the world, and they were anxious to taste them.
Humming quietly, she walked down a small alleyway not paying much attention to her surroundings.. The neighborhood never had any serious problems, just the petty larcenies, disputes, or misunderstandings common in such places. Everyone understood the Master or Mistress would resolve issues and punish the wrongdoers. As she turned a corner, an arm snaked out, wrapping around her neck. A broad hand clamped over her mouth as another arm circled her waist.
"Be quiet!" a man's voice ordered quietly. "I won't hurt you if you stay quiet."
Nodding, she allowed herself to be dragged backward down the alley, her eyes searching for someone to help her. No one was around to hear or see her. Once they were at the edge of the forest, the man swung her around to get a better look at her face.
Putting his finger to his lips, he motioned for her to remain quiet while he removed his other hand from her mouth. Immediately, she screamed. The man slammed his fist against her temple, then caught her body as she slumped forward.
"I told you to be quiet," he grumbled. "Now look what you made me do."
Picking up the girl's limp body, he walked into the woods toward the meadow.
Two hours later, as he approached the open spot, he was halted by the voice.
"Put the girl down! There are others out there," it warned.
"Others? You said no one would be here," the man hissed, lowering her to the ground.
"No one is. These are not human. Now be quiet and listen. I will help you get rid of them."
"Them?"
"Wolves. They are no match for you as long as you have me. Did you bring the knives like I ordered?"
"Yes," he answered, reaching behind his back to pull out two long sharp filleting knives.
"Now wait. One of the wolves is leaving. All the better. The young male foolishly thinks he is a match for a human," the voice laughed. The sound sent a chill down the man's spine, making the hair on his neck stand up.
"Such arrogance. The young are so easy to deal with. They haven't learned fear. This one will. Now go."
"And do what?" the man questioned, sweat pouring down his cheeks.
"Do what I say. He can't harm you. If you want your prize, you will do as you're told and not question me." Shrugging, the man stepped into the opening.
* * *
The black wolf glared at the intruder and moved slowly forward, hackles raised, a low growl rumbling from his throat. Humans were weak and normally avoided wolves whenever possible. He felt sure this one would run.
Sniffing the air, he was revolted by the scent of the man. Sweat and fear oozed from his pores, giving him a foul odor. If he didn't run, he would be easy prey. It was only when he was about three lengths away that he caught the scent of something else — something dark and sinister. Looking around, he tried to locate its source but saw nothing.
Shaking his head, the wolf once again focused on the human, lips curled upward, white teeth gleaming in the moonlight. Crouching, he tensed his muscles and sprang forward. It wasn't until he was almost on the man that he saw the flash of silver in both hands.
Pain caught him by surprise as it shot through his right shoulder and left side. Twisting, he fell to the ground rolling, his feet scrambling beneath him in an effort to jump up. The scent of hot blood filled his nostrils — his blood.
Darkness closed in, making it difficult to see. His heart beat harder as he attempted to stand. The rank smell of the man and the foul smell of evil overwhelmed him as he felt something hard push into his belly. Howling, he snapped at the source of the pain. The feeling of something sharp pounding over and over again was the last thing he remembered before he died.
* * *
The man stabbed the still body over and over again, jubilant in his victory over the wild animal. Warm blood covered his hand and clothes. Laughing maniacally, lips frothing, he raised his right hand toward the heavens as a symbol of his victory. Blood dripped from the blade onto the wolf's body. Suddenly, he felt a chilly breeze surround him and pass through his body. Shivering, he dropped the blade and stood, unsure of what had just happened.
"Very good," the voice approved. "Now get the girl and fulfill your fantasies. Remember my instructions after you are done with her."
"I remember," the man muttered, irritated at the voice for interrupting his enjoyment. Picking up the girl, he carried her to where the wolf's body lay.
"At least you'll see what I did." Placing her so her head rested on the wolf's body, he watched for signs of consciousness. When her eyelids fluttered, he grinned and unzipped his pants. Pulling them below his knees, he felt a sense of power when the girl opened her eyes and stared at his engorged penis, her eyes wide with terror.
* * *
Vyushir relaxed at her favorite spot, a high cliff overlooking the Carpathian Mountain Range. Although an inhabitant of the spirit realm, she preferred to dwell in the mortal world. The moon, the wind, and smells made her feel alive. Listening to her children singing through the night and watching them running free through the forests gave her peace.
Eyes closed, she was enjoying the quiet when a howl pierced the silence. Immediately, Vyushir jumped to her feet, looking for its source. Another cry and a whimper only she could hear told her the direction. Leaping from the cliff, she plummeted to the ground several hundred feet below, running toward the wounded wolf.
By the time she arrived, the young male was dead, his life force having passed into the Great Beyond. Over him knelt a man, his hand still holding the knife raised toward the sky in victory. Angered, Vyushir lunged at him. When her body passed harmlessly through his, she howled, her cries carrying her frustrations through both worlds.
* * *
Mari and Dakota were nibbling on an array of sea plants when the echoes of Vyushir's anguish interrupted their meal.
"The wolf spirit has lost one of her own," Mari said sadly.
"To lose one of yoh own be a great sorrow," Dakota said. "Ya'd think we'd be used to it now, but I still feels a sadness when it happens."
"It's been so long since I was in touch with my people, I've almost forgotten what it's like," Mari replied. "The grieving and the pain."
"We never forgets. Maybe we can hide it or puts it away somewheres, but it's always thar in us waitin' to get out."
"I know." Mari sighed. "Perhaps we should see if we can help Vyushir. She has always been especially close to her own."
The two spirits left in search of the wolf spirit.
* * *
Dakota, Yemaya, and the wolves had been traveling for about three hours. Dakota could tell Yemaya was deeply troubled but didn't want to interrupt her thoughts. Besides, she wasn't completely recovered from her accident and was beginning to tire.
Yemaya was disturbed by Shina's revelations. Although the female was young, she was not easily frightened. Something had scared her badly the previous night. The fact the male hadn't returned to his pack meant he was either seriously wounded or dead. Most likely the latter. More revealing was the unwillingness of the wolves to search for him. Wolves were creatures of the night. It would take something extremely evil to keep them from aiding a fellow wolf.
Yemaya could feel Dakota's exhaustion.
"I need a break," Yemaya said, sitting down, her back against a tree. Patting the ground between her legs, she motioned for Dakota to sit. "We are almost there. A short rest will not delay us much."
Dakota sat and leaned against Yemaya's chest. Two long arms wrapped around her, pulling her against the warm, solid body. Closing her eyes, she was asleep in minutes, her head slightly turned so her cheek rested against Yemaya's neck. Yemaya nestled her cheek against Dakota's and dozed, knowing the wolves would warn her if anyone approached.
* * *
The sound of runnin
g water woke Yemaya. Before her stood a magnificent waterfall, tall and wide. A rainbow rose upward from the base of the silver pool and disappeared into the mist swirling around the top. A breeze drifted across the pool and over the lake in her direction, causing the water to ripple.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a soft voice to her right murmured.
Slowly, Yemaya turned her head. Before her stood a tall woman with long silver hair and deep blue eyes fringed with thick silver lashes. Her shimmering blue gown clung seductively to her slender body.
"Yes, it is," Yemaya replied. "Who are you?"
"I see you're very direct. That's good," the woman replied. "I am Mari."
"Should I know you?"
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