"Yeah, she was nice," the man answered. "Shame I couldn't have kept her a while longer."
"There will be others," the voice promised. "Now you must rest. I'll let you know who the next one will be."
"How long do I wait?"
"Patience. The townspeople will be looking for the girl's killer. You must appear normal. Show concern when you hear the news, but stay away from the Lysanne family, especially the one called Yemaya."
"How will I recognize her?"
"Tall, dark-haired, blue eyes, self-assured. You will know her when you see her, and she will know you if you ignore my warnings."
"I'm tired of talking. Leave me alone so I can rest." the man whined.
The laughter was chilling. The voice deadly. "Careful, my friend. I don't take orders from anyone." It hissed.
"Sorry," the man muttered.
* * *
Andrei, along with a few men from town, arrived shortly after Yemaya and Dakota left the meadow. After saying a prayer and crossing themselves, two men wrapped the girl in a blanket, gently lifted her body, and walked away. Once they had left, Andrei knelt by the dead wolf. He stroked the black head several times, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Rezem atoare, ale meu prieten."
Sliding his hands under the body, he lifted the animal in his arms, cradling it as he would a child and walked in the opposite direction. He would bury the wolf in his pack's territory and say the ritual prayer, sending his soul to the Great Beyond.
Andrei's family had served Yemaya's family for hundreds of years. He understood the alliance between the Lysannes and the wolves. His father and his father's father had taught him their ways. Although he wasn't able to communicate with them like his Mistress, he understood what they wanted and their needs. Perhaps his family's closeness to the earth and the Mistress had given him a special gift. Whatever the reason, he lived and would die for them. Such was his love for both wolf and Yemaya.
* * *
Yemaya and Dakota arrived home a few hours before sunset. Maria had a warm meal waiting for them in the study.
"Do your people read minds, too?" Dakota asked, seeing the hot porridge and fresh bread already laid out on trays.
"No, at least I hope not." Yemaya laughed. "But Maria has always been able to sense my arrival. I guess she has some abilities, though."
"Figures. This looks really good."
Serving the porridge in bowls and slicing some bread, she carried the tray to Yemaya. They quietly ate the meal, each lost in her own thoughts about what had happened, unaware of the passing hours. The silence was interrupted by a knock on the study door. Andrei walked in, bowing slightly to Dakota before turning to Yemaya.
"He is home now, Mistress."
"Thank you, Andrei. Regina and the packs appreciate you returning him to his family," Yemaya said softly. "What do the men say?"
"They're in shock. Nothing quite like this has happened before. Some fear the drac has returned, while others say it is the workings of a madman. Who do you think did this?"
"My guess is a madman, Andrei. Let us hope so. That would be easier to deal with. For now we will assume the killer is human. Please tell those who ask that. Now, get something to eat and rest. I know this has been hard on you. Tomorrow we will see if we can discover who or what is behind this abomination."
Andrei tipped his head and again turned to bow to Dakota before leaving.
"I don't know about you," Dakota said, "but I'm exhausted. I think I'll call it a night."
"Good idea. I want to check with Maria to see if anything needs tending to, then I will be right up."
* * *
Yemaya walked into the warm kitchen. The smell of baking pastries filled the air.
"Evening, Mistress," Maria greeted. "'Tis a sad day for our people and the wolves."
"Yes, it is. Hopefully, we will discover who did this before it happens again."
"You don't think it's a onetime thing then?"
"No, this is just the beginning if we do not find this madman."
"Andrei says the townspeople are afraid the drac has returned." Maria crossed herself.
"I understand their fears.. Something about this does not feel natural to me but we do not want to unnecessarily alarm everyone, Tomorrow I will talk to Kenyon about this. He can deal with the townspeople. Our people will handle this issue." Yemaya said. "I am going to get some rest. Have a good night, Maria."
"You too, Mistress."
* * *
Dakota was already in bed half-asleep, snuggled under the quilts. Yemaya slipped in next to her, wrapping an arm around Dakota's waist and pulling her close. Snaking her hand under the tank top, Yemaya pressed gently against Dakota's stomach making slow circular motions.
Yemaya blew softly in Dakota's ear, her warm breath caressing the lobe and entering the canal. Dakota shivered as the hand roamed up to her breasts, fingertips lightly touching the left, then circling the right before finally settling on the right nipple. Thumb and finger stroked the nipple and tugged on it.
"You too tired?" Yemaya asked, voice husky with desire.
Dakota rolled on her back and captured Yemaya's gaze.
"With you? Never," she murmured. Reaching up and pulling Yemaya's head down, Dakota's lips claimed her lover's, the tip of her tongue tickling Yemaya's lower lip.
Yemaya opened her mouth slightly and touched Dakota's tongue with her own, breathing in the scent of her lover. Her own breathing was ragged. She didn't have the patience to go slow and easy. Yemaya wanted to take Dakota with passion and fire.
Her lips wondered down Dakota's body, stopping at each breast to taste the skin before moving on. Hands followed lips, palms spreading to cup breasts, fingers kneading them gently before sliding down ribs to Dakota's full hips. Slipping her hands beneath taut buttocks, Yemaya pulled Dakota to her and positioned herself between Dakota's legs. Leaning back, Yemaya's eyes roamed the partially covered body.
"Time for these to go," she whispered, pulling first the tank top then shorts off Dakota. Pale blue eyes darkened. She looked at the sleek body beneath her own. Bending down, she ran her tongue through Dakota's pubic hair, swirling it in small, slow circles. Yemaya could feel Dakota's legs trembling in anticipation.
"Tell me what you want," she demanded.
"You... inside," Dakota gasped, groaning when she felt fingers pressed firmly inside of her. They moved slowly, twisting slightly back and forth, in and out. Yemaya's other hand pressed firmly on Dakota's lower stomach. Dakota's hips picked up the rhythm of the fingers, coaxing them to move faster and harder. Yemaya leaned forward, resting her head on Dakota's belly, her hand thrusting vigorously.
Dakota moaned loudly when Yemaya found a particular spot that was driving her crazy. Waves of indescribable pleasure coursed through her body every time a finger touched that area.
"Oh, fuck," she cried, her body arching as her heels pressed into the mattress. Grabbing Yemaya's wrist, she pushed it hard against the sensitive spot.
"Please... " she gasped, barely able to speak. "Hold it there... don't... move."
Yemaya obeyed instantly.
"Am I hurting you?" she asked.
"No... No... "
Yemaya continued applying pressure to the spot, aware that Dakota's hips were pressing hard against her hand. When the trembling set in, she moved her other hand under Dakota's back and repositioned herself so she could support Dakota's body.
Spasms racked Dakota's body as waves of pure pleasure moved from her center outward. Her muscles tightened. The muscles of her vagina locked around Yemaya's fingers, squeezing them until they almost ached. A sudden release of fluid warmed the dark woman's hand. Almost instantly, Dakota's body relaxed and she groaned.
"Jesus fucking Christ," she moaned, gasping for air.
Yemaya slipped her fingers out. Exhausted, she lay next to Dakota, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"You are amazing," she whispered, her voice soft and silky.
"No, you...
are amazing. I've never felt that before. I can't even describe what I was feeling, but it was... I don't even have the words to tell you what it was."
Yemaya smiled, satisfied. Her eyes closed. She felt Dakota move and opened one eye to see what was going on. Dakota was grinning wolfishly at her.
"You think you're getting off that easily?" she asked.
"Uh..."
Dakota grabbed a handful of long dark hair and pulled Yemaya's head back, exposing her throat. Slowly, deliberately, she ran her tongue across her lover's lower lip. Then dipping her head, she nipped at the bared throat.
"My turn."
Yemaya watched the blonde head move around her chest, stomach, and navel and down to her groin. She could feel the moisture running between her legs. When two fingers stroked the outer lips of her vagina, Yemaya's legs automatically spread wider, inviting Dakota to continue. The back and forth motion of the fingers sent chills up and down her body. She wanted Dakota inside her now.
Sensing what her lover wanted, Dakota smiled smugly, refusing to grant Yemaya's wish. She would continue to torture her for a long time with fingers and tongue before granting Yemaya the relief she craved.
Hours later, the two settled into a deep slumber, tired from the day's activities and their night of passion.
* * *
"At last we meet." The voice was low, melodic, and soothing. At first, Dakota thought Yemaya was talking to her and was confused by the strange comment. Opening her eyes, she became aware of the sounds of water thundering a few hundred feet away. She turned, seeking its source, and saw an enormous waterfall.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Dakota shifted her position to look at the woman talking to her. If it weren't for the silver hair and eyebrows, she could have been Yemaya.
"You're Mari, aren't you?" It was more a statement than a question.
Mari tipped her head slightly, acknowledging the observation.
"And you are Dakota," she replied. "Welcome to my world."
"Yemaya told me about you. She said you two looked alike. If it weren't for the hair and eyebrows, I would've mistaken you for her."
"Well then, I guess it's a good thing we have that difference," Mari teased.
Catching the innuendo, Dakota blushed. Apparently, Mari knew of their relationship. Then again, there probably wasn't much she didn't know, considering she was a Spirit.
"I don't intrude into bedrooms," Mari assured Dakota, reading the mortal's thoughts. "But I have watched and listened to you on occasion. I'm aware of the bond between you and my distant daughter."
"That bes for shore," her grandmother Dakota confirmed.
"Grandma," Dakota exclaimed, jumping to her feet to embrace the elder woman. "I wasn't sure I'd see you again."
"Now, now. I'll always be with ya, chile."
Mari watched the two embrace and smiled. They, too, were alike except Maopa looked about twenty years older.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion, but the council is waiting," Mari said.
"Best we gets a move on it. The sun be a peekin' through them mountains already." Taking Dakota's hand, Maopa disappeared, followed by Mari.
* * *
Sarpe, Arbor, and Ursa were gathered around the Eternal Flames. Ladyhawk immediately appeared on Maopa's shoulder, and Vyushir shimmered in shortly afterward.
"Welcome again, my friends. Vyushir, we feel your loss."
Vyushir bowed her head slightly, acknowledging Mari's condolences.
"Friends, I bring you Dakota, daughter to Maopa," Mari continued, introducing each Spirit.
"Why do you bring thissss mortal to the councccil?" Sarpe hissed, her voice low and hypnotic. "The magic woman holds the power. Thissss child is young and inexperienccced."
The others nodded their agreement. Other than her relationship to Maopa, she was merely human.
"A fair question, Sarpe," Mari answered. "Dakota doesn't have the powers my daughter has, but she is the key that unlocks Yemaya's full potential, and she is the control that keeps it in check.
"Yemaya has known for a long time that immense power dwells within her, and she wisely refuses to use it. Had she done so before meeting Dakota, she would have fallen prey to Intunecat. We all know by itself power is neither good nor evil. It is merely a tool that exists only to be used by the holder. In the case of mortals, there has never been one so good as to be immune to its influence. Yemaya is strong, but even she will succumb to its seduction with the Dark One's help."
"That be the truth. The magic woman knowed her strengths and failins. Twernt no reason to bring her here. It bes this un that needs ta knowed how important she be and ta sees what they bes up against."
"But does Yemaya know this mortal is the key if it is so?" Ursa growled in her deep gravelly voice.
"She suspects, but she doesn't accept it completely. My daughter will do anything to protect Dakota. This may jeopardize both of them."
"Do you understand what we say?" Mari asked, turning to Dakota, who had remained quiet during the conversation.
"Not entirely, but I have a pretty good idea."
"All you need to know is you must remain strong. Yemaya will resist your involvement in this out of fear for you. Do you have the strength to stand up to her?"
Dakota laughed softly and nodded.
"I'll do everything humanly possible to protect her, even if it is against her own stubbornness. She is my life, my breath."
The Spirits were satisfied. This mortal would die for her life mate if need be. They would do their best to make sure it didn't happen.
"We will do what we can to assist you," Arbora said. "The forest is our eyes and ears. But be forewarned. It wasn't the young girl's spirit your life mate merged with. The Dark One wanders the shadows, even those of the mind. He isn't easily seen, and he isn't what he seems. Even I can't find a shadow behind a shadow, and my world is filled with them."
"True," Ursa growled. "If Intunecat plants his seed within Yemaya, she will be his to rule, and all will be lost. You mustn't allow this."
"Plants his seed?"
"She means if he can gain control of her mind, Dakota," Mari explained.
"Oh. It'll never happen."
"My people sssee well in the dark," Sarpe added. "We may not ssssee the shadow, but we can tasssste where darknessss travels or hides if it is near.
"And mine have sharp eyes," Ladyhawk joined in. "We'll watch for signs of Intunecat wherever my people fly."
"If any of your people find signs of the Dark One, you need only whisper into the wind. The news will reach me, and we'll unite and make our plans accordingly. Until then, be well and safe, my friends," Mari said.
The others vanished, returning to their own sanctuaries.
Dakota watched her grandmother stand and reach down to assist Mari to her feet. Mari looked amused at the gesture but willingly allowed the human spirit to pull her up.
"Thank you, Maopa." Her eyes twinkled with humor. "You are most kind to assist one as old as me," she joked.
Dakota would have sworn her grandmother actually blushed but refrained from teasing her. If Spirits could love, these two were well on their way to such a journey. She was happy for both of them.
"Well, I guess I need to be getting back," she offered, feeling a little ignored as the two Spirits stared into each other's eyes.
"That be true, chile," Maopa agreed. "The magic woman feels yer absence and bes restless. We bes meetin' soon."
Hugging her grandchild, Maopa stepped back, allowing Mari to say her farewells.
"Be careful, Dakota. The Dark One wants Yemaya. She could be the one to tip the scales in his favor if he succeeds."
"If he succeeds, it will be over my dead body and spirit," Dakota declared vehemently.
"So be it," Mari said.
* * *
Dakota awoke to find Yemaya moving restlessly in her sleep. She stroked her lover's hair while making soothing sounds.
"Shh... shh... it's okay, baby. Sleep."
Immediately, Yemaya settled into a peaceful slumber.
CHAPTER 23
INTUNECAT STORMED through the darkness. The Spirits were once again interfering with his right to reign over the land and peoples. By right, they belonged to him. He was the Firstborn. Darkness had ruled the worlds long before the arrival of light. They were the interlopers. What right did they have to push him back into the confines of shadows? It was bad enough he no longer sat on the Council of Seven. Shaking his head, he chastised himself.
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