“Dagon. Here’s one for you.” The big god spun a live body toward him while maintaining his pace with several more.
“My thanks, Marduk. Send me anything you think you can’t handle.” His sarcasm was softened with satisfaction. This is what he’d been looking for tonight.
Anshar moved closer. “If you’re feeling frisky, Dagon, then have another!” He threw an extra-large human in a heap at Dagon’s feet, which angered the Chicago natives and caused an even broader grin to split his cousin’s features. “I always say that families should share and share alike.”
With Dagon’s help, the tide turned in the gods’ favor. Fewer and fewer angry males, ready to do battle, emerged from the crowd at the bar; a crowd that now, oddly enough, seemed to be cheering the gods on. Moaning bodies were stacking up.
“Have you missed this?” Dagon heard Anshar ask, while wiping the line of blood from under his nose and landing another right hook. He and Anshar used to enjoy a good brawl together back in the old days, not to mention some of the fun they’d had in Merrymount before he’d switched allegiances.
Did he miss this? Dagon paused, dumb-struck, unable to answer Anshar when the truth hit him. He had. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing that hit him. He got clocked on the chin for his inattention. Undeterred, he growled, picked the man up over his head, and threw him toward the pile of vanquished. “No hitting!” he roared, much to the amusement of the watching patrons.
Dagon was aware that money changed hands, and he figured the group was betting on his ability to stay unscathed. It brought the grin back to his lips.
“I don’t know how you two have managed to win any fights without my help.” He sent over to the other gods, indicating their bleeding faces. “Look at you both!”
Now that the stragglers had been dispatched, the gods could take stock of their injuries.
“Hold that thought.” Marduk grimaced in response. “I’m having a discussion with my Chosen.” Who was obviously reaming him for the damage inflicted on both of their bodies.
“Lenore says, hi,” Anshar smirked over at Dagon. His cousin must have heard from his wife first. “She says that her face thanks you for saving it from a bigger beating.”
Dagon smiled crookedly, a little punch drunk from the one blow to the chin. “Good girl, our Lenore,” he admitted. “Hey. I just thought of something.” He wondered aloud, “Does this mean that I’m your cousin and your great-great-great grandfather in law?”
“Fuck! I hadn’t thought of that.” A grin split Anshar’s bloody face. “Just my luck to be related to you in two different ways,” Anshar groaned at the pain and indicated the bar. “You want a drink?”
“Cavorting with the enemy?” Dagon looked over at Marduk, who was still deep in mind-chat.
“Let’s just say my aim is to get you drunk and pick your brains,” Anshar quipped.
“You’ll have as much luck with that as you have of beating me in a fight,” Dagon mocked.
Anshar grabbed his crotch and made a rude gesture, then approached the bar with Dagon following. Patrons moved aside to accommodate the victors. Three beers appeared in front of them like magic.
“You just made me a C-note,” called a happy man from the opposite side of the bar. He’d obviously bet on the big strangers to win. “Enjoy your brew.”
Marduk moved in behind the two gods and reached over their shoulders, grabbing a glass. He looked skeptically toward Dagon but made a toast, “To an extra pair of hands.”
Dagon and Anshar raised their drinks in agreement.
“Why did you help us?” Anshar took a big draw from his chilled mug and swallowed, not knowing what to expect for an answer.
“Damned if I know.” Dagon gazed into his glass. “My initial reaction was to watch you get your asses handed to you, but then I realized I was rooting for ‘team gods’ to win and joined the scrimmage. Maybe I’m getting sentimental in my old age.”
Anshar looked at his cousin. Perhaps Dagon was, for the first time in a long time, trying to be honest. “Lenore doesn’t believe it,” Anshar chuckled. “She says if there wasn’t something in it for you, you would have flipped us off and disappeared.” He eyed Dagon speculatively. “Although she does say you’re nicer than that ass-clown, Matthew.”
“That’s not saying much.” Dagon looked like he was enjoying his beer and didn’t feel like talking about Matthew.
Anshar glanced over to where the losers in the scuffle were just now picking themselves up and limping off. He waited for Dagon to continue.
“I have to admit,” his cousin responded as he turned satisfied eyes at the losers. “It feels really good to be on the winning end of things for a change.” It was the closest Dagon would probably ever get to admitting defeat at the Blue Hills gods’ hands during their last few encounters. More words were forming, and Anshar wondered if Dagon would come out with any more mind-fucks. “But for your information, I think the outcomes might be a little different from now on,” he warned.
Both Anshar and Marduk waited for him to continue.
“You’ve probably heard by now that Nergal has put Erra in charge,” he explained bitterly. “The king told me that we were to be partners, but I know Nergal. He didn’t take my last few screw ups lightly, and I’m afraid the writing is on the wall. If I don’t help bring you down…” he paused, shaking his head. “Well, let’s just say you might be dealing solely with the unpredictable Erra from that point on.”
Anshar had never heard his cousin sound so overwhelmed. Dagon had always had big plans for himself, was constantly plotting to further his own interests, and pretty much never gave up. This sounded like defeat.
“Come on, Dagon. There’s always a shortage of bad guys. You’ll find a new gig if Nergal kicks you to the curb.” Anshar punched him encouragingly in the arm.
Dagon laughed dispiritedly. “No. I’m pretty sure if I screw up any more, I’ll be lucky to live out eternity being disemboweled by demons.” He chugged the rest of his beer. “Well, thanks for the entertainment, guys.” Dagon got to his feet and purposely hardened his face. “But this isn’t getting any of us—good guys or bad—any closer to finding Holly.” He had forced the words from his mouth that would, once again, put distance between him and the other gods.
He was gone before Anshar and Marduk could even shake their heads.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Anshar went down to the front desk to book another room. It wasn’t such a bad thing doing shares-ies with Marduk and the invisos, but Lenore would be arriving the next morning and he definitely wanted some alone time with his Chosen. There was nothing open on his present floor. Ironically enough, the only available room was two doors down from Dagon. He was feeling better about his cousin since their little encounter, so he took the room. Anshar just hoped the walls were soundproof.
The previous night, the seven gods staying in Chicago had sat around and mulled over Dagon’s situation. They had all agreed that they’d rather be dealing with their tried-and-true nemesis. Dagon was conniving and underhanded, but he wasn’t necessarily bloodthirsty. Erra, on the other hand, would make a dangerous and unpredictable opponent.
Anshar actually threw out the idea to the group that Dagon might be persuaded to rejoin their ranks. That met with various descriptions of which part of his anatomy his head had entered and, if it wasn’t already in that dark place, would he like it shoved there? Absu was the most outspoken.
“After his dastardly behavior in the colonies, I will never hold trust with him again. The lies that passed his deceitful lips would fill a ship and sink it.”
Anshar heard his brother-god but wasn’t sure how he felt. He still remembered the Dagon of his youth and had hopes that the god would find a way to redeem himself. He guessed, like the rest, that he shouldn’t hold his breath.
Marduk went on to praise everyone’s efforts. “We’re covering a lot of ground. With Enlil back, it’s taking a lot less time to determine when a girl is not Holly. But
please remember, Tess’s twin could be the Chosen for any one of you so, like Enlil, you could gain your body within a hundred yards of her. Be careful. Don’t fall out of the sky or be seen.”
When the meeting broke up, Anshar went to sleep in his new room. The collar rested on the pillow beside him. He hoped it was going to get a lot of use in Chicago.
Early the next morning, water sluiced over his face in the shower as thoughts skittered through his head. There was no mistaking that he was nervous about Lenore’s arrival, and it was all due to her stubborn certainty that his serpent would not be a danger to her.
The last time he’d changed, he hadn’t had time to worry. Lenore had sprung it on him in a matter of seconds. This time, he would have all the time in the world to think. What if she didn’t give him the right orders in time? What if his serpent was too strong to be controlled? What happened if he hurt Lenore?
There were too many variables, but his intrepid Chosen would not be deterred. Had she really gotten a good look at him last time? He was one scary motherfucker when he got his beast on.
Anshar heard the shower door open, and soft hands wrapped around his abdomen from behind. That’s how far gone he’d been in thought. He hadn’t even sensed Lenore’s approach. Or perhaps the minx had blocked him. She was getting very good at controlling what she did and didn’t want him to know. Thank the gods, right now that wasn’t the case. She pressed her naked body up against his back.
“You’re all wet for me,” she purred.
“That’s my line.” Anshar sucked in a painful breath as her hands played over his hard flanks, blithely dipping lower, but not quite low enough. He leaned both hands on the shower wall and spread his legs as if being patted down. He urged her on with soft words. “Stop tormenting me, Lenore.” His cock felt as if it could drill right through the shower tiles, and it was fucking wonderful.
Lenore knelt behind him, darting kisses across his back and taut buttocks as she went. What was the little minx up to? Whatever she did, he would like it. Lenore reached between his splayed legs and cupped his balls. He spread his thighs further and let out a groan that emanated deep from his gut.
Lenore spoke into his head, and it was intoxicating. I’ve wanted to put my mouth on these ever since I saw them for the first time. They are alluringly soft, she hummed.
Without warning, she ducked through his legs and reached up with her tongue. She caressed the sensitive underside of his testicles, paying close attention to the thick ridge between them. She brought her fingers up to his straining cock, pulling on it in time with her soft licks.
As deep into pleasure as Anshar was, he could tell that the water cascading over Lenore’s face was making her splutter. Understanding the difficulty, he turned the water handle off and Lenore sighed. Anshar couldn’t have anticipated her next move. Raising up into a crouch, she gently sucked one ball fully into her mouth, tugging and rolling it lightly. Shit! He was going to die of pleasure. Gods! His woman had never had sex before him, but she had some of the preliminaries down like a fucking courtesan. He had to know.
Where did you learn to do that? Anshar could barely get the words out, his bliss was so intense. The warmth and pressure from her mouth was sending spirals of lust straight up into his cock.
It’s amazing what you can learn with a computer tutorial, she sent back.
Lenore quickly switched her attention solely to his rigid shaft. Still kneeling, she turned on one heel and rose until her hot lips wrapped around the tip of his cock and drew him in, slowly, agonizingly. She trilled around him, and the vibration from her mouth was just too much. Anshar reached down and hauled her to her feet.
“Enough,” he spouted. His fangs descended. His voice had a distinct hiss as he warned her, “We need the collar if we’re going to go any further.”
Lenore gave him a smug smile that puzzled him, but she gave him a quick nibble on one nipple before letting herself be led from the bathroom.
“Minx.” Anshar gave her a little spank on the way to the bed, which—gods help him—she actually leaned into, wiggling her tush as if asking for more. He needed the collar fast. His serpent was enjoying this play far too much and was seriously demanding to be let loose.
He knew Lenore had seen the collar resting on the pillow. Thankfully she went right to it and picked it up, then approached him with intent in her eyes.
She gathered it up to fasten the collar, while Anshar eagerly reached for her. He filled his hands with her supple breasts, loving the way her fullness spilled over, then captured her nipples between splayed fingers and pulled them upward.
She groaned at the contact but finished securing the circlet.
Anshar lowered his head and licked each of the berry-like offerings, exerting the most exquisite amount of pressure and letting one hand splay down her belly, heading into her nether-curls.
Lenore relished the gush of heat between her legs, and her already-engorged clit begged for a direct hit. Gods! Her man was exquisite. His hands and mouth held all the magic she needed.
“I can feel myself changing,” Anshar warned. “Tell me not to change.” Lenore held her breath, knowing he waited for her command.
“Lenore! Don’t waste any time. Tell my serpent not to appear.”
Lenore stayed silent, and Anshar tried to draw away, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted herself onto him, wrapping her legs around his waist and positioning her hot pussy just above his rigid cock.
“I don’t think I will, baby. You see, I want to meet your serpent again,” she crooned. “I think I like him, but I didn’t have enough time to find out.” She pouted, then brought her face close and kissed him deeply. He kissed her back, but she could feel his inner struggle.
He wrenched his mouth away. “Can’t do it!” He was breathing raggedly now. “Can’t stop the change! Please, Lenore. Give the order. I don’t want to hurt you.”
She felt horrible that he was panicking, so she gave in partially. It would be a safeguard for both of them, just in case.
Drawing her head back slightly, she looked directly into his darkening eyes. “You can change into your serpent, but you must listen to everything I say, and only do the things I tell you. Do you understand?”
“Yesss!” he hissed, already morphing into something that was only part Anshar.
Thank the gods. He was finally letting go, giving up his control. Still, she clung to him, pressing her body close to let him know she wasn’t afraid.
His chest hardened beneath her breasts, and he grew so much so that her grip on his shoulders had to widen. He was gloriously large everywhere she touched, so what about the penis that prodded at her wetness? She was dying to look down and see if it was the same lovely golden color she remembered, but she refused to widen the gap between them and give Anshar reason to believe her afraid. In truth, she was quivering with pent-up desire. Quite clearly, her mate had the power to turn her on regardless of which skin he sported. And she was certainly going to take advantage.
“Gently cup my bottom and hold me right up against your cock,” she said breathlessly. “I’m starting to slip.” Large rough hands came around her tender flesh but in the most evocative way. He soothed, he kneaded, and what Lenore could only assume were claws, gently scraped her naked skin. She wanted him caressing her folds but didn’t yet trust the situation to risk it this time.
His obsidian eyes bored into hers, waiting for her next command.
“Let me see your tongue.”
Anshar readily complied. Thrusting it from between his lips, it emerged long and red, with a slight split so that two tips moved independently. Gads, it was snake-like. She had to have it in her mouth to see how it felt.
“Kiss me,” she whispered and closed her eyes. Thankfully, he obeyed. His tongue moved across her lips with a languid swipe, teasing her mouth open, until he found all of her most sensitive spots, grazing them with delicate flicks of his forked tongue. The sensation was heady. He tasted of the sea, and h
is tongue took on the cadence of lazy waves. My gods! She was ready to come just from his kiss. What was going to happen when she had him follow through with her next wicked thought?
“Carry me to the bed and lay me on my stomach,” she ordered. He complied with incredible speed. Lenore giggled nervously. She hoped he wasn’t going to be so quick with all of his reactions, as he dropped her a little less than gently to the mattress.
The magnificent serpent towered above her where she lay, her head turning to observe him. He was quivering with desire, growling low under his breath and willing her with his glittering eyes to continue. She was happy to oblige. His cock stood solidly at attention on level with her gaze, and she hadn’t imagined what it had looked like before. It was thick and hard shelled, with ridges running its length. Golden and engorged, she wanted to see him touch it.
“Grip your penis and stroke it for me.” Lenore’s gasp immediately followed her order. By the gods! She’d been right about his hands. Inch-long claws protruded from the tip of each finger, and he had to carefully wrap them around his heavy member before he began to tug. Lenore’s mouth went dry, but she was able to squeak out the next instruction before things got too intense.
“Don’t make loud noises!”
What would the other hotel guests think if they heard him roar?
Anshar’s dark orbs watched her as he pleasured his glowing staff.
Lenore took in everything from his nostrils flaring to the small bead of pre-cum that slid down his scaled length and knew he was deriving great pleasure at her watching. She was getting off on it, too, and if possible she was even more aroused knowing that the beast was Anshar, but with a hint of danger. She tried to settle her breathing and take in the show. It was amazing that he could work himself so vigorously and still keep his claws from interfering. Maybe that would work with her too. Her libido rose as she watched and listened with heightened excitement to the small huffs coming from between his lips. She quaked and, flipping over to her back, gave it a shot.
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