by Crystal Dawn
“You do that, Clive and I’ll asked the goddess to help you out.” Pru truly liked Clive and Anders seemed alright too. She thought Anders might be a witch, but she wasn’t sure. He was smart, he’d never head a department here if he wasn’t. The male was attractive and neat as well. He and Clive fit together even without a female. Maybe there wasn’t a female mate and they just didn’t realize it.
Why was she even worrying about them? She missed her mate and was ready to get more serious about their relationship.
Chapter 7
Going Home
Herk and Julio were doing well, or at least they thought they were. They’d worked things out with Dyar making a deal or least the closest they could to a deal. There was more to work out, but it was at a higher level than they were at. None of the others were in a position to deal with. They had stopped their activities against those around them, but could start back up at any point.
It was a hopeless position they were all in. Herk would make treaties, but he wasn’t sure that would even make a difference. He didn’t have that authority anyway. For now, all negative activity had ceased, but it could start as soon as he was out of sight. What had he accomplished? He had names and locations for now. Also Dyar was ready to fight on their side.
Julio was ready to go and to be honest, Herk was too. Sleeping on the floor was rough for this old horse. He craved a bed with his mate in it. Thoughts of his mate and her mission assailed him. Was she home waiting for him? Nothing would please him more. Maybe they could find a room with a comfortable bed and good food to feed their bodies while they fed their hearts on each other.
“So what did you decide? Are we going back?” Julio asked.
“Not much point in staying here, is there?”
“I don’t see any. We’ve put a temporary patch on what we can.” Some treaties needed brokered, but not by him. Julio saw that as well as he did.
“Have you mentioned that to Dyar yet? I think he likes having us hang around.”
“It’s our fighting skills he favors. When that last group attacked, we sent them running.” Herk had enjoyed that fight. He rarely had the opportunity to turn it loose like that. Dyar had been impressed. Between the two of them, he and Julio could defeat a small army. It made him think of old times. Some had even been good times.
“True, but he needs some real fighters. Few of his guys can fight their way out of a wet paper bag.” Julio said with a chuckle.
It was sad, but true. Dyar lacked good fighters. Why their adversary wanted him was baffling unless it was just for cannon fodder. The way things looked right now, many would die needlessly. Hopefully, something would be done soon. He and Julio would file a report hoping for help to come here. A trainer to teach these people would go a long way. Maybe even a few good fighters to safeguard them while they learned.
The only thing for certain was that help was needed now. Any and all help would be appreciated. “Herk and Julio!” A male voice yelled. Oh, no. It was Dyar. Time to break the news to him.
“Dyar, we were just looking for you.” Herk said.
“That can’t be good.” Dyar said.
“Neither good nor bad. It’s time for us to head back so the leaders can decide what will help you best.” Herk offered.
“Leaving you here would help us best.” Dyar suggested.
“The leaders feel the need to make those choices. You are a leader and know how that works.” Julio informed.
Dyar sighed heavily as he looked about his mini kingdom. “I know you are right, but without quick help, we’ll be at the mercy of the enemy. We all appreciate what you taught us. But it isn’t enough. Once they know you’ve left, it will be on.”
That was what Herk and Julio suspected as well. But they were also sure their leaders wouldn’t use them here. They would send less experienced soldiers. This location wasn’t critical. Not that they wanted to lose any location, but some were more important than others. It was a sad fact all soldiers knew.
After talking to Dyar for a time, they were ready to go. The turnout of residents made them feel guilty for leaving. They left anyway. Herk needed his mate and Julio missed the plains. Now Julio was running wild as a horse, while Herk was trying to hunt down his mate. He wasn’t even sure she was back from her mission. Once he found her, he would then check in with his mate’s mom to give her the facts.
The first place he thought to look was where she worked. Maybe it was crazy to look for her there if she’d just come back from a mission, but it was all he had. Wicked Witch was a huge company and she was one of its highest level managers. The building was outside of town and near where Pru lived with her parents.
Her living at home even though she was grown might be odd among humans, but supernaturals were different than humans. Most kept their offspring close, some families even lived with generations in the same huge house. She had a suite at the business but she rarely used it.
The family’s company was a huge building even larger than most homes and competing in size with a castle. It was modern, but had enough elements to bring a castle to mind. The four corners of the building had turrets and to enter the building, people walked across something similar to a drawbridge.
In front the exterior of the building was stone in huge blocks and some of the interior was the same stone blocks. On the roof there was the impression of having parapets and battlements there. He’d heard there was a glassed in portion of the roof used as a café. Picnic tables dotted the open portion. That was a modern touch castles of old wouldn’t have.
Pru’s office was on the level right below the roof. That level was a mix of offices and manager suites. The feel of the whole building was decadent. Money had been poured into the magical effect it had. He’d been surprised at the theatrical effects like the wicked witch that held out an apple to those who walked by. If someone accepted it, a new apple magically appeared and the old one shriveled in their hands.
Apparently Pru had walked by it so many times, when he’d been with her last he’d stopped to watch while she’d walked by unseeing. Herk couldn’t imagine ever being unimpressed by that touch, but he wasn’t a witch. It was true most shifters were leery of magic, but pegasus and unicorns had more magic than the average shifter so they weren’t as bad. That didn’t mean amazing displays and mind boggling spells didn’t impress them.
Herk walked past the witch and nodded. She nodded back and he almost stumbled as he walked by her. He’d never expected that. Maybe if he stopped to ask her where Pru was, she’d tell him. That might be a good reason not to ask. It would be scary to think of the witch as being interactive to that degree or even alive.
Going to the main desk, he waited in line briefly before it was his turn. “Is Pru in today?”
“She certainly is. Do you know how to find her office?” The young woman dressed as Snow White asked.
“I do. Thank you.” He walked away as she turned to deal with the next person.
The hallway walls were covered with antiques like swords and shields. The rooms were different and were decorated according to whichever story they supported. The main entry had been Snow White and the seven dwarfs. A huge mirror had hung on the wall there. Scenes appeared in it as people walked passed. Portraits of each of the seven dwarfs also decorated the walls.
He’d not been in many rooms here, but they each had a theme. Clive’s office was sword and sorcery. While most employees were witches, other magical kinds were rumored to work here too. The male was jovial and friendly for a sorcerer, but that didn’t mean he might not be one. Speak of the devil, Clive looked up from a large pile of paperwork and made neighing sounds. He’d bet Pru hadn’t told Clive what he was, but he’d known anyway.
Herk moved passed Clive with a nod of acknowledgement. No need to stop and talk especially when he was trying to be funny. Taking a deep breath, he smelled his mate. His senses weren’t as good as a wolf, but they were better than that of a human. He had other talents and he preferred them to even
sharper senses since he knew he couldn’t have it all.
Standing in the doorway, he took in his beautiful mate. “Pru?”
“Herk? When did you get back?”
“Just a little while ago. I’ve not even talked to your mother yet. I wanted to see you first.”
“That sounds so sweet. I’ll be honest, I missed you.”
“Not as much as I missed you.”
“Really? You’re going to go there?” Pru asked.
“Um, yeah?” Herk said.
“I love a guy that sticks to his guns.” She commented sarcastically.
“How about I stick my gun inside you?” Herk offered.
Pru turned a lovely shade of pink. “I can go along with that.” She grabbed Herk’s hand. “You’re in charge, Clive.” She yelled over her shoulder.
“Of course I am.” Clive replied.
Two doors down and Pru placed her palm on the door then opened it. Dragging him inside, she kicked the door closed. Looking around he saw this suite was sophisticated and had no discernable magical theme. Black leather couches and chairs combined with glass tables. The hardwood floor had some red and beige throw rugs places in strategic spots. Art decorated the walls and the lighting was low.
A small dining nook sat in one corner and the kitchen was on the other side of a bar seating area. He wouldn’t be seeing that since Pru was dragging him onto one of the bedrooms. It had an almost spa like feel. The walls were a sandstone color and the comforter and throw rugs were a few shades darker. While the room was relaxing, his mate was exciting him and he was ready to make love to her.
She began to strip off her clothes as he watched in amazement. “Aren’t you going to get naked too?” She asked.
Her half naked form made his mouth water. “Watching you takes my breath away.”
She finished stripping, her body was thing of beauty. “Your turn.”
Herk began to undress slowly as he watched her expressions. The need on her face made him burn with a matching desire. His breathing sped up as his rod got even harder. “I’m ready for you. Whatever you want just tell me.” His voice was deep and rough with his feelings.
“You, just give me all you have.” Pru urged.
Picking her up, he placed her in the center of the bed. Staring for just a second, he slid next to her on the bed before he ran his hands down her delectable form. She writhed as his hands moved over her. Rolling on top of her, his body caged her in beneath him. Her tempting lips begged for a kiss. His lips dropped to hers before he ate them up. Once their lips met, he just wanted more. The feverish meeting of their bodies and lips drove him crazy.
Pru’s moans just urged him on. Centered over her body, the need drove him to take her hard and fast. His shaft slid inside slowly, she was slick but tight. A groan was forced out of him from the pure pleasure he felt. Herk’s speed picked up as she relaxed and allowed him to move. Her legs wrapped around his hips as she rose to meet each thrust. Faster he moved until he was almost a blur as he tried to give his mate the ultimate in satisfaction.
Pru thrashed as her first orgasm hit her and she screamed his name. He only wanted to give her more. Now he kept pounding into her hard and deep. One more climax for her when he reached his. His was drawing nearer as he worked toward it. A finger worked its way down to her little bundle of nerves and pinched it. She went off like a firecracker and he followed her.
The experience was amazing, but they were both exhausted falling into a deep sleep. They woke several hours later when Pru’s phone made a tweeting sound. She got up, her naked form immediately causing him to be overcome with need. After she looked at her phone’s screen, she made an impatient sound.
“Mom wants to talk to you and Julio.”
“I expected that, but thought she’d wait until morning.” Herk explained.
“It is morning, early morning.” Pru grinned as she teased him. Still dark outside, dawn would come soon.
That was alright. If she wasn’t upset, he wouldn’t get upset either. He got up digging around for his pants then pulling his phone out of the pocket it was in. Julio would receive the text he sent and come or not. Now he searched for her bathroom. “Want to help me shower?”
Pru snorted. “Just say shower sex that will get you a better answer.”
“Shower sex?”
“I’m in.”
“No, I’ll be in.” He chuckled. Pru was a lot of fun.
They were both already naked so he turned the water on hot and jumped in. Pru followed him in and he pressed her against the shower wall. Water rolled over them as he kissed her passionately and felt her body slide against him. Herk pulled her up and she wrapped her legs around his hips as he slid into her. Need fired him as he pumped in hard and fast.
Herk slammed in and out. His passion rose to where he was fighting for control. Her scent washed over him pushing him closer to his release. He felt a tingle running down his back to his tailbone. The buzz let him know he didn’t have long before he blew. Swiveling his hips, he tried to hit her hot spots. It must have worked because her channel tightened around him.
Pru made little sounds of encouragement as her channel grasped him. When she finally exploded, he was right behind her. He roared as his seed erupted from him. They smacked together the sounds echoing through the room until they both calmed and stopped.
“We’d best wash up so we can get dressed.” Pru suggested.
They both washed quickly sticking to business. Herk suspected his mate didn’t want to upset her mother. He’d heard she was a strong willed female and ruled with an iron hand. They’d only met briefly so he still hadn’t decided how he felt about her. This meeting would help him decide. Hopefully, they’d get along well since she was important to his mate.
Chapter 8
The Winds of War
Maybelle sat sipping her coffee and thinking about her three daughters. She wanted each of them to be happy which was hard with the battles ahead. Annie had Ram that was a good start. The two of them were expecting a baby soon, but both were caught up in what was coming. Pru had found her mate now. None of them knew much about Herk, but he seemed alright.
They had both returned from separate missions requiring them to report to her. Soon they would be here to do just that. It was the quiet time just before dawn and she liked to get work done at this time. Normally, she met the soldiers involved in the upcoming battle at her office downtown, but this was family. Janel was the daughter of her favorite sister. Sophie was the daughter of her favorite sister–in-law. Supernaturals rarely made the distinction between relations from their mate’s side and those of blood.
She was just making it because both girls were equally special to her and that was a way to separate between them. Sophie’s mate had been questionable at first. Maybelle had never thought she would fully accept him, but she had. Knossos had turned out to be alright. He’d jumped into the battle a total warrior. They would need him in the days to come.
“Glad to see you two made it. Where are your sidekicks?” Maybelle asked.
“Here. If we’re classified as sidekicks.” Janel commented as she walked in with Julio trailing behind.
Maybelle noticed the interplay between Janel and Julio. Were they mates? Maybe.
“We need to get your information into the system so we can act on it.”
“Can you tell us what’s going on?” Herk asked.
“I can tell you the general story. This was an expected war. The Hubolla would always be a threat. It was his fate to be banished to another world and always seek a way into this one. This is the fourth time in known history he has tried to make his way here. The first time was the closest he’s ever made it because no one knew he could enter our world or the others.” Maybelle explained.
“Why have we never heard of him?” Julio asked.
“This happens around every two hundred and fifty thousand years. It takes him that long to build up his energy and make plans. By the time he’s ready, everyone has for
gotten all about him. The way is unguarded and he takes advantage.” Maybelle admitted.
“How old is he?” Janel asked. She had never been told these details before.
“We know he’s at least a million years old. The legends say he was one of the gods in the beginning. He was so terrible, the gods got together and banished him from these worlds into a place they made just for him. All we know of his world is he wants out. Hubolla will do anything to escape it. That means we must do anything to keep him there.”
“How can he influence those in our world?” Herk asked.
“We aren’t sure. It seems to be easier to send feelings and messages into other places than to send a corporeal body.” Maybelle informed.
“Whatever messages he sends, they are effective. He’s recruiting those who feel mistreated or left out. Some barely make a living and those people are in poor shape.” Herk described.
“Have you a plan for what we can do for them?” Maybelle wondered.
“They need to be able to protect themselves first. Part of their problem is they are victimized. What little they have is stolen and they are brutalized.” Herk admitted.
“They are basically good people. Most work hard and should be doing better.” Julio added.
“We will do what we can. Supernaturals have so many skills their lives should be good. Maybe we can open a branch of Wicked Witch so they have jobs. We’ve never failed to bring success to an area we’ve moved to.” Maybelle assured.
“You have more than the main branch?” Herk asked.
The ladies all giggled. “Twenty-one states have branches that help supernaturals survive.” Maybelle insisted.
“Just witches?” Julio asked.
“No, we employ many kinds. We even have others in our upper level management. Our belief is all supes can thrive if we work together. You’ve met Clive? He’s no witch.” Maybelle explained.