by Lynne Stevie
Zeke’s howl vibrated through me, and the spark or flare of electricity diminished. When I opened my eyes again, Ellasar was five feet away and the silk sheets had been replaced by a beach towel. The canopied bed was now mosquito netting. The soft sound of the waves continued, but they seemed closer and I could taste the salt in the air.
“My Qadesh, I apologize for causing you discomfort.” Ellasar, now seated in a lounge chair, wore a billowy white linen shirt and tan linen pants. The shirt was unbuttoned to show off his muscled abs to perfection. Yum.
“I sought only to reduce your fear and anxiety this evening. I forget how fragile your human mind is. It has been many lifetimes since I have had to be this delicate.”
I started laughing uncontrollably, I just couldn’t help it. I’d never been a fan of romance novels. I prefer the darker fantasy genre. But it was hard to ignore this obvious romance cover picture. Zeke turned to stare at me and gave me a whimper. I’ll bet he thinks I’m going crazy, or at least fast on my way to being insane. But I couldn’t stop laughing, it was just too absurd. Ellasar looked like Fabio except without hair.
“Alexandria, my Qadesh, what do you find humorous?” I could hear the anger in his voice as he looked at his surroundings and attire. Zeke shifted his weight to get a better look into my eyes.
“Do you read romance novels? This scene looks just like a cover shoot for Harlequin Romance.” I doubled over, holding the towel to my chest, which was barely covered with the skimpy triangles of my bikini.
When I finally got my hysteria under control, I brought the towel to my face to wipe my eyes. The towel felt thin, like a soft, worn cotton t-shirt. The laugh died in my throat as I opened my eyes. The thick, terry-cloth beach towel had been replaced by a midnight blue shawl that was as soft as pure cashmere. A warm breeze ruffled my hair, and as I looked down to see the sand, my seat rocked. But there was no sand. I now sat on a wooden floor.
I tightened my grip on Zeke, more for reassurance than anything else. “Zeke?”
He replied with a huff of air next to my ear.
The darkness was thick and heavy with heat. “Ellasar,” I called out.
A spark broke the darkness as Ellasar lit an old oil lamp. The brightness startled me at first and hurt my eyes.
“Where are we?” I demanded. The anger that leaked out of my voice shocked even me. I seemed to be rounding the bend on every emotion in record time tonight. I wondered what emotion would take me next.
“Yes, my Qadesh.” His tone was patronizing, which fueled my anger.
“Where—are—we?” I asked again. “And stop calling me that.” The seat rocked again, knocking me into Zeke. I hugged him tighter, and as my eyes adjusted to the glow of the lamp, I could see his dark shape.
“I decided that since you were not enjoying any of your memories, I would bring us to one of mine. We are on the river Nile, in the stifling heat of summer. I always enjoyed the water and the breeze that pushed the river.”
I realized that Ellasar sat on the same seat or bed whatever the hell this was—with us. As I tried to move farther away, Zeke lunged forward, taking me with him. We were both jerked to a stop inches from Ellasar. A loud metal clanking rang in my ears and within seconds Zeke erupted in a growl. I tightened my hold on Zeke’s neck and my hands rubbed against his collar, which was pulled tight by a large chain that glistened in the dim light. I tried but couldn’t find the clasp to release him. I knew his collar had a buckle; I’d opened it the other night when he was trapped in the roses. My hands shook as I searched.
“You will find no buckle, Alexandria,” Ellasar said with confidence.
“What have you done?”
“I told you that your pet needed to be taught some manners.” He studied his fingernails.
“How dare you chain Zeke!” Zeke growled his agreement.
“Either he is chained or I could send him away, if you prefer.”
“NO!” I held on tighter to Zeke, burying my hands in the extra skin on his neck.
“I thought not. Forget the dog. Can you smell the fertile water? This river is the lifeblood of so many creatures. One could live on her banks for years, never to run out of food or water. She sustains life.”
Now that my eyes had adjusted to the low lighting, I could see the deep darkness of the water. Plus, I realized that I could smell the lush land far in the distance. We really could be on the Nile.
The boat seemed to be made of wood, the railings shiny from wear. The image of a god—gold encrusted and studded with gems—sat at the head of the vessel. The back end where we sat was elongated, with a huge carving stretching up into an arc above the deck. It reminded me of pictures I’ve seen of ancient Viking boats.
I was suddenly hot and pushed off my coverings. I was clothed in a beautiful gown of deep purple or black—the night was too dark to see it clearly. However, the light was perfect to see the gold embroidery that was woven into the thin overlay fabric. I let go of Zeke with one hand to move the overlay and admire the second layer of fabric, which was heavy with the weight of embedded gemstones.
“I am thrilled to see you admire the gown. I fashioned it after one that my mother had worn.” He seemed happy that I liked the dress. I, on the other hand, felt deflated and tired. I closed my eyes and leaned against Zeke, making myself as small as possible. The spinning of my head, the rocking of the boat, and the heat combed to make me feel sick. My stomach soured and saliva started to pool in my mouth.
“Why are you doing this? Do you want me to go nuts?” I asked through tightly closed eyes. “If I go crazy they’ll drug me and I’ll be no good to anyone.”
“I do not seek to harm you, Alexandria.” I heard exhaustion in his voice too.
“Please take me and Zeke back to my bedroom.” I didn’t have much hope that he would, though.
“Your body has never left your room. Reach your hand out and feel your bed.” His voice was soft again, almost parental. With my face still buried in Zeke’s fur, I reached out and rubbed the platform on which we sat. The fabric took on a more familiar texture and was cool to my touch. I reached out farther and felt the rough warmth of Alan’s hand. I wrapped my fingers around his and he grasped them sleepily. A tear slipped down my cheek.
“Qadesh, I do not seek to break you. I only wish to give you pleasure. You are unlike any before you. None have opposed my lavish visions as you do.”
With one hand in Alan’s as if he were an anchor and one wrapped around Zeke, I opened my eyes. My breath caught. This time I was at Tony’s on the patio bar overlooking the Gulf. A small crowd surrounded us, probably having after dinner drinks. Most people were caught up in conversations, chatting about their day and their dreams, people they love and people they love to hate. I heard the words of their conversations, but I was unable to care about their topics.
Ellasar sat next to me dressed in casual resort attire—khaki slacks and a black V-neck t-shirt that looked like Armani. I was in jeans, a long sparkly tank top, and heels. Casual dressy—normal attire for me when I’m out for dinner and drinks. Zeke was at my feet leaning against my leg. My hand held Ellasar’s instead of Alan’s. I fought the spark of desire and tore my hand away. There was a martini in front of me and I hungrily took a gulp. It burned all the way to my belly. The burn felt good, human, a reminder of the person I am.
“Thanks, I needed that. But you didn’t answer my question. Why me?”
“I can offer you immortality and pleasure beyond your wildest dreams. Why do you resist?”
“Once again, you didn’t answer my question.” My anger helped me focus. “Look, I’m sure hundreds of thousands of women out there would live for this shit—powerful vampire wishing to make their wildest dreams come true, yada, yada, yada. Why not find one of them and stop wasting your time on me?”
“Alexandria, I cannot be labeled by your contemporary literature. These fantasy authors have no idea of what really exists, and I prefer to keep humans in the dark.” He seemed genuinely off
ended by the comparison. “It seems that your grandmother has similarly kept you in the dark. You truly don’t know what makes you different, do you?”
“No! That’s why I asked, twice now. Is there some sort of rule book or something? Because none of you seems to want to give me all the facts.”
“I cannot give you all the answers that you seek this evening, because there is too much to tell in one sitting. You are special. A normal human could not understand these dreams as you have, without going mad. Your hospitals are full of people labeled insane. In truth they have seen something that cannot be explained by your rules. They are labeled and put away so that they don’t infect others with the truths they have seen. However, I can give you some insight as to what you are.” I was on the edge of my seat, finally some answers. He seemed to appraise me and asked, “Are you positive that you truly want the information, ignorance can be bliss, why not just enjoy the pleasures that I can show you?”
“I resist because you’re trying to control me.” ‘Resistance is futile.’ That quote from Star Trek kept ringing through my mind. That’s what Ellasar is trying to convince me of, but I always love the underdog. How against the odds they find a way to prevail. In other words I’m not buying it. "You’re using dreams and even my own husband to manipulate me.” The memory of him using Alan bubbled up and without thinking I lashed out. I slapped him so hard that my palm rang with pain. My vision stretched and waved, as if I were looking into fun house mirrors. The people around us didn’t notice me stumble to my feet. Their voices faded as I stood to ready myself for his retaliatory strike. I’m sure I looked like a stumbling drunk, but I didn’t care. Zeke moved to stand beside me, and his low growl vibrated through me.
Ellasar touched his face and smiled. “You are amazing. I’m so powerful that I can manipulate you while you’re awake, and yet you have the audacity and speed to strike me. We will make a powerful team.” He seemed so happy that I wanted to slap him again.
“Come, we will walk by the water and I will give you the one answer I can for now. Maybe you will see that ‘resistance is futile’ as you say.” He appraised Zeke and spoke to him in a language I didn’t understand. Zeke growled.
“I have instructed your pet to behave. I know he gives you some sense of peace, so I am trying to be pleasant. However, this is my world and I can do as I please with him. Shall we?” He attempted to let me go first, but I motioned for him to lead the way. I didn’t want him at my back. He just smiled and made his way to the stairs and the beach.
Chapter 16
Spark of Recognition
The moon was full and its light sparkled on the water. As I watched the waves crash against the white sand, the beauty of the scene almost took my breath away.
Zeke nudged me and I remembered where I was and what was happening. Ellasar waited patiently at the bottom of the landing. I glared at him.
“Stay out of my head,” I threatened as I made my way down the wooden steps. He shrugged unapologetically. At the bottom I unbuckled the straps on my heels and…
Hey! They were the exact shoes I’d lost.
“Can I keep these heels? I mean, will they be there when I wake up? I lost them when I was attacked.” I was excited at the possibility. Zeke nudged me again and rumbled. Hmm… maybe I shouldn’t ask for any favors from the all-powerful guy who’s holding me hostage.
“They’re only in our dream for now, but I’ll see what I can do. I am sorry about your recent attacks. If I had been aware, I would have protected you. However, I am grateful to have found you and that it forced your grandmother to include you in our world.” Ellasar tilted his head toward the water and walked on.
His dark olive skin stood out in contrast to the snowy white sand. Under his clothes his body rippled with muscle and invitation. The view of him walking toward the surf was enough to make something in my core melt and a soft sigh escape my lips.
I was thankful when Zeke nudged me again and I could focus. I needed to stay in contact with him if I wanted to get the answers to my questions without giving myself to Ellasar like a side of grits at the waffle house. I shook my head and patted Zeke on the back, and we trotted together to catch up to Ellasar.
“Stop messing with my mind and answer me.” I grabbed Ellasar’s arm to make him face me. “I want to get back to my own…” When I touched him, my fingers burned, and I quickly pulled my hand back. The burn wasn’t painful, but electrical—a jolt straight to my womb.
“Oh shit,” I spat as I quickly backed up. Zeke instantly jumped in front of me. I reached out and placed my hand on his back. The contact helped dull the electrical charge. But it still smoldered through me and the muscles of my core rippled. I took a deep breath and held on to Zeke.
“You need not be afraid. You have had a taste, just a nibble, of the power and pleasure that our mating will create. It really is useless to resist me. Our coupling has been prophesized.” He looked saddened by my reaction to the current that ran between us.
“You manipulative son of a bitch. You can try to force me or trick me like you did earlier with Alan, but I’ll never stop fighting you,” I said defiantly.
“Don’t you see, Alexandria? I will not force you. You will choose to be my mate.”
“I will never choose to give up my freedom and independence. Nothing you can offer me will change my mind.” I walked ahead with Zeke, positive in my conviction. Ellasar kept pace with us.
“So sure of your course, are you?” He seemed to be reminiscing. “I envy you your scruples. However, you will learn, if you live long enough, that a promise like that is too hard to keep.” He stepped in front of me and I was forced to look him in the eye. “Compromise is a part of surviving.”
His closeness made me nervous, but before I could step back, he grabbed my waist and pulled me into his chest. Zeke was suddenly chained just out of reach; I could see him straining against the leash.
Ellasar’s lips met mine and I unraveled. I didn’t care about Zeke or even the flutter—faster than a hummingbird’s wings—of my own heart. The fire ants were back, marching through my veins. The electrical current ending in my womb made me contract with need. Saying that I felt desire was like saying a man lost in the Sahara is thirsty. Every nerve in my body tingled and ached to be stroked. I purred like a cat. I rubbed my body against his and…
I heard Zeke’s deep, menacing bark. What was I doing? But I couldn’t stop. The feel of his hands on my skin made me shiver, those tiny little goose bumps of excitement. His lips trailed down my neck. They felt like butterfly wings against my skin.
“I need…” I tried to tell him to stop, but my mouth wouldn’t say any more. Once I said ‘need,’ I was lost in the thought of what my body really needed. I dug my nails into my palms to break the force of the desire.
“Stop!” It came out breathlessly, but just saying it gave me more power to resist. I could hear Zeke loud and clear now. His bark shook me.
Ellasar pulled away and it felt like a piece of me remained with him. The pain of his withdrawal took my breath and I collapsed to my knees.
“For now, you must know I will not force you into anything that you do not ask for.” His eyebrow rose as he spoke.
My vision faded and my head swam. Ellasar had returned to wearing nothing but the cloth around his waist—the way I’d seen him in my first vision. His masculine form was achingly appealing. I closed my eyes to help me control my need.
“You are my mate, Alexandria, my Qadesh. Why would you fight what your body tells you? I do not understand. But I can wait, because I am immortal. Time has no meaning for me.”
So—he was planning to haunt me forever? I dug my nails deeper into my palms, concentrating on the pain, hoping it would replace the need I felt.
“I promised you one answer, so I will make good. You are special, Alexandria. Your great-grandfather Seraiah was a Dark Angel.”
I was forced to look up at him by the way he said my great-grandfather’s name. For a moment his expre
ssion matched the reverence in his tone. Then it was gone.
“He was sworn to kill my kind. As you know, he fell in love with Evangeline and they conceived Beatrix. Ask your grandmother about your true grandfather. That will help you understand your strengths and desires.”
My true grandfather? My grandfather Harold died before I was born. What could he have to do with any of this? Before I had time to think it through Ellasar continued.
“My desire for you is simple. You are beautiful, spirited, and because of your incredible lineage, you are strong enough to be a true mate to me.”
He forced me to look into his eyes, and my breath stopped. What was he talking about? He couldn’t mean...true mate?
“You are the goddess of fertility, my Qadesh. You will bear my sons. It has been foretold. You will save yourself much agony if you stop resisting.”
Agony?
“You would be shocked to know who seeks the immortality that I offer to you. And what they are willing to do to get it. Be very careful and keep your new guardian close.”
I couldn’t concentrate anymore. His image began to fade.
“You need your rest. I will leave you now. I will not trouble you for a few nights. If you need me, just call to me. I have tasted your essence. You are a part of me, and I hope soon I will be a part of you. Good night, my Qadesh.”
“Lexie, let go! Wake up! You’re cutting off my circulation!”
He was jostling me. “Ellasar?” I struggled to open my eyes a crack. The night was pitch black around me. Alan’s face came into view. Then I heard Zeke growling.
“What? Zeke? What’s wrong, Alan?”
“Lex, you’re digging your nails into my hand! Let go!” Alan sounded frantic.