A Taste of Divinity [Anthology]

A Taste of Divinity By

Heather Kundert Christy Gissendaner Audrey Godwin Kendra Clark Triskelion Publishing www.triskelionpublishing.net

Triskelion Publishing 15327 W. Becker Lane Surprise, AZ 85379 Copyright 2005 Heather Kundert, Christy Gissendaner, Audrey Godwin & Kendra Clark

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information retrieval and storage system without permission of the publisher except, where permitted by law. ISBN 1-933874-47-3 Publisher’s Note. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to a person or persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental.

Mystik Guardians

The Winds of Heaven By

Heather Kundert She moves as if the winds of heaven guide her. From the moment Calyx first lays eyes on her, it becomes his mission to claim her—possess her. But this isn't why he came to Pleythos. His friend is missing and he has limited time in this realm. The more he's around the enchanting Breanna, the less he thinks of his mission. When time is up, can he leave her behind?

A Touch Of Sin By

Christy Gissendaner Taliesin, the Welsh god of music, is a popular DJ at a karaoke bar. Julie is a workaholic who comes for a visit. When these two get together, there is more than just music being made. The only problem is how will Julie react when she discovers the man of her dreams is an immortal?

Cast A Moonlit Spell By

Audrey Godwin Day after day, Eros, the god of love stands tall, beautiful and brazenly nude in Moonlit Park, and Gwen Gregory has fallen deeply in love with him. He haunts her dreams, makes love to her in the deep, dark recesses of her mind, but it’s not enough! She is ready to give her very soul to see the color of his eyes, hear the sound of his voice and feel of his hot flesh against hers, but knows she never will because… he’s only a statue! His blank, sightless eyes see nothing, his hard rigid bulk feels nothing, but on one very special moonlit night the power of her love awakens his dormant spirit and suddenly his eyes have sight, blood surges through his veins… and he must satisfy a raging need!

Slaying The Goddess By

Kendra Clark Jag’s mission was simple. Find the last goddess of the night and kill her. But that's not as easy as he'd hoped when he her face to face. Sparks do fly, but not the kind he'd expected. Morgen wants nothing more than to protect her kind. But when she finally gets a load of her mortal enemy, powerful forces collide in more places than the battle field.

A Taste of Divinity

4

Mystik Guardians

The Winds of Heaven By

Heather Kundert

A Taste of Divinity

5

Dedication To my family for always being there. To my kids for being the best kids ever. And to my husband for being so supportive and understanding. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

A Taste of Divinity

6

Prologue Many, many years ago… “Calyx,” Fynx called breathlessly as she burst into the room. “I just heard the news. What will you do?” He shook his head. “What can I do? The decision has been made. You know that once Thedus has made up his mind—” A hand on his shoulder stopped his words. “I will handle Thedus, Calyx. Your world will not be destroyed.” “No!” Fynx cried, dropping to her knees at Usian’s feet. She looked at Calyx over her shoulder, her eyes pleading with him. “Don’t let him do this. There’s only one way Thedus will relent and it’s not worth it.” He watched the other man lean down and grasp his sister’s shoulders, gently pulling her to her feet. Usian brushed her hair back from her face and cupped her cheek. “There is no other way, Fynx, and you know this,” the other god explained. “Cal, do something,” she cried. “What can I do, Fynx? I’m no match for Thedus and you know it.” Calyx ran a hand through his hair. This just kept getting more complicated by the minute. He never should have created that world, but it was too late for regrets now. “Make him listen to reason.” Fynx ran up to him, grabbed his arms and shook him with all her strength. He gave her a wane smile and traced his fingers over her cheek. “I’m sorry, Sis,” he whispered. Carefully extracting himself from her grasp, he left the room. He couldn’t bear to watch his sister’s hysterics, nor could he face Usian knowing what his inability to stand up for himself was about to cost the man. Unfortunately, he couldn’t avoid the others for long. The Council of Elders was due to meet at any moment. Calyx quickly stalked down the hall to the meeting chambers to await the Council’s decision, though he knew already they would side with Thedus. He had no idea what the other god held over the Council’s heads, but it must be something good for them to allow this to happen. With Usian banished from Filora, Thedus would have no one left to balance him out and that would be bad for everyone. Sadly, he was just the creator of worlds and no one would listen to him. One day they’d see the error of their ways, but by then it would be too late to undo the wrongs done to an innocent man. Heads lifted and all conversation stopped as he entered the Council Chambers. Calyx cleared his throat and tugged at his collar before taking his place along the back wall to await the official word, though he already knew what would be said. They would bow down to Thedus’ wishes and banish Usian from Filora. “Now that all have arrived,” Orabo, the god of pleasure, began. “As most of you know, this Council has been adjourned to discuss the planet known as Earth and the life which thrives upon it. Thedus has brought to the attention of this Council that the world in question does not adequately serve the purpose for which it was created.” “It has been proposed the planet be destroyed and the project started anew,” Lyte, the goddess of inspiration and the arts, added. “Unless there is someone with another suggestion to present before the Council?”

A Taste of Divinity

7

Calyx held his breath, knowing what was to come. Usian stepped forward from his place in line and stood before the Council’s table with his head held high and his arms at his sides. “I have a suggestion for the Council,” Usian began. “The Council recognizes Usian, god of peace and order. What say you, Usian?” Orabo asked. Usian glanced over his shoulder at Calyx; it nearly broke his heart to remain silent. Sad how it took the impending loss of his best friend to make him realize just how important Usian’s friendship had been to him all these years. “I believe the world to be salvageable.” Usian remained before the Council, unmoving as he awaited their response. “How so?” Lyte questioned. “By taking a small group of people developing there and altering their genetic makeup,” Usian replied in a calm, steady tone that was a part of who and what he was. “You know what such a plan would require, Usian? Are you prepared to make such a sacrifice?” Thedus jumped in, sounding far too eager for Calyx’s taste. Usian gave a slight nod of his head. “I am.” “Then so be it,” Orabo replied. “Fynx, bring in the chalice.” Calyx’s heart thundered in his chest. Was he really going to do this? Just stand by and watch the situation be manipulated to banish his best friend from the only home they’d ever known? Of course he was. What choice did he have? If he spoke up now, Thedus would have him banned right alongside Usian. He watched the slight tremor of Fynx’s hand as she held the Chalice before Usian. She kept her eyes lowered, no doubt unable to look a condemned man in the face. He couldn’t blame her. This was all his fault because he was weak—a weak fool. “Carry on, Fynx,” Lyte ordered. “I…I can’t,” she faltered, darting her gaze up to Usian then the Council. Calyx lifted his head, drew in a deep breath and stepped forward. “I’ll do it.” It was the least he could do considering all of this was his fault. He moved to stand before Usian and took the ornate knife from Fynx’s trembling fingers. With his other hand, he guided Fynx’s hand holding the cup beneath Usian’s outstretched hand. Cal looked straight into Usian’s unblinking silver gaze and whispered, “I’m sorry” as the knife sliced the other god’s wrist. Thick, life-rich blood poured into the chalice, filling it until two fingers’ breadth below the rim. Calyx pulled the knife free of the wound and watched it heal in less time than it took for the heart to beat a single time. He dropped his hand holding the knife to his side and stepped back. It was done and there was no turning back now. “With the contents of this chalice, you will create your new races. Once created, you will be forever bound to them. Their fate will become your fate and vice versa,” Orabo explained. Usian nodded his head. “I understand.” “Once this task is completed, you will never be able to return to Filora,” Lyte continued. “You do understand this?” Again Usian nodded. “I understand and accept the terms.” “Then so be it,” they replied in unison as Usian vanished from sight. It was done and things would never again be the same for Filora or Pleythos, the human realm on Earth. Calyx only hoped they were able to live with the consequences of their actions.

A Taste of Divinity

8

Chapter One Many, many years later… If there was one thing Calyx knew well, it was the bitter taste of regret and selfloathing. He felt like a fool for letting things get so out of hand and allowing it to remain that way for so many long years. Because of his inability to stand up to another for what he believed in, his best friend paid the ultimate price. If only they had realized sooner what Thedus was up to, perhaps things would have turned out differently. Who could have known the dastardly plan forming in Thedus’ mind? Perhaps the Moirae knew, but those three old biddies never liked to divulge what knowledge they possessed. He’d always known of Thedus’ hatred of Usian, but no one had known just how deep that hatred ran. He still had trouble believing the lengths Usian had willingly gone to in order to save that which he had created. At least during the years of Usian’s absence, Calyx had figured out the full motive behind Thedus’ foul plan. Thedus wished to rule Filora and control the council, as well as hoping to claim Fynx—Calyx’s twin sister—for himself. The man viewed Usian as competition on both counts. Like fools, the other gods had allowed Thedus to get away with his actions. Did they really think leaving the god of chaos to roam freely without the god of order and peace to keep him in check was such a wise move? Calyx shook his head and ran his fingers through the calm waters of the reflecting pool before him, sending ripples gliding over the now marred surface. Even if the council had realized the error of their inaction, it was too late now. Usian was forever bound to the beings of Pleythos after having sacrificed his own blood to create the Mystik Guardians. If anything were to happen to the god, all life in Pleythos would perish and vice versa. This was one super-sticky situation Calyx had allowed everyone to get themselves into, and all because he wasn’t man enough to stand up to one backstabbing bastard. He ran his still damp fingers over his chin then through his hair as he let out a deep sigh. There was only one thing he could do now. He had to travel to Pleythos and find Usian. Once that task was completed, he’d work on the council and see about changing the rules a tiny bit. Even though Usian could never fully return home, maybe they could at least fix it so he could visit for short periods. Plan in mind, he turned toward his chamber doors and drew up short. Fynx stood in the doorway with her coppery gaze locked on him. “I know what you’re planning, Cal,” she whispered softly. Damn the mental link he shared with his twin. It made keeping secrets from her damned near impossible. “If that’s so, then you should know the reasoning behind it.” She nodded her dark head. “Yes, but it wasn’t your fault.” His eyes narrowed. “Yes it is, Fynx. If only I’d been brave enough to fight Thedus, then he’d still be here.” Fynx crossed the room and cupped his face in her small hands. “We are all to blame, my brother. Thedus played us all for a fool and we didn’t realize it until the damage was done. He still holds power over the Council, but I’d be willing to bet that when the time comes, they will side with you.” “What makes you so sure?”

A Taste of Divinity

9

“Because your actions are not ruled by personal gain as Thedus’ were.” He raised a brow at her and she patted his cheek, grinning at him before she added, “And because I plan to have a long talk with father about what Thedus has been up to behind his back. The Council may make the rules, but Dad out ranks them all.” “Now that’s what I like to hear…little Sis playing dirty.” Cal laughed and kissed her on the forehead. “I know you miss him, too, Sis.” Fynx nodded, dropped her hands to her sides and backed up a step. Her smile wavered just slightly. “True, but I have resigned myself to the fact I can never have him. My heart aches in his absence, but I think it is mainly because old habits die hard.” She sighed and paced the floor before him. “So, when do you leave?” “Soon, though I have yet to figure out how to keep Thedus from catching on.” Fynx waggled her eyebrows at him and placed her hands on her hips. With a big grin, she said, “Leave him to me.” Cal shook his head and chuckled. He moved to stand before her and grabbed her by the upper arms before kissing her on the forehead. “You are something else, Sis. I’ll be in touch as soon as I have news to share.” And with that, he flashed himself from Filora to Pleythos. ***** Present day... The doorknob rattled and the door creaked when Calyx opened it and moved into the dark room. He slammed it closed behind him and dropped the key on the dresser as his bag hit the floor at his feet. Exhaustion overwhelmed him. The modes of travel in Pleythos sucked big time, and if he ever was to fall back on his powers, Thedus would know exactly where to find him. Given the opportunity, he would yank him back to Filora in a heartbeat and that simply wouldn’t do. He wasn’t ready to return home just yet, at least not until he fulfilled his quest. “Where are you, Usian?” he murmured, shuffling toward the bed. He fell face-first onto the less-than-soft mattress. All he wanted to do was sleep for a week, but he couldn’t afford the time. He pushed himself back up with a groan. What he needed was something to perk him back up. He thought he’d seen a bar nearby. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he peered around his dark surroundings. Power emanated from every fiber of the place. Magick— pure and strong. This was a good place meant for protection, but protection from what? He shook his head. Just another mystery out of several he’d probably never discover the answer to. Oh well, it wasn’t like he’d be here for very much longer anyhow. Fynx, as good as she was, couldn’t keep Thedus preoccupied forever. If it wasn’t for the other god, Calyx could have used his powers to differentiate between the different sources of power assaulting his senses, enabling him to zero in on Usian’s unique power trail. As it was, he knew the moment he did his ass would most likely be back in Filora before he knew what hit him. No sense sitting here wasting time worrying over things he couldn’t change. He really needed to go to that nearby bar. Maybe he could learn something there which would help him on his quest. Cal slipped his room key into his pocket and headed out the door. He paused a moment to gain his bearing, spotted the bar’s bright-green neon sign and crossed the street. A cloud of smoke greeted him at the club’s door and loud music vibrated through him.

A Taste of Divinity

10

Not knowing where to start, he headed for the bar in search of information. Power, pure and strong, wrapped around him and teased his senses. This place was a virtual hotspot for the magicks and yet no one seemed to notice—or care. “Everyone here feels like Usian,” he muttered as he slid up to the bar. “Because we are all a part of him,” a voice replied. Cal lifted his gaze to the man behind the bar. His dark skin and bald head gleamed in the club’s lights. “What would you know of Usian?” As far as he knew, most had forgotten of Usian’s sacrifices. “I know he is the creator of us all.” He wiped a spot on the bar with the rag he held. “Many have forgotten over time, yet a few of us remember.” “Then you can tell me where he is.” Finally, he’d get some answers, though his elation quickly fell. The man behind the bar shook his head. “He is lost to us. No one knows what became of him.” Well, there went that hope. Calyx rotated on the stool to scan the crowd. The feeling of his presence was so strong; he had to be here somewhere. But because his essence was so strong, it made pinpointing its exact location impossible. It was everywhere at the same time. He scanned the crowd, determined to find some clue of the man’s existence. Instead of a god, he found a goddess. She danced as if the winds of heaven aided her every move. Each sway and shake of her well-rounded hips called to him like a siren’s song. The mystery woman before him had to be some great enchantress, her dance weaving her intricate spell. He knew not her name or history, but he knew her future held him—she just didn’t know it yet. Calyx allowed his powers to subtly filter throughout the room, silently warning every man present against making a move on her. This was the best he could do to leave his mark upon her until he could physically touch her—brand her as his own. His entire body jerked as he realized the direction in which his thoughts had taken him. He reined in on his powers. It was like his entire system went into overload the instant he saw her and that was bad. The last thing he wanted or needed at the moment was to be jerked back to Filora—especially before he had a chance to at least touch her, breathe her in. ***** Breanna felt the trace of power wrap itself around the club’s patrons. She narrowed her eyes and scanned the crowd. Olympus was supposed to be a power-free establishment. Simon would be totally pissed over this and she couldn’t say she blamed him. This was a protected zone and someone had deliberately ignored the rules. She had to see this. Simon in action was a sight to be seen. People flowed from her path, leaving the floor free and clear for her to pass. Bree stopped and skimmed the people nearby. They seemed totally oblivious to what they’d done. What was going on here? She turned her attention back to the bar where Simon stood at his usual post. There was some strange blond-haired man she’d never seen watching her. If she were the betting type, she’d say the mystery man was the source of the disturbance. She stalked forward, determined to find out just exactly what the man had done— and to watch Simon ream him for his neglect of club rules. “Hey Simon,” she called out, sliding onto a stool. She purposely ignored the man sitting on the seat next to hers.

A Taste of Divinity

11

Something deep inside her didn’t trust the way he looked at her, or the way he’d sent his powers through the club. “What can I get you, Bree?” Simon pulled a spotless glass from beneath the bar. “How about one of Rodrigo’s special herbals? I have a feeling I could use a little extra boost tonight.” Simon smiled and reached under the bar again. “You got it, darlin’.” “Heard from Alexis lately?” Simon sat her drink before her. “She and Dalton are doing fine.” From the corner of her eye, Breanna could see the stranger staring intently at her and Simon. On impulse, she reached out and touched Simon’s hand. Simon stopped, as if startled by her movement, but he didn’t pull away. The man beside her tensed visibly. “Thanks, Simon.” She rotated her stool to face the man next to her. “Okay, who are you and what are you up to?” “Who me?” The man feigned innocence. “Yeah, you. What spell did you cast over these people?” She wasn’t even going to go into why it hadn’t affected Simon. “I didn’t do anything and I don’t know anything about a spell.” She glanced at Simon. “He blatantly ignored the primary rule of Olympus and you just stand there, letting him get away with it?” Simon shrugged. “I think you’re doing a fine job of grilling him for me.” He tapped the bar next to her glass. “Drink up.” The grin on Simon’s face was irritating, nevertheless she picked up her drink and took a big swig of it. Rodrigo certainly had a talent for mixing a power drink. She returned her focus to the stranger. “Who are you anyhow? I’ve never seen you around here before.” “I’m just passing through while searching for a long lost friend.” He leaned closer and whispered, “You wouldn’t happen to have seen any gods walking around somewhere, have you?” Breanna nearly choked on her drink. “Gods? Here? Are you sure you didn’t hit your head on the way through the door?” He looked tall enough to hit his head on the door frame if he didn’t duck down. “You don’t know about the gods?” He sounded as though he found that hard to believe. “All I’ve ever heard were horror stories about them.” She took another swig of her drink. “And you never told me your name.” “Cal.” “And does Cal have a last name?” She shoved her hand through her hair to push it back out of her eyes. “Nope. Just Cal.” “Well, just Cal. As much as I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, it hasn’t. I have things to do.” She slid off the stool and headed for the stage. Wizardry was due back up at any moment and she planned to let off a little steam through song.

A Taste of Divinity

12

Chapter Two Cal slipped from the stool with every intention of following the woman who so intrigued him. “Don’t do it,” the man behind the bar warned. He slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder at the bartender. “Do what?” “Follow her. Bree will kick your ass before you can blink an eye if she sees you as a threat, which she does at the moment.” He took the glass she’d drunk from and put it away, then wiped the bar clean with the rag he held. “Why would she see me as a threat?” “Because of the way you warned everyone off her.” The man said it as if it were more than obvious. “Yet you touched her without problem,” Cal pointed out. Simon shrugged. “It’s my bar.” Calyx raised a brow at the man. He had a sneaking suspicion there was far more to the man than what showed on the surface. “Duly noted.” He glanced toward where Breanna began singing on stage. “Any suggestions on how to approach her?” The man reached beneath the bar, pulled out a single, long-stemmed red rose and placed it on the counter. “You could try this. Women like to get pretty things.” Calyx picked up the rose and inhaled its sweet fragrance. “Thanks, I think.” Simon nodded his bald head and turned away to speak with one of the bar’s patrons. Something about that man was definitely odd, but now was not the time to mull that one over. He had a woman to woo—if he could figure out how. Never in his life had he actually had to work for something he wanted. This would be a learning experience indeed. He moved to the stage’s edge and waited for her to finish her song. As she descended the steps, he held out the rose to her. She looked wary, but took the rose and inhaled its fragrance. A small smile curved her lips. “Thank you,” she murmured. ***** What in hell am I doing? Bree leaned back against Cal’s motel room door, questioning her wisdom and sanity. She didn’t even know this man or anything about him. He could be a serial killer for all she knew. Deep breath, girl. She was in The Haven Motel and as long as she stood between its walls and beneath its roof, nothing could harm her. She knew that and knew it well, but the little voice in the back of her mind kept on whispering ‘what if?’ “I shouldn’t be here,” she blurted out, turning toward the door. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him move and knew he was coming after her. With her hand on the knob, she glanced over her shoulder just in time to see him peel off the t-shirt he wore. Slowly she turned around and leaned back against the door once more. Her mouth fell open and drool pooled beneath her tongue, nearly choking her before she swallowed the lump in her throat. Muscles rippled beneath a covering of tawny skin; the sight had her frozen like a deer caught in headlights. “I thought you were leaving,” he said in a deep, sultry tone that had her toes wanting to curl.

A Taste of Divinity

13

“I-I…” Hell, she didn’t know what she wanted anymore. The man looked like a god. His body well-toned and perfectly-sculpted. She ached to run her hands over the smooth planes of his form. He chuckled as he moved to remove his pants. That was it. She was going to faint from the sheer pleasure of looking at him. “I’ve changed my mind.” She had no idea where the words came from, but she knew she meant them. Regardless of who or what he might be, she wanted to stay—very much so. Bree swallowed and slowly pushed away from the door. Her every instinct whispered for her to be bold, but the sensible side of her weighed in on the side of caution. Cal held out his hand and crooked his finger at her. She moved forward as if pulled by strings. Bree paused before him and leaned her head back to gaze up at him. Hesitantly she reached up to place her hands, palm down, on his chest. His skin was so warm and smooth to the touch she nearly sighed with pleasure. His hand cupped the back of her neck and his fingers tangled in her hair. He tugged, pulling her head back and his lips caressed her sensitive flesh. She flexed her fingers, enjoying the feel of hard muscle beneath her fingertips. “Cal…” His free hand caressed her cheek. “Shh. You don’t have to say a word, Bree.” He shook his head as his gaze drifted over her face. “Don’t think. Just feel.” Just feel. I can do that. Bree leaned back into his hand, closed her eyes and sighed. “You’ve cast a spell on me, haven’t you?” He chuckled and lightly kissed her on the end of her nose. “No spells. I promise you what you are feeling right now is very much real.” Oh how she hoped he was telling the truth. How many times in the past had she been hurt because she’d let her heart override her brain? She opened her eyes and gazed straight into his eyes. “Promise me you won’t hurt me.” Cal’s grip on her neck relaxed and his hand slid around to join the other in cupping her face. “I would never hurt you, Breanna. Not intentionally anyhow.” Her mind latched onto the last words he’d spoken, but before she could contemplate them, his lips moved against hers and all rational thought went the way of the wind. His tongue darted between her lips to dance with her own. Her mind protested such intimacy after such short acquaintance, but her body pushed the rejection aside and moved forward head-first. Emotions swirled within her, drowning her in a frenzied need fueled by his seductive touch. “What are you doing to me?” she whispered between kisses. “Loving you,” he huskily replied. Loving. Not fucking or laying. Loving. She could have died happy at that moment. She couldn’t remember a single time in her life when someone had simply loved her for herself. Breanna wrapped her arms around him and threw herself fully into his embrace and care. He could do anything he wanted to her at that moment and she wouldn’t protest. Cal’s blue stare sent thrills of pleasure chasing down her spine. “Do any doubts remain?” He planted a quick kiss on her lips. She shook her head as best she could. “Not a single one.” And it was true, as strange as it sounded. The second he whispered the word loving, all her inhibitions and doubts flew out the window. “Love me, Cal.” *****

A Taste of Divinity

14

His heart soared. This beautiful creature gave herself to him freely and wholeheartedly. A part of him felt her soul calling out to his own, even if she wasn’t aware of the fact. When he had first decided to come to Pleythos in search of Usian, he’d never dreamed he would find his other half—the one woman made only for him. He would claim her and never let her go. Calyx smoothed his hands down the graceful lines of her neck, across her slender shoulders and down the front of the pale-blue blouse she wore. Carefully, he slid the buttons from their holes, one by one, to expose the creamy flesh hidden beneath the smooth material. The last button slipped through its catch and he peeled the fabric back, allowing it to fall from her shoulders. Her breath caught when he traced a fingertip slowly over the swell of her breast above her lacy yellow bra. The flawless skin heated beneath his touch and he watched with great delight as her nipples hardened beneath their satiny prison. With a thought, the clock radio on the nightstand behind him began to play Private Emotion. As words of love filled the room, he took the time to learn every delicate curve of her figure. Calyx helped her from her black jeans, pausing to stare at the glorious picture she made standing before him in nothing but her yellow satin bra and matching thong. She had curves in all the right places and it made him ache just to look at her. “You are beautiful,” he whispered, dropping to his knees. He smoothed his hands over her hips, kissed her stomach and smiled at the tiny flutter of her muscles beneath his lips. “I wish to taste every inch of you.” Her fingers lightly rested on his shoulders and her blue gaze bore into his. She chewed at her bottom lip. Calyx reached up to stop the action. “You will damage yourself with that habit.” Breanna gave him a small smile. “I’m not so sure about—” He pushed his finger beneath the line of her panties to caress the bare skin along the edge of her womanly folds, stopping her mid-statement. “I will not harm you, Breanna.” His lips feathered kisses along her stomach before he gripped the fabric of her panties between his teeth and tugged them down. A moan escaped her lips while he teased the flesh near her bikini line with his teeth and tongue, his hands pushing the last barrier between him and his goal down her legs. Calyx held her to him and gazed up into her eyes before he rose to his feet. With a flick of his fingers, her bra joined the rest of her clothing at her feet and he scooped her up into his arms. He turned, slowly lowered her down to the bed and then climbed on next to her. Her fingers hesitantly skimmed down his body to pause just above his erection. He held his breath waiting for her to close the tiny gap between them. A moan escaped his lips when her fingers encircled his cock and squeezed. “Breanna,” he groaned, sliding his hand over hers. She shifted her weight on the bed, rose to her knees and gave him an earthshattering smile. Her long, brown hair hung around her shoulders in waves and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Leaning forward, she brushed a soft kiss across his lips then inched her way down to trail kisses over his chest. Bit by agonizing bit, she worked her way down his body. His cock jumped and pulsed when her warm breath washed over it. His plan had been to taste every inch of her, but he wasn’t going to complain about her change of plans. Bree pulled back, touched her tongue to the base of his erection then pushed herself forward. His entire body went taught at her actions. She had tied him in knots with little

A Taste of Divinity

15

effort at all. Her tongue swirled around the sensitive head of his penis, causing tremors to wash over him in wave after agonizingly-sweet wave. He shuddered harder when her warm breath blew across his moistened skin, and he cried out in pleasure when her mouth enveloped him. He moved his hands down to her, threaded his fingers through her hair and helped her to move over him at intervals of faster and slower. His heart pounded and his breath alternated from lodging in his throat to rushing out of him. Every fiber of his being coiled, ready to explode without a moment’s notice. “Breanna,” he gasped, pulling her back from him. She pooched her bottom lip out in a pout. “You don’t like it?” “All too much, baby. All too much.” A wide smile curved her lips up in the most seductive little way. When she moved to resume sucking him, he lifted her up, flipped her over and pinned her on her back against the mattress. “My turn, Bree.” He prevented her response by placing his mouth over hers. He claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. Delving his tongue into the dark recesses of her mouth, he slid it in and out from between her lips as he pressed his hips into her in a matching cadence. Reluctantly, he pulled back. Before he possessed her, he wanted very much to taste her. Calyx mimicked her earlier actions by trailing kisses down her body. His hands spread her folds apart and his gaze moved over every dark-pink, satiny inch of her before he lowered his face. He inhaled her heavenly fragrance, traced his tongue over the smooth skin and buried his face between her moist folds. His head moved back and forth, spreading her over his face. He wanted to feel her against him, to taste her. Smell her. Consume her. There was no sweeter nectar, piquant wine. Calyx darted his tongue in and out of her opening and teased her, fucked her. Her juices flowed over his tongue, assaulted his taste buds and he sucked, pulling her very essence into himself. He pulled back, inhaled deeply and moved to tease her clit. His tongue twirled around the swollen nub, his teeth nipped at it and his lips closed around it as he sucked it into his mouth. Calyx felt her stiffen around him, her legs clamped against his head, and she shook with the tension he knew he built within her. “Please, Cal, please,” she moaned, writhing over the covers. He lifted his head and gazed up at her. “Please what, Breanna? I will do anything for you.” “Fuck me.” Her voice was jagged from her gasping breaths. He crawled forward, loomed over her and shook his head. “I can’t do that, Bree.” She pushed down on the bed and pushed herself back up. “Please,” she begged. “I need you inside me.” He kissed the tip of her nose and shifted his hips when she pushed hers up against him. “I cannot do that.” “But why?” she whined. “Because I do not wish to simply fuck you. It is not enough, Breanna.” He nipped and licked her neck, then blew warm air across her moist skin. “I wish to possess you. Love you.” Her hands pulled at his hips as she lifted her own. “I need you.” Calyx shifted, claimed her hands and moved them above her head where he pinned them down with one of his. “Need me to what, Breanna? Let me hear you say it.” “Love me, Cal.”

A Taste of Divinity

16

Again, he shifted his hips, but this time he slid the tip of his cock between her welcoming folds. She moaned and arched her back. “Cal,” she very nearly screamed. His gaze moved over her flushed skin. She rivaled all the goddesses under normal circumstances, but in the throes of passion her beauty exceeded all others beyond comparison. With a thrust of his hips, he pushed into her and ripped a scream from her lips. He continued to hold her hands captive as his hips pounded into hers. Her soft little cries of pleasure spurred him on, increasing the speed and power of his thrusts with each movement. She took every last inch of him, fitting over his cock as if made just for it. He claimed her lips, darting his tongue between them in a matching rhythm to that set by his hips. His fingers dug into her hip, holding her in place for his frenzied claiming. ***** Breanna had never felt closer to heaven than she did at that moment. Cal’s large cock stretched her, claimed her. Made her his very own. She would do anything for him, anything at all he dreamed to ask of her. Never would she have thought she could be so close to anyone, especially a stranger. She pulled her hands, desperately wanting to feel him. Her eyes drifted close, unable to hold them open any longer. His body moving over hers felt exquisite; nothing in memory could compare to the sensations, which ran rampant throughout her body. She kissed him back, matching him bit for bit. Her hips lifted as if of their own will, meeting his thrusts in a loud slapping of skin against skin. His cock sliding in and out of her made an audible sucking sound that echoed in time with her rapidly beating heart. The scent of musk and sex filled her nostrils along with the intoxicating scent of Cal’s sweat-covered skin. The sight of his smooth, moist skin and well-toned body moving over hers combined with the sounds and scents of sex drove her over the edge. Her muscles coiled until she feared they would break her bones before the tension broke in wave after wave, pulse after pulse, as the force of her orgasm washed over her. The force of Cal’s thrusts increased seconds before his body went completely taut and a groan slipped passed his lips. His back arched, the muscles in his neck strained, before he collapsed, falling to the side. He lay next to her, damp hair stuck to his forehead, and gasped for breath. His pale blue eyes stared at her. Breanna smiled and brushed the hair from his face. “You are amazing.” He captured her hand and brought it to his lips. “You are the amazing one.” She sucked in her breath and chuckled. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink. I’m so dry.” Calyx held out his hand and a glass of water instantly appeared in his palm. Breanna shoved herself up and nearly fell off the bed in her haste. “What the hell?” “What?” he innocently asked. “How did you do that? I’m a Mage, but even I have to make the glass move under the faucet once it’s turned on. I can’t just make it appear out of thin air.” She eyed him suspiciously. He swallowed and looked around as if waiting for the answer to appear like the glass of water did. “Well?” she prodded. “I’m a god.” His face gave nothing away and his voice was deadpan. She had to be out of her mind. She could have sworn he said he was a god.

A Taste of Divinity

17

“No reaction?” He leaned closer and blinked his gorgeous eyes at her as he waited for her response.

A Taste of Divinity

18

Chapter Three “A god? You’re a god?” She still couldn’t believe what she’d heard. “Not just any god. I created this world.” “And not the least bit modest,” she muttered. Bree rubbed her temples with her fingers. This was all a bit much to handle. “Why are you here? Checking up on us?” Calyx rubbed the back of her hand. “No, I’m looking for someone.” Bree pushed herself up on her elbow to look down at him. “Who are you looking for?” “Usian.” Her brow furrowed. Why did that name sound familiar? She was way out of practice on her god lore. Cal traced his finger over her forehead, smoothing her skin. “Usian is the peacekeeper of the family and the creator of your kind.” “Creator of my kind,” she whispered. “You mean he’s the Father.” He smiled. “Yes. It was with his blood the clans were created here in Pleythos. He is forever bound to this realm for that reason.” Breanna sat up, pulled up her knees and curled her arms around them to lean her chin. “Well, I can’t say I’m sorry to hear that. Without him, the world would be a very different place.” A strange look passed over Cal’s face. “What? What is it?” He shook his head. Bree reached out and touched his shoulder. “I saw that look before you could hide it. Tell me what it is.” “Without Usian’s sacrifice, there would be no world.” “I have a feeling this is a very complex story.” Bree waved her hand and dressed herself then slid from the bed. Calyx lunged for her. Breanna quickly stepped out of the way, giggling as she did so. “Who said you could cover up?” he pouted. “As tempting as the prospect of staying here in bed with you all day is, I have obligations to fulfill and you have a friend to locate.” Cal dressed himself and climbed from the bed to stand behind her. “He could literally be anywhere in the world. It could take years to find him, and it pains me to think of being away from you for so very long.” He nuzzled the back of her neck. “Seducing me will not help you to get your way, Cal.” “We won’t know that until I try, will we?” His teeth scraped over her nape and sent shivers running down her spine. The man was good. She had to give him credit where credit was due. “Cal, I am expected. They’ll come looking for me if I don’t show.” “Who will?” he murmured against her skin. “The guys.” She knew the instant the words left her lips they were the wrong thing to say. The room began to heat up and Cal’s hands on her arms shook with barely contained rage. Slowly, she turned to face him and cupped his cheeks in her hands. “Calyx, it is not what you are thinking. They are friends, nothing more. In fact, they are like brothers to me.”

A Taste of Divinity

19

The glitter in his eyes subsided—some—and his body stopped vibrating so violently. The temperature began to drop ever so slightly. “They do not touch you.” The words came out more like a growled statement than the question she guessed them to be. “Not in any romantic way. They protect me.” Calyx finally relaxed and Bree raised a brow at him. “My, my…what a jealous streak you have.” He ran his hand through his hair and shrugged. “I have never felt so intensely before.” She leaned into him and went up on her tiptoes. “And what is it you feel so intensely?” “I believe it is called love.” Her heart skipped a beat—several in fact—before launching into overdrive. “You love me? But we’ve only just met.” His hands slid up her back, pulling her close to him. “Are you telling me you do not feel it too?” Bree swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. To be honest, she didn’t know what she felt. Just being around him made her head swim and her body sing. “I’m…I’m not sure, Cal.” Calyx brushed her hair back from her face. “You have time to figure it out.” He kissed her lightly but pulled back before it could get more involved. “Now, where is it we have to be?” She groaned. This was a bad idea, but what else could she do? He was clearly more powerful and she had a feeling he was used to getting his way. “I have to get back to the club. I help Simon with clean-up after hours and I have to figure out what time the boys want to practice tomorrow.” “Again with the boys. And practice what?” His voice had taken on that rough, gravelly sound again and she had to admit, even if only to herself, she liked the way it sounded. “Play,” she said, then quickly added, “Music. The boys are the band that played earlier.” “You could have just told me that to begin with.” He turned her toward the door and led her to it. “You’re a god; couldn’t you have just picked the information from my head?” He paused to look down at her with a very serious look. “No.” One word so full of meaning. He opened the door without another word and Bree thought it better to just let it drop. ***** “Hey, Simon. Sorry I’m late getting back.” He nodded his head at her in acknowledgement and tossed his customary rag over his shoulder. “No problem, Bree. The last customer of the night just left.” Bree gave Cal a little smile that touched his heart then sauntered off toward the bar with a sway of her luscious hips. Gods how he loved her. He barely knew her, but already he knew he loved her with every fiber of his being. She was unsure of herself, her feelings for him and their relationship together, but those were things he knew he could overcome with time and patience. “Who’s your friend?” he heard the barkeep ask as she gathered her gear behind the counter. “That’s Cal. He was in here earlier. Remember?” Bree tossed a rag over her shoulder, picked up her tub and moved out from behind the bar to begin clearing tables.

A Taste of Divinity

20

Cal moved toward the bar to sit on a stool so he could watch her work. “Already attached to her, are you?” Simon slid a glass before him. “She’s special.” Calyx picked up the glass and swirled the contents. “Yes, she is.” Simon turned to put away bottles. “Don’t hurt her.” “I wouldn’t dream of it.” His gaze followed Bree’s every move. She was absolutely gorgeous, a true rival to any goddess of Filora. “What of your search for Usian?” Calyx focused his attention back on Simon. “Temporarily delayed.” “Does she know you plan to leave?” He dropped his gaze. “I hope to take her with me.” “She’ll never go for it.” “Then I’ll have to convince her to join me.” Cal lifted the glass to his lips and drained the contents, then returned his attention to Bree.

A Taste of Divinity

21

Chapter Four “Where is that troublesome brother of yours?” Thedus asked as he stared at Fynx. She tried not to let her nervousness at his question show. Fynx shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know. He’s probably off somewhere sulking or creating something. Those are the things he does best.” Thedus headed for the door and she quickly stepped in front of him, barring his path. She boldly traced a finger over his chest. “What do you need with him anyhow? I thought perhaps we could spend a little time together.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “Why the change of heart, Fynx? You’ve never wished to be in the same room with me, let alone spend time with me.” She shrugged again. “Maybe I’ve finally realized what’s right before my eyes.” His dark head shook. “You, my pretty, are up to something. What are you hiding, or better yet, who are you trying to protect?” His eyes took on a far away look before he once again focused on her. “Calyx isn’t in Filora, Fynx, so where is he?” “I’ll never tell you.” He grabbed her by the arm and jerked her close. “Never underestimate my power, little one.” His lips covered hers before she could protest. Fynx stomped on his foot and threw a lightning bolt into his shoulder. Her efforts were as harmful as a disgruntled kitten. She watched him snicker in amusement as he turned around and began to leave. “Beware, Thedus, or I’ll tell Father all your dirty little secrets.” He froze mid-step. Slowly, his head turned to peer at her over his shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare.” “Try me,” she shot back, lifting her head defiantly. “You’ve got away with things for far too long. Bror will be very displeased when he learns what you’ve been doing with your time.” “I am not afraid of Bror or anyone else, Fynx. Tell him. See if I care.” A liar by nature, she saw right through his bluff. She smiled devilishly at him. “Oh believe me, I will.” She vanished before he could say another word and reappeared in front of the door to her parent’s private chambers. The elder gods had been spending some much-needed quality time together to renew their relationship, but in the process other things had been sorely neglected. It was long past time they knew what Thedus had been up to and she fully intended to fill them in as she’d sworn she’d do. Raising her hand, she hesitantly knocked on the door then held her breath as she awaited the repercussions for interrupting the Moirae-only-knew-what. The doors slid open on their own. Fynx swallowed and cautiously stepped into the dark room. The door instantly slammed shut behind her, causing her to jump and a shriek to escape her lips. “Who dares to invade our privacy?” Bror’s deep voice boomed in the darkness. Fynx lifted her chin and balled her hands into tight fists at her sides. She would not let her father frighten her. “I do. I come with news you and our queen need to know.” A blue-white light began to shine at the opposite end of the room and her mother’s form appeared in its center. “What news would that be, my darling daughter?” Fynx bowed her head respectfully to her mother. “Thedus has been causing trouble in your absence.”

A Taste of Divinity

22

“What could he possibly have done this time?” Bror asked from behind her, causing Fynx to jump. “He’s had Usian banished from Filora.” “No!” Miarnu screamed. Her mother fell into her father’s arms. “How could we have ignored them and allowed this to happen?” Bror lifted his wife’s face up to his with a touch of his finger beneath her chin. “All will work out as it should.” He turned his attention to Fynx. “There is more.” She nodded. “Calyx has gone to Pleythos in search of news of Usian. We haven’t heard from him for many years.” “What have we done?” Miarnu whispered. “I think you should start at the beginning, Daughter, and tell us everything that has transpired in our absence. Then we will see about correcting what damage has been wrought.” ***** The door to Olympus slammed shut behind them and the click of the lock rang loudly around them. “Strong locks,” Cal murmured. Bree laughed. “It pays to be cautious around here.” She glanced back toward the door. “Simon guards many secrets.” “Where do we go now?” He brushed the backs of his fingers across her cheek. She smiled and pulled his hand away. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going home. I’m tired.” “I cannot go home. Not until I have fulfilled my task.” “Your search for the missing god.” Bree went up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “I wish you luck on your journey.” He couldn’t believe it when she turned to walk away. Cal grabbed her arm and halted her movement. “Are you saying goodbye to me?” “You’re leaving, aren’t you? It is customary to say goodbye for such an occasion.” She pulled free of his grasp. “But I am not leaving.” Bree raised a brow at him. “But I thought you said Usian wasn’t here. If you need to find him, it only makes sense you’d have to leave in order to search for him.” He reached for her, pulled her close and stared deep into her eyes. “That was the plan before you enchanted me.” Cal feathered a kiss across her lips. “But I find I cannot leave you, Breanna. You make me feel things I never dreamed to feel.” ***** Bree swallowed and tried to clear her foggy mind. No one had ever said such sweet things to her, which automatically made her suspicious of him. What would a god want with someone like her anyhow? “Have you been to this world before?” His head shook. “No, never.” He slid his lips against hers once more in the lightest of kisses. “Then how do you know you aren’t just caught up in the moment?” “Shall I zap her with the essence of love, Brother dear?” a woman’s voice whispered through the darkness. Bree jerked and pulled away from Cal. “Who said that?” Cal groaned and rubbed his forehead. “Xyma, my sister.” He dropped his hand and searched their surroundings. “Xyma, that won’t be necessary.”

A Taste of Divinity

23

A fiery-haired woman appeared before them with a pout on her full, sensuous lips. “Oh, but where’s the fun in that?” She glanced over at Cal. “Just be glad it’s me that came and not Xeli.” “I definitely don’t need her help.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “How did you find me, Xyma?” The goddess patted his shoulder. “You’ve been careless, little brother. I followed the path your magick laid out.” “Damn it. Has Thedus caught on?” She shrugged. “I think Fynx has been keeping him busy, though I also think he suspects. Maybe I should help her out a bit.” “Oh, please no. Don’t fix her up with him.” He turned his attention back to Bree, who could only stare and wonder at what they were taking about. “I will explain all of this to you as soon as I can.” The fiery-haired woman stepped closer to Bree. “I can see what’s in your heart. You do not trust what you feel, but you should. Calyx is a good man and he will not harm you. Trust in yourself, your feelings and him.” She blew a kiss at Bree then vanished from sight. “That was totally weird,” Bree whispered, turning to gaze up at him. Cal’s blond head shook. “You have no idea.” He ran a hand through his hair. “They put a whole new meaning to the word.” Bree laughed. “Yeah, well…you haven’t met my family yet.” “Then by all means, let us meet.” Her laughed died an instant death. “Um…not yet. I’d like to get to know you better first, if that’s okay.” He leaned close to rub his cheek against hers, which sent chills washing over her. “I like the idea of getting to know you better.” When he leaned back, she realized their surroundings had changed. She narrowed her eyes at him. “You have got to stop doing that.” Cal took on a sheepish look. “Doing what?” “Didn’t your sister just warn you to watch using your powers?” He sighed. “She is right, as are you. Thedus will find me if I do not curb my use of my powers.” His eyes flickered in a way that made her nervous. “But you are just so irresistible; I find it hard to control myself when around you.” “If that was your attempt at sweet-talking me—” His lips covered hers. “No, but this is.” ***** “Mmm,” she murmured. “I do believe that’s the best sweet-talking I’ve ever heard.” “It gets better, trust me.” He loved the husky tone of her voice, and he loved knowing he could have such an affect on her. Her clothes and his disappeared with a thought. “That’s a bit unnerving, you know?” she said, pulling away from him. He followed her movements across the room to the bed, where she lay back and slid her hands between her legs. With her legs spread apart, she opened herself up to him. Calyx couldn’t control himself. He licked his lips and hurried to the bed where he dropped to his knees. He buried his face between her folds, inhaling her intoxicating scent as he did so. His tongue lapped at her juices, drinking her in. He alternated between his tongue and his finger, pumping in and out of her, making her juices flow even more. Her body writhed against the bed and sweet little moans escaped her throat.

A Taste of Divinity

24

He stood, leaned forward and shoved into her in one smooth motion. His hands gripped her hips and pulled her toward him as his hips thrust forward. Once, twice, three times and her muscles clenched and quivered as her orgasm wracked her body. Calyx pulled back, freed himself from her and dropped to his knees once more. He lapped up her juices, savoring the taste of her orgasm against his tongue. His face pressed into her and he sucked her essence into him, enjoying the tangy sweet taste that was uniquely Breanna. Withdrawing once more, he circled his finger over her clit as he positioned himself and thrust his cock into her again. He pumped his hips harder and faster until he brought her to another orgasm. Her entire body shuddered against the mattress. A bright reddish-pink tinged her skin and lent it a beautiful glow. She gasped for breath as he lowered himself back down and drank of her juices until he could take no more. His cock ached with the need for release. Calyx lifted her legs, wrapped his arms around them and pulled her toward him as he thrust into her with great force. His hips slammed into hers loudly, over and over as he strove for fulfillment. Breanna’s hands fisted into the covers, her breath whooshed out with each movement of his hips. Over and over his hips pummeled against hers until the tension coiling within him broke and his seed spilled into her. Breanna orgasmed yet again in the same instant Calyx did, and her body milked him of every drop of his come. He released his hold on her legs and leaned his forehead against her moist stomach, gasping for breath as he breathed in her womanly scents. He lifted his head and a smile creased his lips. Breanna lay half on the bed sound asleep. Calyx withdrew from her body and cleaned them both up with a wave of his hand. He pulled the covers of the second bed back, lifted Breanna and placed her on the mattress. With a weary sigh, he turned out the light and climbed beneath the covers, spooning himself against her back.

A Taste of Divinity

25

Chapter Five She hated to do it, but she had no choice. If she didn’t sneak out while he slept, she’d never get away from him and she couldn’t think while around him. Her gaze darted to the door. If she opened it, she risked waking him. Pooling all her powers, she sent herself to Olympus. If anyone could keep her hidden from Cal, it’d be Simon. “Breanna?” Simon sounded a bit confused by her sudden appearance. She swayed from the drain transporting herself put on her powers. He quickly grabbed her arms to help steady her. “What are you doing?” He helped her to sit down and went around the bar. A glass of Rodrigo’s herbal brew slid in front of her. “Thanks.” She took a sip of the sweet-tasting concoction. “I had to get away from Cal.” His lips pressed together and his brow furrowed. “Has he hurt you?” “No!” she yelled, nearly choking on her drink. She licked her lips and tried again. “I mean, no. He would never do that.” Simon moved around the bar to sit on the stool next to hers. “Tell me what’s going on.” Bree swirled her drink and dropped her gaze. “I just need time to think. It’s like he consumes me whenever we’re together to the point where I can’t think of anything but him.” She shook her head. “That can’t be healthy.” “Do you love him?” A short, humorless laugh escaped her before she could stop it. “I honestly don’t know.” “Trust what’s in your heart, kiddo.” “Funny, that’s the same thing Xyma said.” All emotion and color drained from Simon’s face. “You’ve seen the goddess of love?” Bree nodded. “And talked to her, though a lot of what she said I had no clue of what she meant.” Simon got up and paced the floor. “If Xyma can find him then so can Thedus.” He stopped and stared straight at her with those swirling silver eyes of his. “Calyx’s time here is very limited.” “But he can’t leave yet. He hasn’t found Usian, and I…” She just couldn’t bring herself to say the words. Not yet, anyhow. “You know where he is, don’t you?” “You need to go back to Calyx,” he replied, avoiding her question. “Why? Simon, what’s going on?” His odd behavior worried and scared her. “What are you not telling me?” Simon grabbed her by the arms and stared straight into her eyes. “There are many things going on in this world you don’t know about, nor could you even begin to understand, and I don’t have time to explain them to you. If you feel anything at all for Calyx, then you must go to him now.” “I can’t send myself back. It took everything I had just to get here.” She was too pooped to flash herself back into the room, and she really didn’t think she had enough strength to walk across the street. Just when she thought things were complicated enough, they had to go and get worse. “What am I supposed to do?” “Do you want to be with him?”

A Taste of Divinity

26

She answered without thinking and straight from the heart. “Yes.” Her surroundings instantly changed and she found herself staring at one very unhappy Calyx. ***** Relief overwhelmed him at the sight of Breanna standing before him, safe and sound. He’d been worried out of his mind, and it had taken every ounce of his willpower not to use his powers to find her and bring her cute little ass back. He didn’t even stop to question her for fear if he did, he’d say something he would regret. Cal pulled her into his arms and held her tight. Her body pressed against his felt right, natural, like she had been made only for him. He removed their clothing with a thought. His need of her was too great to wait until he’d removed the barriers the mortal way. His mouth withdrew from her and he turned her away from him to face the bed. “Trust me, Breanna,” he whispered in her ear. Breanna slid him a worried look over her shoulder. He pushed her forward until her upper half rested against the bed. Calyx pushed her legs apart and slid between them. A bottle of lubricant appeared in his hand and he squeezed a liberal amount into his palm. He smeared the gel over his hard cock and around the puckered opening of her ass. Bree tensed and jerked at his touch. “What are you doing?” “Trust me, Bree.” “I’ve never—” He nipped at her shoulder with his teeth. “It will not hurt. I promise.” “How do you know it won’t? You’re awfully big,” she persisted. “I will not allow you to feel pain, Breanna.” He kissed all over her back and nibbled her ear. “I’m a god, remember? I can make your body accept me.” Cal slid his hand down to tease at her clit and push a finger into her opening. He finger-fucked her sweet little pussy. “Will you let me?” “Anything, Cal, anything at all. Just do it. I need you inside.” He pulled his finger out and circled it around her rosette. “Need me inside where?” He pushed his fingertip into her and paused. Breanna moaned. “Wherever you want to be, just do it.” Cal removed his hand and moved up onto his knees. He slid his cock over her heated flesh, teasing her until she moaned again and pushed back, trying to impale herself on him. With one hand he grasped her hip and pushed her against the bed, limiting her movement. His other hand held his cock and he positioned the tip against her opening. She shoved against his hand, breaking his hold with the unexpected force and impaled herself with his erection. Calyx closed his eyes and enveloped them both in the web of his powers. He masked all pain from Breanna, coaxed her body into accepting this new invasion from his own. Inch by slow inch, he pushed into her until every last bit of his cock disappeared within her body. A groan worked its way out of his throat. “Gods you are so tight and hot, Breanna. I never imagined you would feel so exquisite.” She rocked back against him. “Fuck me, Calyx. Fuck me hard.” He heard the urgency in her voice, one his own body echoed though he knew not why. He pulled back until only the tip remained inside her, then thrust his hips forward, slamming into her once more. ***** Breanna had never experienced anything like this before in her life. Where she had expected pain, she got nothing but the most glorious feeling ever. Her entire body sang

A Taste of Divinity

27

and cried out for more. She pushed herself up from the mattress, rocked back to meet his thrusts and arched her back. A moan escaped her lips when he reached around and pinched her nipples between his fingers and thumbs. Her head fell forward and she clenched the covers between her teeth, biting down hard to keep from screaming in ecstasy. One of Cal’s hands left her breast to press against her clit, circling around it until she writhed from the sheer pleasure of it all. The orgasm hit her like a freight train, taking her completely by surprise and ripping the scream she fought from her throat. “Oh gods, I’m going to come,” Calyx groaned behind her. “Do it, Cal. Fill me,” she cried, shoving back against him as hard as she could. His fingers bit into her hips as his own slammed against her with a loud thwacking sound. He pulled her back against him forcefully, over and over again, until he groaned and fell onto her, pressing her into the mattress. She lay there with his weight pressing down into her, gasping for breath. Doubt had plagued her mind about allowing him such liberties with her body, but he had quickly dispersed her doubts and replaced them with sheer, unimaginable pleasure. And she couldn’t wait to do it again! Calyx pulled his body from hers and climbed onto the bed. He pulled her the rest of the way onto the bed and up alongside him. “You are so wonderful.” She gasped for breath and laughed. “I think you’re the one who deserves that title, not me.” As she came down from the high their round of lovemaking had caused, her earlier conversation with Simon came rushing back into her mind. She shoved herself up onto her side and looked straight into his eyes. “Calyx, there’s something I must tell you.” His hand moved over her back in a comforting way. “What is it, love?” She pushed herself up. “Simon said something about your time here being limited. In fact, that’s why I came back when I did.” “You would not have come back otherwise?” His voice sounded even, but she could tell her words hurt him. She turned his head to make him look at her. “I would have come, though it might have taken a little longer. I just wanted to be able to think clearly and I can’t exactly do that when I’m around you. Calyx, you have a way of overloading all my systems.” He smiled. “I like knowing I have such an effect on you, Breanna.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “But first we must figure out what your friend meant.” He withdrew from her and stood, instantly dressing both himself and her. “Where can we find him?” “Club Olympus.” She took the hand he proffered her and allowed him to pull her to her feet. As soon as her feet touched the floor, she found herself in Olympus once more. “I do not see anyone.” Breanna looked around. The place did seem awfully quiet. It seemed strange not to see Simon standing at the bar. “I wonder where he went.” She turned to gaze up at Calyx. “He’s almost always at the bar.” “Maybe he is resting,” Calyx suggested. “Simon! Are you here?” she called out. Her voice echoed in the empty club, but no reply came. ***** Calyx stumbled, barely catching himself on a table before hitting the floor. A wave of weakness, unlike anything he’d ever experienced, hit him again and he dropped to his knees.

A Taste of Divinity

28

“Cal!” Breanna screamed, dropping down in front of him to run her hands over him. “Are you alright?” He shook his head. “I do not know. This is so…odd.” Cal looked into her panic-filled eyes. He weakly lifted a hand to her face and cupped her cheek. “No matter what happens, know that I love you.”

A Taste of Divinity

29

Chapter Six Fear gripped Breanna hard. She’d never seen him like this. He tried to hide it but she could see his fear, and it only served to increase her own. She helped him to his feet as best she could with their size difference. “What’s happening, Cal? You’re fading,” Breanna gasped, taking a quick step back to look him over from head to toe. His hands flew to his chest along with his gaze. “I don’t know. Unless—” He vanished before he could finish the sentence. “Cal? Calyx?” Breanna spun in a circle, searching for the missing man. Her life force had just vanished along with him. No trace of his power could be felt in the nearby vicinity. What had happened to him? “He was called back to Filora,” a deep, masculine voice said from everywhere and nowhere. “Who…who said that?” she stammered, darting her gaze frantically around her. “I am Usian.” She blinked and when she reopened her eyes, a strange man stood before her. He had the same ethereal glow about him that Calyx sometimes had. She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re the one Calyx was looking for.” His blond head nodded ever so slightly. “That I am, but for reasons I cannot explain, I could not allow him to find me.” He stepped forward and took her by the arms. “Breanna, he needs you. Will you trust me to send you to him? I promise no harm will come to you.” She chewed her bottom lip and quickly nodded her head. “I’ll do anything for him.” His dazzling smile touched her heart. “Close your eyes.” Breanna did as instructed and wondered what would happen next. He startled her when he kissed her on the forehead. She felt the world spin around her. The motion made her sick to her stomach and she clamped her hands over it to try to control its churning. Dizziness overwhelmed her and she nearly toppled over before a pair of big, strong hands caught her by the arms. Her eyes flew open to find Calyx staring down at her in disbelief. “Where am I?” she whispered. “Filora,” Cal replied, shock causing the word to come out as a growl. “What is she doing here? How dare you bring an outsider into our midst!” Thedus shouted, pointing a finger at them. Breanna glared at the red-faced man and all his blustering. “Who is that windbag?” “I am afraid that windbag is my son,” a soft, feminine voice responded. Calyx helped Breanna to gain her balance before quickly jumping back away from her. “Mother.” The fiery-haired woman looked to be no older than her. “Mother?” Her gaze darted from the woman to Calyx and back again. Everything was happening so fast. “I object to this. Her presence here is in direct violation of the rules. He knows no outsiders are allowed in Filora,” the windbag continued to rage. “Enough, Thedus,” a voice boomed as a man appeared beside the fiery-haired woman. His hair was black and threaded with gold, silver and copper strands. “You have

A Taste of Divinity

30

got away with causing trouble for far too long. Did you honestly think we wouldn’t find out what you were up to?” The windbag swallowed and took a hesitant step back. Breanna wanted to laugh at his sudden change in behavior, but thought better of it. “As for you,” the newcomer said, turning toward Bree. Calyx pushed her behind him. “Father.” The red-head put her hand on the man’s chest to stop him then looked at Calyx. She peered around her son to where Breanna hid behind him. “So you are the one who kept my son away from home for so long.” “I…” Breanna began, uncertain of what to say. “She’s not why I left, mother. I went in search of Usian.” Pain momentarily crossed the woman’s face. “My beloved,” she whispered. “Did you find him?” Calyx dropped his gaze and shook his head. “I’m afraid not.” “I did.” The words spilled out of her before she could think better of it. Calyx spun around to face her. “You found Usian?” “More like he found me. How do you think I got here? My powers aren’t strong enough for that.” Breanna watched him carefully, uncertain what he would do next. Calyx closed his eyes as a smile crossed his lips then his lids snapped open, revealing his shiny blue gaze awash with a mix of surprise and elation. “I should have recognized the power.” He ran his finger over her forehead. “He kissed you.” “It was really strange,” Breanna said, still uncertain of what she’d found herself in the middle of. “I am Miarnu, goddess of birth and creation.” “She is also my mother,” Calyx informed her. Miarnu ran her hand along Cal’s cheek. “And I am your mother.” She turned her attention to Breanna. Reaching up, she lightly ran her finger over the spot where Usian had kissed her on the forehead. “Come to me,” she whispered. A bright light flashed behind the goddess and the man who’d sent Breanna to this strange place appeared. “Usian,” several voices cried out in unison. “No!” Thedus screamed. “He has been banished.” “Bror, could you please do something with your son?” Miarnu slowly turned to face Usian. “That is enough, Thedus,” Bror said, pointing at the other god. Thedus’ mouth instantly sealed up, preventing him from saying another word until his father decided to let him speak. “My child, how have you been?” Miarnu wrapped her arms around Usian. “I have been well, Mother, but I cannot stay here. The Council has banished me,” he calmly told her. “And like a fool, I allowed it to happen. The ban is lifted,” she replied. Usian shook his head. “You can’t—” “Yes, she can,” Bror piped in. “Because I allow it.” Breanna watched with amusement as the goddess rolled her eyes at the man. She had to clamp a hand over her mouth to keep herself from laughing out loud at the byplay between the god and goddess. “Are they always like this?” She darted her gaze up at Calyx.

A Taste of Divinity

31

“Pretty much.” He ran his fingers through her hair and smiled at her. “I can’t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I.” ***** Calyx’s heart swelled to the point of bursting with happiness, yet at the same time it threatened to break in two. As much as he despised Thedus, he knew the other man was right. Breanna couldn’t stay in Filora. Only gods and goddesses could live in this realm. He loved her and hated to be without her, but he knew their time together was very limited. He shifted his gaze to where his mother stood with Usian. “The ban is lifted?” Usian asked, disbelief evident in his voice. “You will only be allowed to return for short periods since your life force is connected to those you created,” his mother replied. “Does that make him like my great, great, great, great and lots more greats, grandfather?” Cal laughed. “Something like that.” “Usian,” Fynx whispered from the doorway where she suddenly appeared. “Is it really you?” The look on his sister’s face wounded Cal’s heart. Fynx had resigned herself to never seeing Usian again, and yet here he stood before her. “Fynx,” Usian said a moment before he vanished from sight. “No!” Fynx cried, rushing to the spot where the god had stood and falling to her knees. “Where is he? Where has he gone?” His mother wrapped her arms around Fynx and patted her back. “He has gone home, my love. He is needed there.” “He’s needed here,” Fynx sobbed. “Mother, not to interrupt or anything, but what of Breanna?” As much as he feared the answer, Calyx had to know what would become of the woman who held his heart in her small hands. Miarnu stepped away from the still-sobbing Fynx and moved to stand by Calyx and Breanna. “You love my son, do you not?” Breanna glanced up at him with sparkling eyes. “With all my heart.” “Would you do anything for him?” the goddess continued. “I’ve already been asked that once and I’ll tell you the same thing I said then— anything at all.” Breanna squeezed his hand tightly in hers. “That is all I need to know.” Miarnu cupped Breanna’s cheeks in her hands and kissed the girl on the forehead. “Then I deem you Brea, goddess of compassion and truth.” “Goddess?” Breanna sounded breathless. “Truthfully, mother? She can stay?” Calyx couldn’t believe what was happening. “She may stay for all eternity. Take care of her, Cal, as I know she will care for you.” And with that, everyone in the room but them vanished. “Is this really happening?” Brea asked. “Yes it is.” He turned and pulled her into his arms. “Do you think you can handle living with me for eternity?” “Ask me again in a few thousand years and I’ll tell you.” Brea laughed and the sound wrapped around his heart.

A Taste of Divinity

32

He’d gone to Pleythos in search of his friend and had found his heart. The Moirae had been on his side this time, and he still had trouble believing it. Eternity certainly seemed a much brighter prospect than it had before. ***** “Are you sure about this?” Breanna asked him for the tenth time since they’d decided to make this trip. He tapped her on the end of the nose. “I am positive. Do you not wish for me to meet your family?” “No. I mean yes. I mean—” He kissed her to stop her confused babbling. “Everything will be fine, Breanna.” She peered up at him with large blue eyes. “I don’t know, Calyx. I mean, it all seems too trivial since we’re immortal.” He watched sadness move across her face. “I’m going to lose them all in time.” He wished he could save her that pain, but even he had to bow down to the Moirae. “I am sorry for that, Breanna, but it is a part of life. I would spare you that pain if at all possible.” She flashed him a weak smile. “At least I’ll have you.” “Yes. I will always be here for you.” He watched her draw in a deep breath and blow it back out. “Okay, no more delaying the inevitable.” She rested her hand on the doorknob and glance over her shoulder at him. “You’re sure?” Calyx leaned close. “Open the door, Brea.” He heard her soft little sigh of resignation and opened the door. They moved down a short hall leading into a large room where all communication suddenly stopped. Six sets of eyes peered at them from various points about the room. “Hi,” he heard her meekly say with a small wave to the room in general. “Breanna…” A woman, who could have been her sister for all he knew, moved forward to embrace Bree. “What brings you home? Why didn’t you call?” “Hi, Mom.” She scratched the back of her head. “I um, wasn’t sure I was coming until we got here.” The woman turned to eye him. “And who’s your friend?” He grabbed Breanna around the waist and pulled her close. Calyx could have sworn he heard a growl an instant before he found himself flat on his back, staring up into a pair of glowing green eyes. ***** Breanna was horrified. She grabbed Raul around the neck and pulled with all her strength. “Raul, get off him,” she yelled at the large, gray wolf. “Mother, would you do something please?” Her mother clapped her hands together and stomped her small foot against the floor. “Raul, is that any way to treat a guest in this house?” To Breanna’s relief, the wolf moved off Calyx and shifted back into the familiar face of Raul, her adopted brother. She hadn’t really been afraid for Calyx because she knew he could take care of himself. Raul, on the other hand, had no clue who or what he was dealing with. Embarrassment heated her cheeks. She dropped to Cal’s side and ran her hands over him. “Are you okay?” “Just wounded pride. I never saw it coming.” She glared at her brother. “Calyx, I am so sorry about this. I had no idea my brother would decide to be a total ass wipe.”

A Taste of Divinity

33

“He shouldn’t have touched you,” Raul shot back. Cal pulled himself to his feet and dusted off his clothes. “Perhaps I should have introduced myself first. I am Calyx, Breanna’s husband.” Let the floor open up and swallow me now. She smacked him in the stomach with the back of her hand. “Way to go, Einstein. He’ll want to kill you for certain now.” Just to be safe, she inserted herself between Calyx and her family—for their protection, of course. “Husband?” six voices repeated in unison. “Yeah, about that—” “You’re married?” Her mother’s voice contained a mixture of surprise and hurt. “It was one of those whirlwind relationships,” she replied, trying to make light of the situation. “I am in love with your daughter. I will do everything in my power to see to it she is kept happy and safe,” Calyx told her mother, extending his hand to her. “Are you sure about this, Bree?” Her father spoke for the first time. “Positive, Daddy.” She glanced up at Cal. “He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.” Her father moved forward, extending a hand to Cal. “Then I suppose congratulations are in order. Welcome to the family, Son.” Breanna smiled. Her family approved. Funny how much it meant to her when she’d thought otherwise. “Cal, this is my brother Tristen, my sisters Sandra and Dee, and you’ve already met my other brother Raul.” He nodded his head to each in turn. “A pleasure to meet you all, I am sure. It didn’t take long for the murmur of conversation to fill the room once more. Calyx fit into her mixed family quiet well, completing the group. Now they had Mage, Lycan and gods. What a family. All her doubts for the future disappeared as she watched the love of her life interact with her family. She realized in that instant that spending an eternity with Calyx seemed a very good prospect. Later that evening, they stood on the back porch of her parents’ house looking up at the stars. “What are you thinking?” Cal whispered in her ear. She leaned back against his chest and squeezed his arms encircling her waist. “I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you.” He nuzzled her neck. “Funny how I was just thinking the same thing about you.” Breanna twisted in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck. “I know I haven’t said it yet, Calyx, but I love you.” “I knew you did, but it’s still nice to hear you say it.” She lifted up on tiptoe as he leaned toward her. Their lips met beneath the starlight which had shone since the beginning of time, and like that star, their love would last forever.

The End

A Taste of Divinity

34

A Touch of Sin By

Christy Gissendaner

A Taste of Divinity

35

Dedication For CJ, a friend who is so good at karaoke it ought to be a crime.

A Taste of Divinity

36

Chapter One Julie Hendricks fought the urge to cover her ears as she stepped inside the doorway to Hal’s Bar and Grill. It was her first night out in over three years and she’d forgotten the level of noise associated with a bar, especially on a Saturday when the locals’ two favorite teams were dueling it out on a football field. Even though she’d lived in the South all her life, Julie had yet to figure out what was so appealing about a group of men battering into each other all in the name of sport. The wooden walls were covered with sports memorabilia and the dollar bills that Hal’s patrons occasionally autographed and tacked alongside the jersey bearing the number of their favorite player. Julie’s dollar was there somewhere, placed beside the jersey of Wayne Gretzky. Not because of any fondness for the hockey player, but because it had been the only spot her petite height allowed her to reach. “Julie! Babe, I didn’t know you were coming tonight!” She barely caught a glimpse of Hal before she was gathered into a bear hug, which gave new meaning to the word breathtaking. “Hal,” she choked out and pounded on his back to get his attention. “I can’t breathe!” Hal released her, suddenly appearing ill at ease in his six-foot plus body. In college, Hal had been a linebacker and even though he’d lost most of his weight, he was still a large guy. Her oversized teddy bear, she liked to call him. They’d been friends since kindergarten, although with her demanding job she’d not been able to see him as much as she’d liked. Today marked the beginning of her week long vacation and she planned on rectifying her absence immediately. She glanced around the crowded bar, her eyes lingering on several unfamiliar faces. “Business seems to be booming.” Hal gave a proud smile, one that made him look like an overgrown boy. “I can’t complain. Since I’ve expanded, business has nearly tripled.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Expanded? Wow! When did all this happen.” Hal reached for her hand. “Last summer. Come on. I’ll show you.” In heels, keeping up with Hal’s pace was next to impossible. Puffing, she tugged on his hand. “Hal! Slow down.” He gave her another of his sheepish grins. “I’m sorry, Jules. I keep forgetting you have short legs.” He ducked her halfhearted punch and pushed open a swinging door to motion her inside. “After you, Shorty.” “I prefer the term vertically challenged, thank you very much.” Julie ducked inside the room and let out a low whistle. “Ooh, this is nice.” She surveyed the retro couches and colorful cushions with a discerning eye. It was a complete turnaround from the sports bar atmosphere out front. “What goes on back here?” Hal put a hand on her back and steered her toward the front of the room. “Allow me to show you what’s behind the wizard’s curtain.” She followed him onto a raised dais at the front of the room, where a large collection of electronic equipment rested on a low table. Hal flipped a couple switches and picked up a remote, which he used to turn on a monitor hanging over their heads. He hit a button and the opening bars of Prince’s Purple Rain began playing. Julie laughed when Hal tossed her a microphone. “Forget it, Hal. I don’t do karaoke.”

A Taste of Divinity

37

Hal waggled his eyebrows and pantomimed into his own mic. “Come on, Julie. It’s fun. You should try it.” She was a horrible singer, as Hal well knew. There was no way she was singing, even without an audience. “Maybe later.” She stepped off the dais and wandered the room, idly straightening the cushions and colorful ashtrays that Hal had gathered. “Did you do all this yourself?” Hal turned down the volume on the stereo and nimbly jumped to the floor. “I had a little help. A buddy of mine helped me decorate and he volunteered to run the show until I get things settled.” “Hmm…” Julie said with a knowing glance back at Hal. “I see.” Hal frowned, his shaggy brows meeting together in the center of his forehead. “What do you see?” Julie pushed aside a fuzzy pink heart pillow and sat down on an unbelievably comfortable sofa. “A buddy who enjoys interior designing and volunteers to work for you? Sounds a little homoerotic to me.” Hal threw back his head and laughed loud enough to shake the walls. He swiped the back of his hand over his eyes. “I can promise you beyond the shadow of a doubt that Sin is not gay.” Julie crossed her legs and fought to keep a straight face. “Sin? His name is Sin?” She stretched her arms along the back of the couch. “This just keeps getting better and better.” “It’s a nickname. His family came from Wales and saddled him with some godawful sounding name.” Julie brushed at the pink fuzz now clinging to her skirt. “Let me get this straight. You have a Welsh friend, who enjoys decorating and singing, goes by the name Sin, and you don’t think he’s gay? How much more evidence do you need?” “Perhaps me in bed with another man?” When Hal dramatically coughed and pounded his chest, Julie knew she’d put her foot in her mouth. Wincing in embarrassment, she tilted her head toward the doorway and blinked. Good Lord! That was Sin, Hal’s decorator friend? He didn’t look gay. In fact, he looked one hundred percent pure and unadulterated heterosexual. Sin’s dark eyes surveyed her for a long moment before moving past her. “Hal, some people are asking for you up front.” Hal glanced at his watch and slapped his forehead. “Shit! The Millers. I forgot they were coming in for Tammy’s birthday.” He turned toward Julie with an apologetic look. “Will you be okay?” Julie paused in the act of getting to her feet. “You’re leaving me here?” “Just for a bit. Sin will keep you entertained.” Hal gave his friend a brief look. “Won’t you, Sin?” Sin stuffed his hands in the back pockets of his jeans and leaned against the wall near the doorway. “I can try.” Julie leapt to her feet. “No, really. I’ll come back some other time. It’s no problem.” Hal put his beefy hand on her shoulder and virtually pushed her back down on the couch. “You’re not leaving. It’s taken me three years to get you here and I’m not about to let you walk out that door until you and I have had a drink.” Hal bent down to her level and pinned her with a serious look. “Now promise me you won’t leave until I get back.” Julie shrank back against the couch, already regretting what she was about to say. “I promise.”

A Taste of Divinity

38

Hal held up his hand. “Now pinkie swear.” “What are we? Ten?” Nevertheless, Julie did as he asked. “Take good care of my girl, Sin,” Hal ordered as he left. Alone in a darkened room with only a sexy male for company, Julie should be thanking her lucky stars. Instead, she’d ruined any chance she might have by letting her tongue work quicker than her brain. Her cheeks flushed as she had an entirely improper thought. Oh, the things she could do to him with her tongue. “You must be Jules.” His voice was deep and sexy as hell. A hint of a Welsh brogue coupled with a bit of Southern twang. “You’re prettier than Hal let on.” She reached for a cushion and wrapped her arms around it as she felt her nipples tighten. If just his voice turned her on, imagine what his touch could do. Her palms grew sweaty at the thought. Sin pushed away from the wall and moved toward her. “You’re also quieter than I imagined.” When he was only a couple of feet away, he stopped walking and gave her a quick once over. “And way overdressed for a bar.” She glanced down at her outfit and grimaced. The black jacket and skirt was stylish and expensive, but he was right. It was a bit much for a casual bar. “I just came from work.” She lifted her eyes, her mouth growing dry at the body temptingly placed right in front of her. Sin possessed the physique of a calendar model. He was lean and hard, his strength evident in the bulge of muscles under his black t-shirt. His jeans rode low on his hips and judging from the bulge beneath his fly, he was not lacking in any area. She licked her lips and tried to pretend that she was not all but salivating over him. “Should I go change?” Sin leaned in close and she caught a whiff of his cologne. Damn, he even smelled good. She was startled when his hands moved toward her breasts. She lifted the pillow she was still clutching and used it as a shield between them. “What are you doing?” He snagged the pillow from her fingers and tossed it aside. “I was just going to suggest that you remove your jacket. I’m assuming you’re wearing a camisole underneath and it’ll help you blend in.” She did a quick mental replay of what she’d put on that morning. Usually she wore a pink cami under the jacket, but it was at the cleaners. Instead, she’d worn a lacy black camisole that was see-through. “Umm, perhaps it’ll be better for me to keep on the jacket.” He smiled, his sexy lips and white teeth causing her stomach to flip over. “Now you’ve made me curious. What do you have on?” “That’s for me to know and you…” She clamped her mouth shut when she realized what she’d been about to say. “Never mind.” “For me to find out?” he correctly guessed. “Don’t tempt me.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’m already consumed with the desire to find out what you look like under all those clothes.” Julie sucked in a surprised breath, but before she could think of a comeback, he’d moved away. He was audacious and bold, just the way she’d always wished she could be. Something warned her that he was trouble, but she ignored her premonition. She wanted to know more about Hal’s friend. Sin went to the dais and fiddled with the switches, much as Hal had done, and glanced over at her. “Do you sing?” “Do pigs fly?” she quipped and then wanted to kick herself. Could she make herself sound any more inane?

A Taste of Divinity

39

He tested a couple of microphones and arranged them at the front of the table. “I’ll take that as a no.” It was curiously hot in the room, which was weird since she’d been cool earlier. She undid the top button of her jacket and fanned her chest. Sin appeared unfazed by the heat. In fact, he looked as if he’d just stepped from the pages of a men’s health magazine, while she sweated like a pig. “Is it hot in here?” He rounded the table and touched her forehead. She felt a jolt of pure longing from her head down to her toes at the feel of his fingers on her skin. “You don’t seem to have a fever.” “Maybe I’m just a tad overheated.” She undid a second button. “A cold drink might help. Do you want me to get you one?” “I have a better idea. You stay here and I’ll fetch the drinks. Any preference?” “Just water.” He went to fetch their drinks and Julie anxiously pressed her hands to her cheeks. Her skin felt cool, yet the heat radiating across her body told a different story. What was wrong with her? By the time Sin returned, she’d undone all her buttons and was seriously contemplating removing her jacket completely. Sin glanced at the top of her breasts, visible through the black lace, but wisely kept his thoughts to himself. “Here’s your water.” “Thank you.” She accepted the glass gratefully and took a long swallow. It seemed to help as the heat faded from sweltering to mere simmering. She set aside the glass and crossed her arms over her chest again. “When does the karaoke start?” “Impatient?” Sin teased. “No, just curious.” He glanced at the leather band on his wrist. “At ten. Still a couple more hours.” Julie kicked off her heels and tucked her feet underneath her legs. She might as well make herself comfortable. “How do you know Hal?” “We met a couple of years ago.” “Where?” His dark eyes gleamed with repressed humor. “At a gay pride parade.” She bit her lip to keep from smiling. “I’m sorry about earlier. I don’t really think you’re gay.” “Good to know.” “What do you do besides this?” He pulled up a low stool and sat opposite her. “I’m a poet actually.” “Truly? And you make money from writing poetry?” He shrugged, the muscles of his shoulders seeming impossibly broad. “Enough to live on.” He patted her knee. “Enough about me. What do you do?” She flexed her right foot and admired her recent pedicure. “I’m an architect.” Sin propped his chin on his hand and studied her. “Interesting. What do you build?” “Bridges mainly.” She took another sip of water before continuing. “Boring, huh?” He shook his head, the chin length strands of his black hair caressing his cheek. “I’m sure it’s fascinating.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “Mind if I smoke?” She shook her head, watching as the smoke curled around his head. Either it was her imagination or the smoke spelled her name out in elaborately curved letters. She shook

A Taste of Divinity

40

her head again and pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. “I must be coming down with something.” “What?” Her hand dropped back to her lap. “Nothing. I’m just talking to myself.” “You know that talking to yourself is a sign of insanity, don’t you?” She rolled her eyes. “As long as I don’t answer myself, I’ll keep imagining myself to be sane.” “Good thing I’m here to talk back. Tell me what sort of music you like.” She laced her fingers together over her stomach and relaxed against the cushions. “A little bit of everything. I’m partial to slow rock, especially eighties’ music.” Sin smiled and took another drag on his cigarette. “No wonder you and Hal get along. I swear if I hear him sing Purple Rain one more time, I’m going to scream.” “You don’t like Prince?” Julie dramatically pouted. “He’s my absolute favorite.” “I like him well enough, but there is only so much a guy can take. I prefer R and B myself. Otis, Al, Percy. Those are a few of my particular favorites.” Julie nodded, impressed by his choices. He’d named some of her all time favorite artists. Even though she couldn’t sing, she loved listening to music. “What’s your favorite Otis tune?” “Easy. These Arms of Mine. Yours?” “Try a Little Tenderness.” “Good choice.” Sin gave her a look of approval. “Want to sing it with me?” Her eyes grew as wide as saucers. “No! I can’t sing.” He reached for her hand and gave a slight tug. “Come on. There’s no one here but us.” She pulled her hand away. “Seriously, I can’t sing a lick. I’ll permanently damage your eardrums.” “Impossible. I’ve heard some truly bad singers in my life.” “Trust me. They have nothing on me.” “What if I promise not to laugh?” She allowed him to pull her to her feet, but she refused to budge any further. “Seriously, Sin. I can’t sing.” “Sure you can. Just try it. If you don’t like it, then I’ll let you stop.” “I have a better idea. I’ll sit here and you sing.” He pouted, which should make him look boyish, but instead it only drew her attention to his well shaped lips and strong jaw. “Please sing with me.” She took a deep breath and released it in a heavy sigh. “Oh, alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Warning duly noted.” Sin keyed up the music and handed her a microphone. “There’s three monitors. Look at them if you get lost.” He paused to point the blue screens out to her. “Now have fun.” The music started and she opened her mouth at the right moment, but the words didn’t make it past her throat. At the sound of a deep, clear baritone echoing through the room, her jaw dropped. Sin could really sing! She turned and stared at him in amazement as he completed the first stanza. He motioned for her to join him, but she shook her head, reluctant to mangle his rendition. As his pure voice rang throughout the room, she stood there and stared. He was truly beautiful. His face a work of art, his body model perfect, and his voice even better

A Taste of Divinity

41

than the recording artist. Where in the world did this guy come from? He almost seemed too good to be true. During an instrumental break, he lowered his microphone and gestured at her. “Sing, Julie.” “I can’t!” He came closer and gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Yes, you can.” Her fingers held the mic in a death grip. When it came time to sing, she took a deep breath and whispered the tune as quietly as possible. Even though she could barely hear herself, she winced at the sound of her tone deaf singing. It wasn’t quite nails on a chalkboard, but it was bad enough. Sin smiled encouragingly and reached for a button on the control panel. Before she knew what he was about, he’d turned up the volume on her mic so that her voice was much louder than his. She immediately stopped singing and glared at him. “You are so wrong for that!” “You’re doing fine. Keep going.” She made it through the remainder of the song, basically just humming and speaking most of the words. The song ended and Sin set down his mic to applaud her. “Not bad.” “Ha! I sound like a dog howling at the moon.” “But a cute dog.” She handed him the mic and immediately moved away from the dais. “That’s it. No more singing for me. Ever!” She retreated to the relative safety of her couch and huddled behind a cushion. She blinked and he was in front of her. How had he moved so fast? He put his hands on the back of the couch and leaned in to her. “You need to learn to loosen up.” The smell of him surrounded her, the crisp scent going straight to her brain. Her eyes were level with his neck and it did not take much of an imagination to envision herself leaning forward and licking his smooth, dark skin. “Why is that?” Sin dropped to a crouch before her and put his hands on her knees. “You’re too serious. Do you ever laugh?” The parts of her he touched were on fire. The feel of his hands on her made her long for more. “All the time.” He shook his head and tutted softly. “I haven’t heard you laugh once.” “Maybe you haven’t been keeping me entertained like Hal said you should.” Sin’s hands slid up her legs, coming perilously close to the tops of her thighs. He ignored her quickly indrawn breath. “How would you rather I entertain you?” A thousand scenarios flashed through her head, each of them predominately featuring Sin naked and writhing on top, under, or behind her. She wasn’t a bold sort, but something about Sin loosened her tongue. Before she could reconsider her provocative words, she spoke. “You could dance for me.” His dark eyes gleamed. “What sort of dancing?” She covered his hands with her own and slid them higher up her thighs. “I’ll leave that up to you.” He surprised her by linking their fingers and bringing her hands over the top of her head. He kept them pinned there as he put first one leg and then the other on either side of her hips. She gasped at the realization that he was about to give her a lap dance. She’d always wanted one, but never imagined it would happen without her paying for the honor.

A Taste of Divinity

42

“Is this what you had in mind?” Sin whispered as he began to undulate his hips in an easy rhythm. No, it was much, much better. “It’ll do.” He didn’t touch her with any part of his body besides his legs, but Julie felt as if every roll of his hips brushed her skin. She wanted to touch him, but he kept her hands pinned above her head. She arched her back, desperate to feel his body against hers. She may be acting like a complete wanton, but she didn’t care. Sin slowed his movements, his gaze trapping hers as he lowered his ass to her lap. He slid forward, his crotch just barely brushing her stomach. She jerked as if burned. Good Lord! How could a simple touch cause such an effect? She looked into his dark eyes, entranced by the small circle of green that surrounded his pupil. As she watched, the circle expanded as his eyes seemed to take on a feline shape. She blinked and the illusion was gone. “Jules! I forgot to ask. Would you like a drink?” Julie could feel her cheeks turn bright red as Hal suddenly barged in. How embarrassing to be caught with a man in her lap. She opened her mouth to explain, only to realize that Sin was no longer in her lap. In fact, he wasn’t anywhere near her. “What the hell?” She turned her head and was startled to see Sin at the dais. It was the second time that night he’d moved faster than her mind could process. Something strange was definitely going on here. “Jules?” Hal prodded, totally ignoring her dazed look. “A drink?” “A Bloody Mary,” she replied absentmindedly. “Gotcha. No celery, right?” “Right.” “I’ll be back in a minute,” Hal promised as he left the room. Once her friend was gone, Julie stood and plopped her hands on her hips. She pointed her finger at Sin and motioned for him to come to her. “You have some explaining to do.” He nimbly jumped from the dais and strolled over to her. “I do?” “Yes, you do. What was in that water you gave me?” He smiled a crooked smile and brushed his chin length black hair behind his ears. “Nothing. Why?” “You must’ve did something to do it. If not, then I really must be going crazy.” “Why do you say that?” “First your smoke is spelling my name. Then you move faster then I can blink. And your eyes looked like a cat. And….” “Tiger actually,” he interrupted. Her mouth snapped closed. “Excuse me?” “You said my eyes looked like a cat.” He moved past her and plopped onto the couch. “The only feline I shift into is a tiger. No cats.” She put her hand to the back of her head. She’d been wrong. She was not crazy. He was the raving lunatic. “I knew you were too good to be true.” He smiled and laced his hands behind his head. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” “Well don’t because I can promise you I didn’t mean it as such.” Sin patted the cushion beside him. “Sit down, Jules.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to sit beside someone qualified for the looney bin, sexy as he still may be. “I’d rather stand.”

A Taste of Divinity

43

“I’d rather you sit.” She took a tentative step forward then took an even larger step backwards. “I’ll stand.” “For the love of Mei,” Sin sighed and reached forward to snag her about the waist. Before she knew it, she was sprawled beside him on the couch. She tried to stand again, but he put a hand over her waist and kept her pinned down. “I’m not crazy.” She blinked innocently. “I didn’t say you were.” “But you thought it.” She tilted her head. “How do you know what I’m thinking?” He tapped his head with his free hand. “I know lots of things, Jules. I’m not the god of wisdom for nothing.” It took a moment for her to digest his words. When she did, she felt a small frisson of unease. “Did you just say god?” He must be sicker than she’d imagined. Only freaky psychos had grandiose illusions of being deities. She glanced over shoulder. How freaking long did it take to make a Bloody Mary? If Hal didn’t hurry, he would probably have a Bloody Julie on his hands. In an effort to distract, she decided to play along. “What god did you say you were?” “I’m Taliesin, god of magic, music, poetry, and wisdom. I’m also a pretty decent shapeshifter.” Boy, Hal really knew how to pick his friends. She wondered if Sin would notice if she reached for the mace in her purse. “Not to be rude, but is there any sort of medication you need me to fetch for you?” Sin appeared disappointed by her reaction. “What will it take to convince you?” Here was her chance. If she asked for something he couldn’t possibly accomplish, maybe she could talk her way out of this situation. “You can turn into a tiger, right?” “Correct.” She motioned at him with one hand. “Show me.” “Okay.” He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. She shook her head quickly. “Uh huh. If you’re going to be a tiger, I would prefer it if you do it across the room.” And while he was over there, she would run like hell. He stood and strode away. She waited for him to make some elaborate show. Once he was distracted, she could make her escape. “Don’t be frightened,” he warned. She nodded mutely. She couldn’t possibly be any more frightened than she already was. Once she deemed it was safe, she jumped to her feet and ran. Her knees felt like Jello, but she managed to make it to the door. She was just about to dart through it when she heard the strangest sound. It almost sounded like purring. She turned, expecting to see Sin on all fours making a cat like noise. Instead, the sight of a large silver tiger with black eyes and a patch of white on his nose greeted her. She wanted to run, but her feet remained rooted in place. The tiger approached his nose twitching as he came closer. “Do you believe me now?” Julie gaped. “You can talk?” Shit, what was she saying? A man had just turned into a tiger and the fact that he could talk was the surprising bit? Sin’s tail brushed her legs as he circled her. “Do you want to pet me?” Actually she did. Her hand trembled as she reached out and lightly stroked his fur. “It’s so soft!” “I condition it regularly.”

A Taste of Divinity

44

She laughed weakly at his joke and continued running her fingers through his fur. Sin purred and arched into her touch. “I want you to do that to me when I’m human.” She wrenched her hand back at the reminder that he most definitely was not human. “Does it hurt to transform into a tiger?” Sin shook his tiger head. “Not really. More like a tingle.” “Can you change back now?” He sat back on his haunches. She blinked and when she opened her eyes, he was standing in front of her in human form. “I hope I didn’t scare you.” Her knees could no longer support her. She slid along the wall, collapsing on her bottom. “Scared doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Sin crouched in front of her and reached for her hand. “Now you understand why I don’t reveal myself to many people.” “Does Hal know?” Sin shook his head. She gripped his hand tighter. “Then why did you tell me?” He glanced away, his attention caught by something she couldn’t see. “I dreamed of you.” If she wasn’t already sitting, she would’ve fallen on her ass. “What?” He turned back to her, his eyes dark and serious. “Last night. I dreamed of you.” She licked her lips, nervous at the turn this conversation had taken. “What was I doing in your dream?” His lips formed a slow, sexy smile. “Wouldn’t you rather I show you?” “It depends on what it is.” “Oh, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.” She didn’t doubt it. She was saved by answering from the arrival of Hal, who held a tray laden with drinks. He pulled up short and gave them an odd look. “Care to explain why you two are on the floor when there are perfectly acceptable couches all over the place?” Julie didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed that Hal had finally arrived. ***** “Am I next?” Sin jerked his attention from Julie, who sat across the room, and glanced at the college age girl in front of him. She wore a fraternity t-shirt and had the look of money about her. She was pretty in a forgettable sort of way. Not dangerously tempting like Julie. He gave the blonde a flirtatious wink and smile. “I’ll get you on just as soon as I can, sweetheart.” The girl seemed satisfied with his answer and sashayed away to join her friends. He glanced back at Julie in time to witness her studying him. All night, he’d been aware that she’d been watching him as close as he’d been watching her. She’d taken his revelation better than most of the women he’d chosen to reveal himself to, so he couldn’t explain his disappointment at her reaction. When he’d walked into the room and seen the incarnation of the woman he’d dreamed of the night before, he’d been intrigued. For some reason, her soul called to him. Usually that only happened with those who possessed musical talent. Although she was not totally tone deaf, he wouldn’t characterize Jules as a musical prodigy. So why was he drawn to her?

A Taste of Divinity

45

His eyes skimmed over her short brown bob and pert breasts. She’d stubbornly refused to remove her jacket although the room was unbearably warm with so many bodies packed in it. She sat in the back of the room with her ankles primly crossed and drink in hand. Sin doubted anyone but him knew it was the same drink she’d held all night. She’d only taken a couple of sips in the past hour and a half. He found himself longing to know what she was thinking. Typically, he enjoyed karaoke, but Sin couldn’t wait until the night was over so he could have Jules to himself. He glanced at his watch. Only two more hours. According to state regulations, Hal had to shut the bar down by two. Sin found himself counting down the minutes. “Sin, you’ve got a request.” Sin glanced at Hal, who leaned over the table with a slip of paper in hand. He reached for the note and unfolded it. He laughed softly. “I’ll get to it as soon as I can.” Hal grinned and thumbed toward the sorority girls in the back of the room. “Good. You wouldn’t want to disappoint your fan club.” Sin flipped through his CD’s and pulled out the requested track. The song had become something of a nightly joke, but it would work in his favor in this case. Already imagining Jules’ reaction, Sin smiled to himself. This was going to be fun. The crowd must’ve realized what he was about to do because it suddenly grew quiet. He removed his earphones and reached for the mic. “I’ve had a request.” A cacophony of whistles and shouts filled the air. “About time!” One audience member yelled. Sin held up his hand for silence. “I’m going to need a volunteer.” Immediately fifty female hands shot into the air. Sin ignored them all for the one hand that didn’t go up. Jumping off the dais, he moved toward the back of the room. “You. Come here.” Jules’ eyes widened and she frantically shook her head. “Don’t panic, Jules. I’m not going to make you sing. Now get on up here.” She shook her head. Sin decided the audience was going to have to help him. “Everyone welcome Jules. She’s a good friend of Hal’s and this is her first visit.” If looks could kill and he was mortal, he would be a goner from the look she gave him. He reached out and plucked her from her seat before she could stop him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and propelled her forward. “Don’t worry. All you have to do is stand there.” She elbowed him in the ribs. “I don’t like being the center of attention, Sin.” He twirled her in a small circle so that she faced the crowd. “Lucky for you,” he paused to throw his arm out in a dramatic fashion to gesture toward Hal. “I do.” The music started and he could tell the moment she recognized the song. When he plopped the top hat Hal handed him on Julie’s head, he thought she was going to bolt. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “No funny business.” He winked at her and turned back toward the audience as he sang You Can Leave Your Hat On. For each item of clothing he mentioned, he teasingly acted as if he was removing it from Jules. In previous acts, his helper would sometimes become overzealous and actually strip. Thankfully, Jules didn’t show a similar inclination. She merely alternated between glaring at the ceiling and at him. He circled her and reached for the buttons of her jacket. She tensed as he undid the top two buttons. “Relax. I’m not going any further.”

A Taste of Divinity

46

“You’d better not unless you want two black eyes,” she warned. The crowd hooted and yelled for more skin. He nuzzled the side of her neck, enjoying the feel of her skin against his lips. “The crowd is wild for you, Jules.” He undid a third button, then a fourth when she didn’t argue. No one was more surprised than he was when Jules turned and yanked the mic from his hands. She turned toward the crowd and lifted it to her mouth. “Ya’ll want to see more?” The crowd went crazy. She turned back to him and smiled wickedly. Reaching up with one hand, she removed the hat. She plopped it on him and lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “Turnabout is fair play.” This time, Jules showed no hesitation in singing. It was true she spoke the song more than sang, but it was a fair rendition. She even went so far as to change the words around to fit a male undressing rather than a female. She circled him and reached for the buttons on his shirt. Sin heard a rip and glanced down to see his shirt fall to the floor. The female half of the audience jumped to their feet and applauded. “Don’t worry. I’m going much further.” Jules whispered. “I wish you would,” he said only to throw her off. Her hands moved to his belt and she undid the buckle. Only by sheer willpower was he able to keep his dick from getting hard. Her fingers so close to his groin sent shivers of delight up and down his spine. She must’ve realized his predicament because she suddenly jerked her hands away. She completed the song and tossed him the mic. While he was struggling back into his ripped shirt, she vanished. “That was fantastic!” Hal broke away from the crowd and rushed forward to applaud him. “How did you ever convince Jules to do it?” “We practiced it earlier,” Sin prevaricated. He scanned the crowd. “Where did she go?” Now that he’d found his match, he didn’t want to lose her. Hal turned around in a slow circle. “I don’t know.” “Take over for me.” He handed Hal the mic and patted him on the back. Without waiting for an answer, Sin rushed to the door. Making sure that no one was looking, he closed his eyes and pictured himself in the parking lot. When he opened his eyes, he was outside. He scanned the dim parking lot and located her. Jules was fumbling with her keys, trying to open her car door. He came up behind her and planted his hand on her door. “Going somewhere?” Her head dropped forward and she sighed heavily. “Home.” “Without saying goodbye.” She turned, which put her in his near embrace. “Yes.” “I didn’t embarrass you, did I?” Her eyes glowed like emeralds in the light coming from a nearby street lamp. “Not too much.” “Then why are you leaving?” She toyed with the keys in her hands. “It’s been a tiring night, Sin.” “To say the least.” He took the keys from her and stuffed them in his pocket. “Let me drive you home.” She gave him a curious look. “You do mean drive, don’t you? Not some hocus pocus where you snap your fingers and we end up back at your place?” He waggled his brows playfully. “I could do that if you prefer.” She seemed to consider his suggestion for a moment. “No. I would prefer to travel by car.”

A Taste of Divinity

47

“Fair enough.” He took her hand and led her to his truck. She seemed surprised by his lack of a showy vehicle. When she commented on his safe choice, he just shrugged. “It gets me where I need to go.” She climbed into the cab and graced him with a tight smile. “A god who doesn’t feel the need to flash his prestige. I’m impressed.” “I feel it only fair to mention the Mercedes I have at home.” She laughed, the first real laugh he’d heard her make all night. “At least you’re honest.” He drove, occasionally asking for directions. She lived in a nice neighborhood, surrounded by trees and a security fence. He pulled into the driveway and shut off the ignition. He put his arm on the seat behind her and turned to face her. “I hope I haven’t shocked you too bad, Jules.” She paused with her hand on the door handle. “I would be lying if I said no.” She gave him a brief look. “You never did tell me what I was doing in your dream.” He draped his hand over the steering wheel and looked out the window at her small two-story house. Did he dare tell her? At this point, it would be a waste not to. He’d already revealed more of himself than he did to most. “You asked me to kiss you.” Her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink, yet she kept her eyes on him. “And did you?” “I think so.” “You think so?” Her brows drew together in puzzlement. “You don’t know?” “The dream ended,” he explained with a shrug. She bit her bottom lip, the small teeth worrying the delicate skin there until he wanted to howl with frustration. It was all he could do not to reach over and kiss her. She would never understand the need he felt for her. “Would you kiss me now?” At first, he thought he’d imagined her softly worded question. “Pardon?” Her lashes swept forward and hid her eyes from his gaze. “Would you kiss me?” He used humor to alleviate what must be a difficult moment for her. “Curious to know what it’s like to kiss a god?” “Somewhat.” She glanced up and boldly met his eyes. “But mostly I want to know what it’s like to kiss you.” “Then come here.” He cleared his throat to get rid of its huskiness. She unwrapped her fingers from the handle and cautiously slid closer to him. He waited until she lifted her gaze to him. Then he put his hand against her cheek and tilted her face toward his. “Ready?” She nodded and her eyes fluttered closed. “Ready.” He bent forward and touched her lips with his. She sighed softly and he felt a thrill shoot straight through his body. Kissing Jules was similar to the thrill he got whenever he sang. What could that mean? He pressed closer and traced her lips with the tip of her tongue. She opened her mouth under his and their tongues met in a slow duel. She pulled away first, her hand coming up to touch her lips. “I should go.” He was disappointed. Was he the only one who’d felt it when they’d kissed? “Would you like me to walk you to the door?” “You’d better not.” He thought it was a strange answer. “Scared I’ll attack you.” “No. Scared I’ll let you.”

A Taste of Divinity

48

It wasn’t much, but he was gratified by the small revelation. Obviously, she wasn’t as unaffected as she liked to pretend. He reached for her hand and stroked her wrist. “Let me walk you.” Her breath hitched and her fingers trembled in his grasp. “Alright.” The one word told him all he needed to know. She was agreeing to more than just an escort up the sidewalk. At the door, he stepped back so she could unlock it and enter the house. She motioned him inside after her. He looked around, impressed by the casual décor and homey feel. “Very nice.” “Would you like a drink?” She appeared nervous. Her hands fiddled with the buttons on her jacket and she looked everywhere but at him. He approached her slowly. “Do I make you nervous?” “Just a little. It’s not every day I have a deity in my house.” “Be grateful I’m just a minor one.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll go fix you a drink.” She turned, but he caught her arm. “I don’t need anything.” He pulled her closer. She didn’t even try to resist. “Jules,” he whispered as his hand came up to cradle her face. “What is it about you that I can’t walk away from?” She opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. She turned away from him. “I’m sorry.” Breaking free of his grasp, she rushed across the room and picked up her phone. He could tell it was Hal by the way she answered. After assuring her friend that she was fine, she replaced the phone in its cradle. “That was Hal.” He nodded. “I figured.” “He told me that you were a good guy.” “Nice to know I have Hal’s seal of approval.” “He doesn’t like many men so you must be special.” She slapped a hand to her forehead. “What am I saying? Of course you’re special. You’re a god for fuck’s sake.” He was surprised by her language. It was not something he’d expected to hear from such sweet lips. “Do you want me to go?” She shook her head, nodded, then shook her head again. “I don’t know. Do you want to go?” “No.” “Then stay.” It was only fair to warn her. “If I stay, Jules, I can’t guarantee that I won’t try to touch you.” She inched closer. “I want you to touch me.” “Are you sure?” “No, but I’m going to let you do it anyway.” Her indecision was apparent, but the gleam in her eyes told him that she was already warming to the touching bit. He reached out and removed her jacket, curious to know what she wearing underneath. As he opened the edges of her jacket, his gaze fell upon the transparent lace top. “Very nice.” She shrugged out of the jacket and dropped it to the floor. “Now you see why I couldn’t take it off.” “Yeah. You would’ve had every guy in the room lusting after you.” “You included?”

A Taste of Divinity

49

“Myself included.” He cupped her breasts in his hands, the weight full and firm against his palm. Her nipples grew hard and begged for his attention. “Can I take this off?” She nodded and held up her arms so that he could slide the camisole off. In a black bra and her tight skirt, she looked like a naughty school teacher. She kicked off her heels and undid her bra. As she removed it, he was entranced by the sexiness of her actions. Now that she’d made her decision, she showed no hesitation. Her breasts were round and full, topped with pale nipples and a tiny freckle on her right breast. She tossed the bra to one side and gestured toward him. “Now your turn.” He unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the floor next to her jacket. His hands went to his belt. “Pants too?” She licked her lips and nodded. As he removed his pants, she shimmied out of her skirt and hose. Standing there in her panties, she looked more attractive than any woman he’d ever seen. He came forward until his chest brushed against her bare breasts. “You are lovely.” Her head fell forward, the short strands of her hair covering her eyes. “I suppose you’ve been with women far prettier than me.” He put his finger under her chin and tilted her face to his. “No, I haven’t.” Her eyes were still glazed with desire, but he could see her hesitation. She put her hands on his forearms as if to hold him in place. “Why me, Sin? I’m not a goddess.” He spoke what was in his heart. “You are to me.” It was true he’d been with women, both mortal and immortal, but none had touched him like Jules. She felt like he was finally coming home. To someone who’d never had a true home that was special indeed. He could tell she was still worried. “What is it, Jules?” She moved her hands up his arms and held onto his shoulders. “You’re not going to do something weird like turn into a tiger again while we’re having sex, are you?” He couldn’t help it. He laughed. “No. I promise not to turn into an animal.” Her lips curved into a smile. “Well, I didn’t say you couldn’t act like an animal. Just don’t physically become one. Okay?” “Okay.” Jules took a step back and glanced down the hallway. She swung back to face him and held up her hand. “Wait right here. I’ll be just a moment.” He stood there in his boxers and listened to the sound of doors opening and slamming shut. He heard a muffled curse and wondered what she was doing. Overcome with curiosity, he crept toward the hallway and glanced down it. “Jules? Need some help?” She emerged from a room carrying an armload of sheets and blankets. She saw him and her cheeks pinkened. “Um. I forgot to make up my bed this morning.” “Is that all?” She shifted the pile of blankets and nodded. “Yes.” He came forward and held out his hand. “Here. Let me do it.” “No really. It’ll just take a second.” “Jules, just hand them to me.” She did as he asked then watched silently as he snapped his fingers. The sheets and blankets disappeared and re-appeared on her bed. She spun around in a circle and stared through the open door of her bedroom. “That is a very useful trick.”

A Taste of Divinity

50

“Magic comes in handy sometimes.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the bed. “Especially in moments like this.” “I don’t suppose I can convince you to do my dishes?” He grinned and snapped his fingers again. “Consider it done.” Too impatient to wait, he picked her up and carried her the remaining few feet to the bed. He tossed her onto the center of the mattress and followed her down. Her arms and legs wrapped around him and she gave him a tight hug. “You keep this up and you’ll never get rid of me.” “That’s my plan,” he said as he nuzzled her neck. “Be careful what you wish for.” She ran a hand down his back and cupped his ass. “You just might get it.” He traced a path with his tongue from her neck to her breasts. As he laved her nipples, he heard the small moans she made. She was passionate. One more thing to add to the ever growing list of things to love about her. Her hips arched against his, the moist warmth of her pussy teasing him through the silk and lace of her panties. He moved lower, his tongue leaving a damp trail across her stomach and over the seam. He buried his nose between her legs, loving the smell of musk and woman that she gave off. He licked her through the silk of her panties and a fresh rush of moisture flooded her. “You like that?” She tugged on his hair. “I like very much.” Using his teeth, he pushed aside the crotch of her panties, exposing her to his gaze. She was wet as he’d already guessed. He tongued her, the taste of her just as intoxicating as the smell. She shuddered and her legs tightened around his shoulders. “Sin!” she moaned, her legs falling open in invitation. He took the hint, bringing her to an explosive climax with just a few swipes of his tongue. While she was still trembling, he pushed down his boxers and moved between her legs. The head of his dick prodded her entrance before seating itself fully inside her. She was a perfect fit. Her inner muscles fit him like a glove. He waited for her to open her eyes before he began to move. Her gaze locked with his, her pupils large in the darkness, the irises lit with amazement. “You forgot sex.” He paused in his movement. “Pardon?” She arched against him, forcing him even deeper. “When you listed all the things you’re god of. You forgot to mention god of sex.” He sank into her, drawing a moan from both of them. “Sorry to disappoint you, but other gods have that honor. Not me.” She shook her head. The damp strands of her hair clung to her cheeks and forehead. “They’re wrong. You should be it.” “Thank you for your vote of confidence.” He knew he was smiling like an idiot, but he was damn happy. Happier than he’d been in centuries. “But it’s all because of you. You inspire me.” He sat back on his knees and pulled her to a sitting position. Still astride him, she resumed their movements. He held onto her waist, assisting her as she lifted and sank down upon his engorged dick. He enjoyed bedding women, but Jules was a delight beyond his comprehension. Both in the bed and outside of it. For some reason, he was drawn to her. The reason was a mysterious, one he fully intended on solving. Jules ground down upon him and let out a small cry. He followed her into climax, the force of his ejaculation surprising both of them. Jules collapsed against the mattress and panted for breath. He stretched out beside her and draped an arm over her waist. For once in his life, he was happy.

A Taste of Divinity

51

***** A god! She’d just had sex with an honest-to-goodness god. And the best thing was he really was a sex god. Sin might not have the official title, but he’d definitely earned his stripes. Rolling over onto her stomach, Jules propped her chin on her hands and stared at Sin. He slept, his dark lashes forming crescents on his cheekbones. His tanned skin and perfect bone structure appeared even more attractive in repose. She put a hand on his chest, enjoying the feel of smooth muscle and soft hair. He was perfect. There was absolutely nothing about him she would change. It was too bad she couldn’t keep him. Rolling back over, she slapped at the cover and stared at the ceiling. She’d finally found the perfect man, only he wasn’t a man. How could one love a god without getting hurt? She placed her hand over her heart when it skipped a beat. Love? She couldn’t be in love. She’d only know him a few hours. Only had sex with him once. Her cheeks flushed. Okay, twice, but who was really counting? She lifted a hand and nervously chewed her thumbnail. Okay, so it was a possibility. Stranger things had happened. Hell, she was in bed with the god of music and poetry. That alone spoke volumes about the drastic shift in reality. Sin had mentioned dreaming about her. What she hadn’t wanted to admit was that she’d dreamed about him for months. In her dream, he’d been a faceless, nameless creature but when he’d mentioned the part about kissing, she’d recalled it. Why would they dream of each other when they’d never known the other existed. Some outside force had to be at work here. “Morning.” She turned her head and acknowledged Sin’s sleepy murmur. “Did you have a nice nap?” He stretched and gave a little groan. “Yes. You get any sleep?” “Not much.” She rolled toward him and slung a leg over his hip. “I was too keyed up to sleep.” He rubbed a hand down her leg and caressed her bottom. “Should I take that as a compliment?” “If you’d like. It was meant as such.” His hand dipped forward and played with her damp sex. “I’m pretty good at sleep tricks. Care for a spell?” She widened her legs. “No. I’d much prefer for you to keep that up.” He leaned forward to nip her lips. “My preference also.” Later, when they finally emerged from the bedroom, Julie knew it was time for a serious discussion. Sin had alluded to furthering their relationship, but she had to know what he meant. She’d been burned in the past and was reluctant to give her heart to someone who would only abuse it. She made coffee and carried two cups to the living room, where Sin scribbled something in the pad he’d told her he always carried. She set down his cup and leaned over his shoulder to peer at his writing. “What are you doing?” He reached up and tickled her neck. “A love poem.” She tilted her head into his palm and made a purring sound. “Really? What’s it about?” “You.” She grinned and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “For real?”

A Taste of Divinity

52

He somehow managed to tumble her across the back of the couch and into his lap. He tossed his pad aside and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ve fallen, Jules.” Even though she knew what he meant, her heart refused to believe him. “Did you hurt yourself?” she teased half heartedly. He ran a finger down her nose and caressed her lips, which instinctively opened to his touch. “I’m being serious, Jules. I love you.” “I know.” She turned her head, pretending to study the curls of steam rising from their coffee mugs. “What I don’t understand is why.” “Last night, you mentioned that there was something I’d neglected to mention. I am many things. God of music, poetry, wisdom, magic. But I’ve never been the god of love. I think you were sent here to teach me.” She turned back to face him. “About love? What do I know about it?” “More than I do apparently.” “This doesn’t make sense, Sin.” Her first reaction was to flee, but she felt rooted to one spot. As much as she longed for him, she didn’t think it would work. He was a god for heaven’s sake! “I don’t know much, but is love ever supposed to make sense?” He had a point. “So you’re saying that in some great scheme of life, you and I were meant to meet?” He nodded in answer. “Yes. Tell me. When you decided to visit Hal last night, did you have any intention to before then?” She opened her mouth to say yes, but snapped it closed. He was right. She’d just gotten off work, intending to go home and crash, when an intuition had told her to visit Hal. It had been a spur of the moment decision, which was an odd thing for her. “No.” Sin ran his hand down her arms. “The same thing happened to me. When I met Hal, I was only planning on helping for a day or two. But months passed and I found myself waiting for something.” He grasped her shoulders and pulled her closer. “Waiting for you.” “Sin, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say.” “Say you love me.” “What would you do if I don’t?” “Be disappointed and then probably beg you to change your mind.” She giggled nervously. “You could always cast a love spell on me.” “I don’t do those. I refuse to on the basis of principles.” “But you could do it. Make me fall in love with you?” “Yes, but I wouldn’t need a spell.” He looked at her seriously. “Tell me, Jules. Tell me you love me too.” “I do, Sin. God help me, but I do love you.” “Ah, music to my ears.” He gave her a hard kiss. “You’re not lying, are you?” “Of course not. I don’t lie about things like that.” He set her on the couch and crowded her against the corner. He lowered his body until they were almost touching. “I hope you mean that, because I’m never letting you go.” It was a great leap she was taking. For someone scared to task risks, it was like jumping off a cliff. “Just promise me one thing.” “Anything.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and lifted up for a kiss. “Promise me you’ll never make me sing again.” “But you’re not a bad singer.”

A Taste of Divinity

53

She gave him a mock glare. “Oh, okay. I promise. Anything else you need?” “Yeah, just one more thing. Kiss me.” He smiled and did as she asked. “In my dream, we never got to that part.” She smiled as their lips drew closer. “In my dream, we did.”

The End

A Taste of Divinity

54

Cast a Moonlit Spell By

Audrey Godwin

A Taste of Divinity

55

Chapter One A night-shrouded cemetery, fog horns sounding in the distance, sea birds wheeling over choppy waters, and a lone lighthouse that looms high on a ridge with an unearthly light that scans the vaporous sea. These are only a few of the things that make up the little town of Shadow Valley, Maine. As it sits silent and unobtrusive on the Eastern Shore, the very name seems to invite the unexplained. It fights to stay unnoticed, and yet something dark and mystifying oozes from between the cracks in the asphalt, grows as thick as the weeds along the grassy slopes and drifts lightly on the mist. While the little town sleeps, you can hear a high, whipping wind that sings a tune, and crashing waves that pound against jagged rocks making their own eerie music. On very special nights such as this, the mysterious little town becomes steeped in a thick fog, ghostlike as it creeps in from the restless ocean. Making no sound, it swirls mysteriously, crawling along wet sand, creeping over crumbling asphalt, spilling over ragged curbs, and slithering through the leaf-strewn area of Moonlit Park. Hours pass, allowing the town to sleep in hushed silence until suddenly that hush is disturbed by the resonating bong… bong… bong… of the town clock. In the dark, the giant timepiece crouches like a monolithic monster on the roof of the museum in the town square, the deep, commanding sound informing the town that the witching hour is now upon them. Within seconds a vaporous light resembling a green fire, pulses eerily through the trees and shrubs of the park, only to finally die off, again burying the town beneath a sinister blanket of darkness. But something has changed. The green fire leaves a lingering presence to stalk the little town. But what is it? What is the thing that haunts the sleeping streets… gazes in darkened windows… lingers in doorways… trudges up hill, and down… until at last it finds its victim. ***** Not far from the park is a crumbling old building with the words Shadow Valley Library carved into the stone over the door. Even in its decrepit condition it preens proudly on its grassy rise, like a tattered old duchess sitting on her throne overlooking the town. The front is made up of different shaped stones, but as the years have come and gone, these stones have become shadowed and cracked. The grounds surrounding it have comfortable benches placed beneath old trees with large trunks and widespread leafy arms. These leafy arms stretch across the grounds to lend their shade to those who amble along its many well-worn paths. Gwen Gregory, the town librarian, sat at her desk with her nose buried in a romance novel. Her favorite part of the day… the part where the shadows begin to lean and pools of darkness gather between the shelves packed with books. It’s quiet now, almost everyone has gone home, and she can pull out her latest romance novel and begin to read… lose herself in her fantasies. “Make me yours,” she whispered, surrendering herself to her demon lover. As his swollen cock at last thrust into her, she spasmed causing her legs to fall apart, urging him in deeper. She moaned as his plunge became wild and savage, the sensuous push and pull of his hips causing her desire to soar. A wicked scream ripped from her throat as she tumbled into a wondrous world of sinful pleasure. Being controlled by the ever-climbing sensation, she began to rock … to climb … to

A Taste of Divinity

56

reach for the summit. And then she shattered, becoming sultry-eyed as she melted like the wax of a candle that has been kissed with flame. The magical words on the page never failed to thrill her, transporting her into the arms of countless handsome men. Blond or dark, playboy or savage, she didn’t care as long as she could place herself in the shoes of the heroine. Become the woman he loved… walk in her shoes… look out of her eyes… speak her words… even feel her fear… her longing… and cry her tears. As she sat there, lost in the pictures the graphic words painted in her mind, the late day sun moved in the sky. It felt like warm honey on her skin as it fell through the windows, bathing the dusty book-filled room in fading, golden sunlight. Gwen worked in the Shadow Valley Library and done so since the summer after she graduated high school. Many of her classmates left to go to college, and Gwen intended to go as well, but since her parents weren’t rich, she took the job in the library to add to her small savings. But when the money didn’t seem to grow fast enough, discouragement settled in, and days, months and weeks had slowly stretched into years. Then she realized nothing was going to change… that her dream was never going to happen. But there were other ways of getting out, she reasoned with herself. Since college seemed too much to hope for, she began to dream of the day she could just get up and leave the stifling little town … be part of the excitement of a big city somewhere. That would be enough… it would have to be enough. Yes, she would go. She would definitely go… someday. Someday. There was that word again. It seemed a fitting epitaph on the tombstone of every dead dream she had ever had. Everything in Gwen’s life was always someday. Someday she would go to college… someday she would leave the stifling little town… someday she would fall in love… someday she would decide what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Someday… someday… someday! But sadly, someday never came. And now, at the age of twenty-six she was still there and time was slipping away… her youth was slipping away. She had made one move, though, she had moved out of her parent’s house and into a place of her own. It gave her a feeling of independence… freedom. But it couldn’t compare to the dreams she had for her life. Like the heroines in her novels, she would meet that special man one day, and he would take her away. Away from dusty books and small towns. The door of the library opened and Mrs. Willoughby came in interrupting her dreams and memories and making apologies for being late. “Gwen, I’m sorry, honey. I had to keep little Jason after school again.” She chuckled. “I shouldn’t laugh, but he stuck a big wad of bubble gum in poor little Theresa’s hair. Sweet thing’ll probably have to have it all cut off. She has such beautiful hair, too.” She shook her head. “Tsk, tsk, it’s such a shame. Jason Wyatt is such a little bully…” Gwen wasn’t listening. The older woman mumbled constantly to herself and Gwen had learned to tune her out. She began the minute she came in and didn’t stop until she opened the door to go home. Gwen was the only librarian in town. The older woman helped on Tuesdays and Thursdays for late closing and she couldn’t leave until the woman showed up… usually at least fifteen minutes late. It didn’t really bother Gwen. She knew that Mrs. Willoughby was a teacher at the town’s elementary school, and sometimes just couldn’t get away. She had many like little Jason Wyatt that drove the older woman to distraction. She was a gentle soul, though, and would laugh about it. For some reason Gwen was almost jealous of the fact that the older woman’s life was so full. She didn’t

A Taste of Divinity

57

know if Mrs. Willoughby was aware of it or not, but the old woman was busy building memories, and someday when there was nothing left she would have those memories to look back on, even the ones little bullies like Jason Wyatt gave her. Not so with Gwen. Nothing ever happened to her. She would have nothing to look back on except… dead dreams. Gathering her things together, Gwen looked up when Mrs. Willoughby stopped mumbling and spoke to her. “Gwen, do you think you could wait a couple of minutes? I need to go downstairs to get some old motion picture magazines someone requested the other night. They’re doing some research on the film industry of the thirties… writing a book or something. It won’t take a minute.” “Would you like me to get them for you?” Gwen was a little worried about the older woman being on the stairs. “No, no, honey. I’ll do it. I know just where they are.” “Well… okay,” Gwen mumbled, then watched the woman’s careful movements as she slowly descended each step. After a few minutes, Gwen picked up her things and slowly ambled toward the front door while glancing down at her watch. To kill time, she turned and looked at her ghostly reflection in the pane of glass. What she saw was the plain, pale, stereotype town librarian she’d read about in hundreds of novels, and seen in countless films. Unfortunately, that picture didn’t add up to a raving beauty. She lifted the novel she’d been reading and looked at the cover. The heroine was slim and curvy, her hair a brilliant red that some fictional wind lifted and blew out behind her. Her eyes shifted to the handsome hero who was leaning over her for a kiss. Dark, he was, and so dangerous looking. She then lifted her eyes to her reflection in the glass and compared herself to the heroine’s beauty. Sadly, her smile wasn’t glistening, her hair wasn’t a vivid red that flew in the wind, and her eyes weren’t a flashing blue… in fact they were cloudy… maybe even washed out. She knew she could never catch this hero’s eye… not in a thousand years. With a faint sigh, she reached up and tried to smooth the tendrils of hair that escaped from its unkempt bun, then ran her hand along her pale skin and colorless lips. What Gwen didn’t see in the glass was a delicate beauty that needed no enhancements. Her skin, soft and glowing, like the petals of a rose, her eyes an innocent blue that was ringed with sweeping dark lashes and her mouth was small, but lush, making every man that looked at her long for a kiss. Gwen wasn’t flashy, but very subdued. She wore loose clothing, comfortable shoes, and a favorite sweater that was always wrapped comfortably around her shoulders. She heard Mrs. Willoughby’s scraping footsteps as she came up the stairs. Not wanting to get caught gazing at her own reflection, she turned around quickly. “Get everything you need?” “Yes, finally. Hard to find all of them,” she said, out of breath. She lifted the paper she had found downstairs. “Have you seen this?” Gwen looked curiously at the paper the older woman had in her hands. “What is it?” “Apparently someone brought it in, then left it on one of the tables. Interesting article in there.” She nodded toward the park not far away. “You know that statue they have in Moonlit Park? They’re removing it.” Gwen’s eyes widened in surprise while looking at the older woman. “What? Removing the…statue?”

A Taste of Divinity

58

“Yes. Says so right here.” The woman threw the paper down on the table and indicated to the article while Gwen rushed to look at it. “Being refurbished,” Mrs. Willoughby said while stacking the magazines. “They’ll put it back up, but according to that article, it’ll be several weeks.” After scouring the column with avid interest, Gwen quickly grabbed her things and scooted toward the door, not wasting a minute’s time. “See you, Mrs. Willoughby.” “You know, they need to…” Her voice, sounding hollow in the darkened building, trailed off and she looked around, finding herself talking to no one. “Well, my goodness. She could’ve said goodbye. But that’s the way young people are I suppose. No time to…” And the never ending mumbling started all over again. ***** Gwen hurried along the path leading to Moonlit Park when she came to a wall of shrubbery and slowed down, her steps hesitant. It was a walk she took every day since she lived on the other side of the park. Instead of walking around, it was easy enough to simply cut through and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the trees, benches and fountains. But today was different. Her thrashing heart told her so. Taking a moment to settle her pounding heart, she took a deep breath, and then slowly rounded the corner. Like a timid maiden, she slowly lifted her eyelids and gave a sharp intake of air when she saw him. There. In the circle of benches and trees he waited for her… as he did everyday. She paused for a moment, looking at the manly, rugged form that never failed to take her breath away. His naked body was stunning as he stood tall and magnificent, stretching dramatically upward with a bow and arrow. He stood on tiptoes, his muscled, well-proportioned legs perfect, his body lean, his buttocks round and inviting. While the falling leaves skittered around his pedestal in the crisp autumn air, she slowly approached him, then reached down and brushed at the brittle leaves and debris that had gathered on the base so she could read the inscription that she had read a thousand times before… Eros, god of love Reigns over erotic, romantic love. Every time she read the words, they thrilled her. Turning her eyes upward, she looked into his face, then rose and gently lifted her hand and stroked the contours of his arm. It was cold and hard to the touch, so much so that it gave her a chill, but it didn’t detract from his carved beauty. Her eyes furtively darted around the park seeing no one. Slowly her hand lowered until she found his thigh and stroked it. She closed her eyes, gradually making her way toward his rigid cock, longing to feel it’s warmth, it’s heat… to feel it move... inside her. She looked up then, as if expecting him to speak, but his silence was heavy, his eyes, blank and emotionless. He looked upward…away from her as if she didn’t even exist. Again, her eyes quickly darted around, but the park was vacant due to the late hour, so she hesitantly stepped up on the pedestal and stood in front of him. He was so tall that the top of her head barely came to the edge of his chin. His hair lay in clusters of curls along the thick nape of his neck, giving him a strong, untamed look. He reminded her of the heroes in her novels. Husky, strong, handsome… so very handsome! She reached up and brushed her hand along the rough texture of his cheek, then to his hair and neck, imagining what he might be like if he were mortal. Would his voice be soft, or deep? His eyes blue or brown? And would he look at her as if she were the moon and stars? She could imagine his lips blazing a trail of kisses along her neck, of the soft words he might whisper in her ear, of his strong hands as they wickedly raised her dress,

A Taste of Divinity

59

then thrust himself inside her. Her thighs ached as the vivid scene unfurled in her mind. A tingle began in her breasts at the thought of his tongue first suckling her, then lightly teasing her nipples. She blushed to think of it, and felt for all the world like a fallen woman. But she didn’t care. These were her thoughts, and they made her feel delicious. He may be nothing more than pale and colorless stone, his body rough to her touch, but he was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man. Gwen heard footsteps and quickly jumped off the pedestal and hurriedly continued on toward home. She didn’t want to leave him, but knew that when the sun went down she would take another walk. The hour would be late, and the park vacant of prying eyes. That’s when she would sit and look at him … and dream… dream of being in his arms… of his kisses… and so much more!

A Taste of Divinity

60

Chapter Two Later, Gwen sat with her dinner on a folding table in front of her TV. She watched the news first, then a string of sitcoms, talk shows, and millions of commercials until finally a movie came on. Her dinner dishes at last cleared away, she watched as the story slowly unfolded and the two main characters finally made it to the bedroom. Curling up on the couch, she watched as the two lay passionately in each other’s arms. The moans and kisses, and rustling covers in the shadowy room made her close her eyes. In her mind’s eye, it wasn’t the actress in the bed, but her. The husky form above her was a dark silhouette, and his touch was like fire, his kisses hot and scorching. Then he mounted her, his hands following a silken trail down to her thighs, parting them. Her breath came rapidly while he took his cock in hand and pressed it against her throbbing pussy. Her breath caught in her throat as an electric thrill shot through her. She could feel herself open eagerly… ready and waiting for him to enter her and begin his ravishment of her body. Opening her slumberous eyes slowly, she saw the face of her shadowy handler move into the light, and gasped. The face she saw hovering above her wasn’t the handsome face of the actor. The face she saw was Eros… his familiar face not stone, but flesh and blood! She lunged forward when a commercial blasted the perfect scene away, and her eyes flew open. Immediately looking down at her watch, she mumbled, “Oh, God, it’s almost midnight.” She knew she was late, and it was ridiculous, of course, since no one was expecting her, but she felt rushed and jumped up from her chair and grabbed at her sweater. Swinging it around her shoulders she quickly slammed out of the door, then hurried down the steps. She rushed along as if she were late for a date. As she expected, the dark streets were vacant. Vaporous street lights formed a circle on every corner, and a cool ocean mist blew into her face, leaving a damp, ghostly kiss. Still her feet hurried, scraping the pavement as she walked. Then she was there. Quickly rounding the corner, her eyes fell on him. She stood silently for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. Seeing him bathed in the pale moonlight, he was even more beautiful than she remembered. He didn’t move, didn’t know she was there at all… but she knew. And she had to see him one more time before they took him away. Walking slowly, she found a bench and sat down. Allowing her eyes to roam over his muscular body, she imagined what he might look like with a living, breathing body of flesh and blood instead of the hard, rigid, unmoving stone. Her eyes again honed in on his generous manhood that lay large and stiff between his muscled legs, causing her to emit an aching sigh. She could feel the familiar fire begin in her center and travel upward when she looked at him. He was large… so very large! But wouldn’t the god of love have to be? Wouldn’t he have to be perfect in every way? What would it feel like to have that perfection inside her? To have him kiss her, touch her, feel her… every part of her? Without thinking, she rose from the bench and again climbed the pedestal. Putting her arms around his neck, she clung there. The rock was hard and rough, but sturdy. She could feel his cock pressing against her, and it triggered such fantasies! She closed her eyes, and erotic pictures blossomed large and vivid in her mind. Was Eros really a god that lived somewhere in the netherworld? Did he feel, breathe, eat… make love? Would he make love to her if she wished upon his statue? Of course not! But… well… she couldn’t resist!

A Taste of Divinity

61

Turning her face up toward his she looked at him longingly. The words were there… on her tongue before she realized she’d said them…words for his ears only. “Eros, if you do exist, come to me. Make love to me!” The wish cast, she slowly opened her eyes and looked at his perfect features. At that precise moment, the town clock began to bong out the midnight hour, almost shaking the earth with its deep, commanding sound. While it rang out, she suddenly felt dizzy, and stepped off the pedestal. She slowly made her way back to the bench, slumped down and leaned her head back against the cold metal. The whirling in her head slowly turned to a sparkling whirlpool that churned round and round in her mind. Slowly a picture took shape—the picture of a marble pool filled with crystal clear water. Large round columns loomed around her, and steps leading up out of the pool could be clearly seen beneath the sparkling water. There were people around her. A little girl, not more than ten stood at the edge of the pool, pouring in more blue water. Gwen stared at the child. Something was wrong. Her strange coloring wasn’t pink or brown, but as white as plaster… like stone might be. Gwen’s eyes shifted to those coming and going around her. They all had the same look. Their skin, their clothes… even their hair was pale, colorless. In an instant, she recognized her surroundings. She was in a Roman bath… among a world of moving stone statues. Was this the netherworld? Was this the world of stone that Eros inhabited? Then she saw him. to suddenly appear from behind a white, billowing curtain, and came toward her. He was bare-chested with a tiny swath of material barely covering his hips, on his feet, sandals with straps that wound up his legs, stopping just beneath his knees. He stared at her with desire in his eyes, then she realized she was naked… so out of place in this world of statues. With smooth, fluid movements, he knelt at the edge of the pool, his hand outstretched. “Come with me, my love.” At the sound of his voice, she forgot her nakedness, reached out and put her hand in his, then climbed the marble steps that led her to what seemed to be the end of the world. They stood on a precipice, and looked out. Beyond the stone city full of stone people, was a blue beauty that took her breath away. It was studded with stars, and had a large globe moon that floated so close by it didn’t appear flat, but had depth, and a roundness that made her feel as if she might take a step and walk on its surface. A cool wind blew against a white, goddess-like gown that somehow had materialized on her body. He turned to her and spoke, his voice deep, like smooth, ripe whiskey. “What do you think of my world?” “Your world?” she asked, looking around. “But where are we?” “The name is Olympus. It is a utopia… a region beyond the senses. A kind of heaven.” “It’s so different… I’ve never seen—” She caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror and gasped. What she saw were her features wrapped in stone. Pale, colorless, a rough texture, moving, but still a statue. “Oh, God, no!” she cried out, then threw back her head and emitted a high and terrible scream. ***** While Gwen dreamed, a strange green light slowly began to emanate from the statue. It pulsed slowly, reached a peak, then gradually faded. Seconds later the statue began to move ever-so-slightly. At first, the movements were slow and laborious, but as time passed cracks began to appear, and chunks of plaster began to fall, revealing the handsome man inside. His eyes immediately fell on Gwen, then stepped down off his pedestal and walked slowly toward her.

A Taste of Divinity

62

He knew who she was. He’d seen her almost every day since he’d been placed on that pedestal. He’d felt her smooth hands, her warm, fragrant breath, and wanted so much to touch her, to take her in his arms. He knelt now, watching her sleep. How badly he wanted to kiss those sweet, lush little lips, but knew he could never have her. His destiny was to stay locked up inside the statue, granting those that were worthy, love and prosperity. And now it was her turn. Time to give her to another. Rising from his crouch, he knew the time was now… time to cast his moonlit spell. But first he must take her to a secluded spot. Reaching out, he gently lifted her petite body into his arms. He looked around, seeing a grassy cradle in which to lay her, and hurried toward it. Laying her down gently, he lingered for a moment, gently stroking her cheek. Since he had first seen her, he had felt sensations he’d never felt before. Even being stone, she’d had the power to penetrate his crusty surface and find his heart. Now, looking down at her, he didn’t want to give her to another, he wanted to lift her in his arms and fly into the heavens, and into his world. She would at last be his… but no. It wasn’t allowed. The two of them could never meet in passion. He was made of stone, she flesh and blood. He was a product of the netherworld… she a mortal. He knew the rules. His world could never mingle with hers. Statues and mortals… it was impossible! Finally, he rose, lifted his arms and with magic words that opened the heavens, a sudden swirling wind, mixed with sparkling stardust flew around her for a moment, then settled… the moonlit spell cast at last. When it came time to get back on his pedestal, he turned to leave, then slowed his stride, hesitating. He couldn’t leave her. Instead, he turned back… and dared to lay down beside her! “Just for a moment,” he whispered as he reached out and stroked her cheek. Not able to resist, he leaned over her, his lips finding hers and gently kissed them open. “I love you,” he whispered as his lips traveled to her neck, then down, kissing her cleavage while daring to unbutton the front of her dress. “Eros!” Eros stopped suddenly and looked around at the floating voice. “You cannot! Leave her and come back immediately!” “But I cannot, Thor… not now!” “She belongs to another, Eros… the spell has been cast.” “I will not! I cannot leave her… not yet, please!” “You will violate her? Infringe upon another man’s property?” “Property?” Eros repeated, a seething anger beginning to rise within him. “Is that what is to become of her… to become some man’s property? She is a woman. Warm, giving… not a mere possession, and certainly too good to be some man’s property!” “Eros … it was only a figure of speech.” “Possibly, but closer to the truth than you think!” “It sounds as if you don’t think much of humans.” “Some are all right…” He turned and looked at her again. “But this one...she...she has stolen my heart. She is everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman.” “You will find someone at Olympus.” “No,” Eros said sadly. “I will find no one like her,” The voice was silent for a moment, the floating presence watching Eros caress the woman tenderly. Eros’ presence had been living inside the statue for centuries, and had never reacted this way to a mere mortal before. Thor had tried to pair him up with other

A Taste of Divinity

63

auras, but none ever pleased him. And now he was in love… in love with a mortal… a statue’s greatest sin. He knew what it meant. It meant that without her he would die inside that statue. Both of them, alone, lonely, longing for each other through the years. No, he couldn’t let it happen to Eros… to either of them. He had loved Eros like a son since his presence had come into existence, and he was distressed to see him like this. “Eros, she is a woman … a mortal woman. Do you not see how impossible this is?” “I know, of course I know! But she is mine until dawn! Take pity, Thor! After tonight I will be doomed to watch her with another… never kiss her, hold her in my arms. I cannot leave her this way. I must have more… something to remember while Autumn leaves are whirling around my pedestal… something to keep me warm when the Winter snow falls.” Thor could almost feel the pain in Eros’ heart. “Yes… I was in love with a human once. I know the pain it can bring… the sorrow… and also the joy.” The voice was silent, then said, “Very well, I will give you until dawn. But I warn you… as soon as the cock crows, your time is up, and you will turn to stone.” “Thank you… I will obey.” When the presence faded, Eros turned back to Gwen and began to stroke her. “My love… my wonderful love. The night is ours, and you are so beautiful.” ***** While these enticing words were being spoken, Gwen was still in Olympus, her tragic cry still ringing in the heavens. All at once she felt herself being pulled away, her feet leaving the precipice, and being thrust up into a whirling wind. When she looked back the city of stone got smaller and smaller, and for several seconds… minutes… maybe years, she traveled back through the blue haze until a peace overtook her and she slowly opened her eyes. But it was short lived. “Oh, bloody hell!” she cried, seeing a strong husky body leaning over her, his face in silhouette. She was about to scream when a stray moonbeam fell across his handsome face. “Oh, God!” she mumbled while her thoughts began to spin crazily. “You can’t be real,” she whispered. “You can’t… I’m still sleeping.” “Shhhhh!” he whispered, and then his mouth covered hers hungrily. She melted when she felt his mouth drawing on her lips, nibbling at her neck. Then his words, husky and seductive, rose from the sensuous mouth she had so long adored. “I’ve loved you from afar too long, my Gwen. I cannot stay away. Tonight you will be mine.” “You… you’re Eros, the god…” Her words faded and her eyes closed as another melting caress began softly moving up her leg. Trying to compose herself, she finally said, “You can’t be… things like this just don’t…” The words were quickly muffled in a kiss, but still in her mind she kept denying his presence. She knew of only one way to prove this stranger wasn’t Eros. Slowly she turned her head, her eyes slowly raking across the trees, shrubbery and narrow paths of the park. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw what looked like pieces of stone scattered about. Almost afraid to look further, her gaze continued to crawl along the debris until they finally fell on the short pedestal. There was no one there! Beside it were crumbles of stone… as if someone… something had pounded it and freed the prisoner inside. It couldn’t be, she thought, then felt his lips again. Even while being transported into a stratosphere of desire, she refused to believe what was before her very eyes.

A Taste of Divinity

64

“I’ve come to make love to you,” he said against her lips. To grant your wish… to hold you in my arms.” She tried to pull away while shaking her head. “No…no, I can’t bel—” “No?” he almost shouted. “Do not say it, my love. You must believe. You must believe that tonight, out of all the eons of time, is special.” Eons of time… eons of time? What the hell had he been smoking? The words were strange… in fact everything he said, the way he spoke… it frightened her. “Let me go,” she cried, twisting in his arms while looking around in the darkness for someone… anyone. Suddenly she felt him press her against the soft grass, and her struggles died as she looked up at his handsome features. It looked like him, but it couldn’t be. It was someone that had seen her lingering near the statue… someone trying to make her believe this wild tale… someone wanting to hurt her! She shouldn’t have come to the park so late. When there was no one around to help. She opened her mouth to scream, but again his mouth found hers. She moaned when his tongue slid inside her mouth. He tasted so good. Like a mixture of exotic fragrances she had never known before. The heat of his kiss was causing her to blaze, and she was melting…melting. And then the words of her novel came to her. It was true. Inside she had begun to feel like…oh God…melted wax touched with flame! “I have waited for this night for years… Do not take it from me.” “But it’s impossible…” she mumbled against his lips. “No! It is not. You wished for me to make love to you. Standing there on my pedestal, you pressed yourself to me, and told me to take you.” “But I… I didn’t…” “Yes, I know. You didn’t really believe. You were moonstruck… surrounded with your fantasies of what you think love is. You wanted flesh and blood, so I became flesh and blood. You wanted a moonlit night, so I gave you one. I surrounded you with beautiful blossoms, placed you beside a babbling brook. The setting is perfect, yet you refuse me! Is this not what you wanted? Like everyone else you think love cannot come from a statue… only a real man.” He kissed her hungrily. “There… you see? Are not my lips as hot as any living man? My body as strong and virile?” Looking down at her frightened face, he felt a pain cut into his heart. “Gwen, I do not wish to hurt you… to frighten you. How can I convince you?” “But it… it’s like a fairy tale.” “A fairy tale? For children? Oh, no, my love. Children will not read about this.” “I only meant…” “I know what you meant. I am not real, yes? Well, believe what you want. Yes, you will have your real man. The moment this night is over he will be here. But before he comes, you will surrender to me. For I will not stand alone through the years watching you stroll along the path… watching your children play happily… watching you with him. Tonight belongs to me. It has been granted, and I will take it!” She felt hypnotized by his touch. He was so strong… dominating. His hands squeezed her, his body heavy. Yes he was frightening, but at the same time thrilling. When she looked into his eyes, the vivid blue strength was softened with love, and the heat from his body melted her, his weight sensuous. “Do not worry,” he whispered. “You will not remember this night, but I will remember it always… look back on it when I am standing cold and alone among falling leaves, drifting snow. Year after year, watching while the world changes and faces grow old.” Then his face softened as he looked at her. “Don’t you see? To you this night means

A Taste of Divinity

65

nothing, but to me it will glow like a jewel in the heavens. I will only have to look up at the brightest star to feel the heat of this night and have it warm me.” He leaned over her… so close… so very close, whispering in a voice so liquid, his breath seemed to scorch her ear. “Let me love you, Gwen, let me love you…” Gwen felt her dress creep up her thighs. She stiffened, but all at once his tantalizing lips, his magic words, his hands that sizzled when they touched her, stripped away her reserve, turning her blood to flames. He was sweetly draining her of all her doubts and fears, and she knew this night would belong to both of them. And then as miraculous as it seemed, she felt the last of her strait-laced inhibitions fly away. The moment, the mere second these stifling feelings left, a moan of ecstasy slipped through her lips and she lifted her arms to encircle his neck. “You will be mine… this night!” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. She felt him pulling at the bun at the back of her head. Before she knew what was happening, she felt the weight of her hair fall free. Burying his face in it, he said, “Such glorious hair. It is a sin to keep it squeezed into a tiny little circle.” “But it…” she began, but before she could get it out, his lips brushed hers, and then spoke against them. “No, little one,” he said, his hot breath scorching her lips. “Do not answer. I know you do not realize the extent of your beauty, but believe me when I tell you, your beauty is unlike any I have ever known. You are a goddess of desire. You pull from me something I never knew was there. You make me want to be human. And that is wrong, little one. To make a cold, unfeeling statue wish he were human is wrong.” His hands caressed her, and his eyes delved deeply into hers. “You make me want to laugh, cry, feel sadness, even anger.” His magic words warmed her, made her feel as if she were floating on the winds of a savage harmony, this harmony weaving itself in between and around their bodies. Before she knew what was happening, he stripped her of her dress allowing her breasts to be suckled by this man of stone. How many times had she caressed his hard, stiff lips? But now they were soft, hot, searching. She closed her eyes. Oh, God, what his lips did to her. His body, no longer hard like stone, was now firm, his skin smooth, his heavy frame exciting to her. Gwen gasped when he mounted her, his knee parting her thighs. She moaned as blood pounded through her veins making her tremble all over. As she lay beneath him naked, and felt his hand creep down her body until he cupped it between her legs, she shivered. Her prim and proper upbringing that resisted his heated touch was shattered when she felt his finger plunge so deep inside her… moving fiercely… while his thumb did something so sinful, yet so wonderful to her quivering little bud that had grown hard and sensitive. Electricity seared throughout her fevered body, causing her to jerk with passion. Moans and cries were pulled from her throat as she rocked furiously against his hand. “Your passion ignites my very being,” he whispered in her ear as his finger continued to tantalize her sensitive, swollen bud. His name… his beautiful name bubbled up out of her throat until she cried it out in abandon. What was happening to her? She couldn’t believe that in this one moment in time her every dream was coming true! “Eros! Oh, God, I’ve never felt anything like this!” “Your fierce cries of joy warm me,” he whispered, his breath wet and hot in her ear. “But you have felt nothing yet. I am the god of love and will take you to heights you have never known.”

A Taste of Divinity

66

All at once she felt as if a sleeping tiger had been roused within her and feelings that had long been buried now came brimming to the surface. Her hands seemed to move of their own volition when they reached down, took his engorged cock in her grasping hand and caressed it. It began to swell in her hands, growing to such a length that the tip burst free and pressed against her stomach. She gasped at its size. “My love is impatient, no?” “Eros… please… I can’t wait!” “Yes, it is time. You are dripping with the sweet elixir of love.” With the fingers he had used to fondle her, he opened her up and tantalized her as he pressed the tip of his swollen cock against her throbbing bud. Again, shocks of electricity jerked her over and over, causing her to sizzle at his every touch. She had to have more! Then it happened! He pushed himself in! Oh, God, he was hard! ***** He could feel her velvety softness surround him, and moaned. While burying his face in the soft crook of her neck, he began a slow movement, his continued moan becoming raspy and guttural. Oh, God, she was soft, hot to his touch, and her juices were all over him. He’d wanted to go slow, but now that he was inside her, his hips involuntarily began to rock against her. His thrust became frenzied, his breathing short, but he couldn’t stop. She clinged to him, her legs clenching him… climbing him! The erotic thrill of it caused him to spread her legs further, push in still further… to the hilt… to the root of his swollen cock. He was fucking her hard. Would she hold him? Would her small valley accommodate him, or would he wantonly rip her apart with his lust? He could feel his distended balls slapping against her over and over… again and again. Sweat covered them both. The night was cool, but their love was hot, and steamy. All at once he felt himself nearing the summit, then suddenly felt her shudder beneath him… over and over again as she screamed out her pleasure. Then it hit him like a thunderbolt. He soared into ecstasy, spinning into heaven while he spewed into her lustily.

A Taste of Divinity

67

Chapter Three While the two loved on the ground of the quaint little park, Thor knew the little city beyond the sense of mortal man would be in an uproar. Boldly, uncaring of what it cost him, Eros had put his own life in danger… his very existence. He had taken a mortal… boldly lay her on the ground and took her! It had never happened before… at least not with love as the motive. A dalliance now and then, perhaps, but never… never love! Giving one’s heart to a mortal was unheard of… a crime in the eyes of the gods. It was treason! Easily the most horrendous thing Eros could have done is to… fall in love with a mortal! Leaving them, Thor’s presence soared upward through the velvety blue heavens until he was there, the cold stone city coming into view. When his presence entered the atmosphere, he materialized into human form, his skin and clothes pale like that of a statue, as was everyone else’s. Without pausing, he turned, making a daring stride into the gates of the stone city. Walking with his head up, he came to the Palace of the Gods. The round building stood tall and columned, and he entered with his heart fluttering. Along the cold stone corridors, he met and nodded to the other statue creatures until he found the Royal Room. Many could read determination on his face, and knew something was up. Since the forum tolerated an audience, a curious entourage followed his quick stride. He stormed in, once again beholding the sparkling crystal floor, the curving walls and the circle of columns that surrounded the room like sentries. Without hesitating, he strode to the center of the room and stood before the gods. As always, they occupied the dais, each of their bodies languishing on a chaise, partaking of fruit and wine. “I’ve come to ask for Eros’ freedom,” Thor’s voice boomed. “This is a bold move,” said Horus, god of the sun and the moon. “He’s in love!” “Well, it’s about time!” Horus, said as he quickly replaced a bunch of grapes in a silver bowl, then clapped for a servant. “We will give his watch to another presence. Who is this fortunate goddess?” He took a wet towel from the servant, then turned and leaned toward the others as if he were sharing a secret. “It must surely be a goddess. A presence with Eros’ unusual good looks wouldn’t choose anything less.” Thor hesitated. “Well… it… it’s not exactly… it’s more like…” Horus’ smile vanished, impatience taking it’s place. “More like what, Thor? Spit it out!” “It’s not with a goddess of the netherworld.” “So. And underling then? She must surely be special to have caught Eros’ eye. Tell us who this delicate flower is. I’m sure we can make allowances.” “She is a mortal.” Morrigan, goddess of priestesses and witches lunged forward at his dreadful words. There was a deadly silence, and then thinking it was a joke, the laughter began… ringing, echoing around the high ceiling while Thor stood helpless. Morrigan didn’t share their levity. Instead, her fingers clenched her stomach, struggling to bear the pain that made a deadly stab into her already broken heart. Thor stood looking at them as they continued laughing at him. Laughing! “Cease this levity!” Thor finally shouted. The laughter of the gods ceased as quickly as it started, and they looked down at the bold presence as if he’d lost his mind. “You dare to give orders to the gods?”

A Taste of Divinity

68

“I’m sorry, but to Eros this is serious. The love he feels is deep. I’m afraid he will die if kept from this woman.” “Die is a very strong word, Thor. You worry too much. He will forget her in time.” “You don’t understand,” Thor pleaded,” and I don’t know how to tell you that he has already…” His words trailed off as he looked up at the gods feeling helpless, tonguetied. How could he tell them? He loved Eros, how could he be the one to pronounce a death sentence upon him? Horus lifted himself from the pillow of the chaise, concern carved on his pale face. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Surely you’re mistaken. This love you speak of is forbidden, you know that.” “Yes, I know, but…” “It’s nonsense, no statue can mate with a mortal.” “He did…is… even as we speak.” There was a gasp. “And you allowed this?” Horus said, his voice deadly, his impressive stature slowly rising from his chaise and walking toward Thor. “When… how?” “Her time came,” Thor said. “He became mortal in order to cast the spell of love… and it happened.” “Then it is not a matter of mere love—” Horus rasped. “—it is treason! He is under your dominion, why did you allow it... why did you let this happen?” “I don’t know… I… I just couldn’t say no. When I saw his love unbound, I couldn’t refuse.” “But treason, Thor! Physical love between mortals and statues? It means death!” “I beg you,” Thor pleaded. “This is Eros we’re talking about. Surely each of you remembers when his presence came into existence.” Morrigan stood, the knowledge that he had slept with the mortal… that he was with her even now… caused her anger to rage. “I do not remember, and I say this Eros should be excommunicated. His presence exiled to a rock in the hot deserts of Egypt!” An audible gasp came from each of the audience of onlookers. “Morrigan, haven’t you ever been in love?” The goddess narrowed her gaze on Thor. “You will not call me by name, you snake!” “Yes, your majesty,” Thor replied with his head bent low. “Morrigan,” Horus said. “Thor meant no disrespect. He is our friend. He has served us many years with nothing but undying loyalty. You speak too harshly to him.” Morrigan flashed Horus a shock-ridden look. “Horus, you know that when you give a slave too much freedom, he becomes aggressive. Is that not written in the scrolls? God loved Lucifer, he became his favorite angel, called him beautiful. As a result Lucifer became full of pride and turned on God, taking a third of the angels of heaven with him before he was cast into the bowels of the earth.” “You are comparing that to this?” Horus shook his head and chuckled. “My stars Morrigan, you are speaking of the ultimate heaven. Besides, you know God has no slaves.” “I’m simply saying…” “I know what you’re saying, Morrigan,” Horus said, his voice deep and somber, “but I think you’re hiding something.” Horus paced for a few moments, his hand rubbing his chin, then he looked up at her, his eyes narrowing. “Tell me. What is Eros to you? Why

A Taste of Divinity

69

do you suddenly want to see him trapped in a moldering sphinx in the hot deserts of Egypt? This is a fate worse even than death.” Suddenly Sinn, the god of destiny, rose and raised his hand toward her. “Horus, let me open your eyes to what’s really bothering Morrigan. The beautiful goddess is in love. And with the mighty Eros. It is eating at her that he loves another.” “You lie, Sinn,” she spat. “I hate the marbled ground he walks on.” “Yes, I’m sure you do… at least that’s what you tell yourself.” Sinn quickly turned to the others. “You will rue the day you listen to her. Love between a statue and mortal should be regarded as a miracle, not a crime. Don’t you see what has happened here? Eros, in his natural state has fallen in love. Forbidden, yes, but it is love nonetheless.” He looked in each of their eyes, beseeching those that listened. “Do not take it from him. Haven’t any of you loved before? And more times than we wish to count, it was with mortals. Don’t deny it. I myself have dabbled with the forbidden. But with me it was a mere dalliance...nothing serious as it is with Eros.” He turned and beheld Morrigan once more, glaring at her as he spoke. “This witch awaits his return, hoping he will give her any indication that he cares. If he so much as looked her way, she would go running into his arms. She is as transparent as the wind, and now that she knows he loves another she has only the killing of his spirit in mind. If you take this love away and exile him to the deserts of Egypt, it will not be for his indiscretion, it will be to satisfy her evil lusts!” “Yes,” Horus mumbled then looked at the others. “As a matter of fact he knew it would be death to admit to loving a mortal, yet he told…” His words faded as he looked around for Thor, and saw him resting against a column watching the four of them argue. “When he told you, Thor. Did he not realize that you would tell us?” “Of course he knew.” Thor replied. “Eros is not stupid. That’s how I knew his love was deep. He had only moments with her, yet he risked death. Any one of us here knows that death is preferable to not being with the one you love.” He looked around. “Do we not?” Morrigan sat on her chaise looking away, pretending to be uninterested, but listening to every word. “Words… just words!” “Your maj—” Horus lifted his hand to stop Thor’s words, then turned to Morrigan. “It is more truth than you wish to admit. I can see it in your face, Morrigan. You are a dead creature... as dead as these stones here.” Morrigan quickly turned to answer, a bitter reply on the tip of her tongue, but was interrupted by a small voice. “You have not asked me.” “Ahhh, Selene,” Horus said, taking in her beauty. He knew that Pan, the woodland god had fallen in love with Selene… another forbidden love. Selene was a fixture in the mighty palace of the gods. For a woodland god to want her was sheer lunacy. Selene was goddess of the dance and her graceful movements had mesmerized many men in many worlds. “What tidbit of wisdom have you to give us?” “Only that Eros has a right to pick and choose whom he wishes to love.” Horus looked at her closely, and like Morrigan he knew her words had come out of her own embittered soul. Yes, she’d loved Pan too, but was forbidden to go to him. She was destined, poor soul, to live in the cold palace for the rest of her existence. As with the other gods–love would never touch her. In the mortal world she was considered a cold statue, standing alone and frozen in the garden of a famous dancing school. But to those who inhabited Olympus, she was an impassioned flower, with the soul, mind and heart of

A Taste of Divinity

70

a dancer. To surround one such as herself in cold marble was a sin. But it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. The gods ‘dallied’ with those outside their realm as Sinn had said, but not often. That is how Selene became enamored of Pan, and he of her. The leafy floor where Pan lived had many times bore the impressions of their writhing bodies. “I would suggest you look back through the records,” Selene said. “You will see that Eros has been bound for centuries. Surely, he has served his time in this cold loveless place. Therefore, I agree with Sinn. Love, whether it is with a mortal or among our own kind, is still love. It is not a crime, but a miracle, and cause for celebration... shouts of joy.” As a result of Selene’s words, the record books were brought into the great white hall, and the gods searched through them while the soft wind fluttered the white hangings, and the blue sky beyond the wide, arched doors became deep, beautifying the palace with glittering stars. “It is here,” Horus finally said as he lifted himself from the tomes. Then he looked over at Morrigan. “After having listened to the others, do you change your vote? As you are plainly aware, you are the only one that is against Eros being unshackled from the cold statue he has inhabited year after year.” “I am not against it,” Morrigan said haughtily. “Oh, yes, I remember now. You wish to exile him to the barren deserts of Egypt where he will languish beneath the legendary hot suns. Are you not afraid he will fall in love with some dark Egyptian woman?” “You mock me!” she cried, then turned her back to him. “His sentence is only fitting.” “Yes, to you, I suppose. But those of us who know Eros wish only happiness for him. For our sakes, if not for his, I implore you to change your mind.” She turned, looking at Horus, and then at the others. Each pair of eyes were trained on her making her feel small and cruel. “Don’t you see?” she said, waving her arms. “You’re forcing him to become an earth-bound clod that doesn’t have more than perhaps sixty years left to live if he’s not hit by one of those contraptions called...ugh... buses. Here he could live for an eternity.” “But you do not wish him here—” Horus said, purposely ridiculing her, “—burning Egypt is to be his home. Don’t you remember?” “Huumpf,” she said, tossing her head, then turned to pace, her chin raised haughtily. “Give him his reward,” Sinn urged gently. She whirled around at the words. “No!” she spat. “I will not be the one guilty of turning him into some frail human thing that is ninety percent water!” “No?” Horus interjected, his sarcasm continuing. “It’s better than having rocks in your head.” He smiled a weak smile. “No pun intended.” Morrigan hissed, and whirled toward Horus, her clawed hand lifted as if to cast a spell. “Why you…” “Uh, uh, uh, Morrigan,” Horus said, “you do not want to get into a duel of powers with me. With a wink of my eye I could turn you into a porcelain doll and place you in Eros’ bedroom, dooming you to watch him making love to this woman for the rest of your eternal life.” His words painted a picture in her mind that had her choking, and her hand fluttered down, powerless. She turned when she heard Sinn snickering and cast him a look that sent spurts of fire to singe his tunic.

A Taste of Divinity

71

“Ohhh, ohhh, ohhh,” Sinn said, jumping around while slapping at the flames. Over the smoke he said, “That was uncalled for you…” “Don’t,” she said, lifting her clawed hand toward him. “Maybe Horus is too much for me, but one more word from you and I will smear the floor of hell with your blood, Sinn.” Sinn’s eyes opened wide and a gulp from his throat sounded noisily. A sheepish look covered his pale face, and he quickly clamped his mouth shut, his fingers tapping his lips lightly. “Morrigan,” Selene said, interrupting the two, “think of the way you felt... still feel about him. If you truly love him you will want him to be happy. Free yourself from this bitterness that eats you up inside.” Selene’s eyes became cloudy with memories. “I know how it feels, but I refuse to let it destroy me. I can never have Pan, but that doesn’t mean I can never be happy. Perhaps one day I will love again.” She beseeched Morrigan with her eyes. “Oh, Morrigan, give yourself that chance. Otherwise this bitterness will turn your heart to stone. Don’t you see that Horus is right? If you continue this way, this awful anger will kill you and you will be as unfeeling as these walls. When that happens you will become an ugly old woman, denouncing love when it knocks on your door.” “Ugly? Me?” Morrigan snorted arrogantly. “But I am beautiful! The most beautiful of the—” Her words faded when Selene’s words began to ring like a demented bell inside her head. While the forum stood in heavy silence waiting for her answer she whipped out a mirror and looked at herself. Instead of her beautiful face, she saw shadows of age that bitterness had cast, lines that the years had drawn, and a mouth that turned down into a frown instead of lifting in a youthful smile. Seeing the ugly witch she had become, she gasped, letting the mirror slip from her hand and shatter on the floor. “Oh, God! she shouted, “It can’t be!” “But it is, Morrigan,” Selene whispered sadly. With her hands pressing her cheeks, her eyes darted to each one. “Why didn’t someone tell me... why...?” “We are telling you, Morrigan,” the gods said, chiming in together. “But it’s too late! I’m slowly dying!” Morrigan sobbed, tears edging from beneath her thick lashes. “My love for Eros is destroying me!” “Morrigan, don’t you see? Love does not destroy. Obsession destroys. Love… true love warms the soul. Think about it very carefully, Morrigan. If you truly do love him, won’t you prove it and set him free?” “I…” she began, feeling the words stick in her throat. “Yes,” she finally said, forcing the words out. “Yes, I love Eros, but will free him to go to the one he loves… even if it is not me.” A thunderous applause burst from those that had gathered to watch the debate. Morrigan jerked her head up in surprise. When she saw all the warm smiles, she knew she’d made the right decision. Her heart opened up and the sun came shining in once more. A big smile stretched along her lips, and the sullen face that had become strained and carved with hostility, now softened with the beauty she had once known before her heart had been broken. Horus, a look of triumph on his face, turned and strode to the center of the dais. “Yes!” he called out above the voices of the thunderous crowd. “Eros will have his reward. From this moment on he will live as a mortal man. I declare that he is free!”

A Taste of Divinity

72

Chapter Four The next morning, while the birds chirped and sang, and a soft breeze ruffled her dress, Gwen woke to find herself lying in a cradle of soft grass beneath a tree. How had she gotten here? She remembered coming to the park, but everything after that seemed so cloudy in her mind. She sat up quickly, finding that her hair had come out of its bun. She looked around, but her chignon and pins were hopelessly lost in the grass and brush. The mark of her humiliation rose to her cheeks as she realized the top of her dress was unbuttoned and the hem raised above her knees. She quickly got to her feet, smoothing her dress, and trying to tame her hair that flew in the wind. Her eyes darted around, but she saw no one. With a breathy sigh, she uttered a prayer of thanks that the park was empty. Scattered thoughts whirled through her head as she hurried toward the path that would take her home. Passing by the statue, she slowed and looked up. Seeing him standing on his pedestal straight and tall, she wanted to linger, but still feeling a little embarrassed, she ducked her head and turned quickly, running into someone coming up the path. Dropping his suitcase from the impact, he stumbled, “Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry,” she said. “Are you okay?” Looking down at himself as if checking for injuries, he said, “Yes, I seem to be. Actually it was my fault. I was...” His words suddenly halted when their eyes met and he recognized the beautiful creature he had come to love. The wind blew her white-blonde hair, lifting its curls and waves with its cool fingers while it molded her thin, light dress to her curves. He remembered the night before and how she had felt beneath him. Now, standing there, with the sun at her back, its orange rays blazing through her hair, she looked like a goddess... no, not a goddess. He’d had enough of those. No, she looked like a beautiful wanton… wild and free. “You… you’re…” She looked at Eros, then back at him. “You’re…” She felt stupid. She couldn’t speak, and finally lifted her hand and pointed at the statue. “Oh… yes.” he said, smiling. “You see the resemblance. My name is Michael Eros, I modeled for the statue. I’m a male model… been living in New York. I came back because the statue is going to be refurbished.” “You mean without anything…” She indicated to the naked form. “Yes,” he said, then with the sparkle of devilment in his eyes, he added, “would you like to watch?” She gulped, her eyes widening. “Watch?” Merriment still dancing in his eyes, he watched her closely as he said, “Sure, you might enjoy it.” Enjoy it? She had enjoyed looking at the bold, naked statue for years. And now… today… at this precise moment… she was faced with the walking, talking, breathing, likeness of him. What did he say his name was? Michael… who? Michael… Eros? Oh, my God! The name… it is him! It’s the statue come to life! “Say,” he said, picking up his suitcase. “I just got into town. Could you recommend a good hotel?” “Uh… yes… uh…” she said, trying to speak. Finally giving up, she simply pointed toward the center of town. She couldn’t talk to him! He stood before her in all his handsome glory, and she couldn’t talk to him!

A Taste of Divinity

73

“It’s okay,” he said, a soft chuckle in his voice. “Come and show me. By the way, I’m famished. Haven’t had any breakfast yet this morning, have you? I tell you what. First a good café, then a hotel, what do you say?” She quickly looked down, an embarrassed flush rising in her face. His mention of a hotel after the cafe sounded rather risqué. “I’m sorry. It seems I’ve embarrassed you.” “No, it’s okay.” she breathed, then realized that she had been able to form a whole sentence while in his presence. Going a step further, she boldly met his gaze, and their eyes locked. She had wondered for so long, and now she knew… his eyes were an electric blue, his skin swarthy, and his voice deep and warm, like ripe whiskey. Why did it seem so familiar... as if... as if she’d heard it... somewhere. Her eyes raked over him. His sultry beauty made her yearn for a night on black satin. Now looking into the eyes that had stunned her, and listening to the voice that warmed her, she was determined to force the shyness away ***** Thor watched the two as they walked along the path, his presence arrowing about, peeking from behind trees, fluttering up over hedges and popping up out of flowerbeds. He soared around their bodies, in and out, feeling the love they shared. He languished in it as long as he could, his own bittersweet memories bringing tears to his invisible eyes. When he knew he could follow them no longer, he finally melted into the statue. ***** Their hands just naturally joined as the two continued on down the path toward the street, Gwen felt as giddy as a child. Happiness she hadn’t felt for a long time filled her inside. Was she dreaming? Had she taken leave of her senses? She could hardly believe that she was here with him, her heart near bursting with joy as she felt his strong, warm hand holding hers. Just as they were leaving the park, she slowed, turned her head slightly to take one last lingering look at the statue. “Goodbye,” she whispered, “and thanks.” Lifting her fingers to her lips, she blew him a kiss. Then just as she was about to look away she saw a slight movement and her eyes snapped back, doing a double take. Looking closely at the statue, she saw nothing. Only a cold slab of stone standing perfectly still. But she thought… no, it couldn’t be! Could it? Yes! Yes, she was certain that she had seen him… wink!

A Taste of Divinity

74

Slaying the Goddess By

Kendra Clark

A Taste of Divinity

75

Chapter One Jag threw open the door to Morbid Bar and Grill and waited to face the angel of death. Technically the bitch was no angel and death wasn’t what waited for him. It was her turn. He’d spent the last three-hundred years in anticipation of this moment. The moment he’d rid the world of the last Tzitzimine. A ruthless goddess of the night. The musty smell of the tavern drifted into his nostrils, intermingled with stout alcohol, bad cologne, and cheap thrills, didn’t do anything for his demeanor but piss him off. Hell, the kill was in the air. He smelled, it. Felt it down to his bones. And his bones had never been wrong. Once the leader of his clan, Jag never faltered when he smelled a kill. And yet… The lady in question emerged from the curl of smoke surrounding the mass of bikers perched at the table. Crimson leather pants, clung to the slightest curve of her hip and a black lace tank covered—or barely covered--the outline of her breast. Gods, she looked like sex on a stick and then some. Lengthy ebony hair caressed the length of the creamy skin of her shoulder. Awareness prickled through his already sex-starved body—ending end the place it usually did—his pants. But it was nothing new. Damn bitches, it was their greatest weapon. Every man knew that a Tzitzimine appeared beautiful to the single male. To the mated male, their truthful haggard appearance shone through. Beauty was their weapon. And this one had gone above and beyond any he’d ever met. Hell, Jag had met more than his share. A temptress beyond compare. No, she was a wrinkled, haggard demon, searching for life force. Well, this chick was in for a surprise. Hell, Jag didn’t have a soul, so draino here couldn’t suck anything outta him. A legend among men. Born into royalty, the head of the Aztec Jaguar clan until the day he died. He’d died a warrior, lived as an absolution. It was something he took pride in. Jag rubbed the prickle of stubble lining his chin and slammed the whiskey sour, enjoying the slow burn as it traveled to the pit of his stomach. Then turned to the vile creature. Damn, it was his lucky day. And he was the luckiest son of a bitch in the bar. ***** Morgen was miserable. She’d been hungry for days—scratch that—ravenous for days. Feeding wasn’t what it used to be. Too many dopers, too many people eating fatty foods and clogging up good veins. Blood just didn’t flow like it used to. Mores the pity, because she more than needed some at the moment. Nothing was like it used to be. Morgen swallowed at the knot forming in her throat. Shit, things had gone so wrong.

A Taste of Divinity

76

At least Jim, the DJ of Club Morbid, decided to play good music this time, she thought as the sound of Chevelle’s Suffocating sailed into the air. The beat was intense. Steady, like the rhythm of a heart. With a few clicks of her boot, she made her way to the bar and without delay and found her supper. Morgen’s nipples drew up into tiny rock-hard darts as she eyed him. Her pallet sang with anticipation of this one. A delicious morsel indeed. And a rather large morsel. Hey, she’d found the all-you-can-eat buffet and then some. Morgen’s eyes traveled the length of the enormous frame/main course and then back up again. Oh baby, prime rib! Being shorter than the average goddess had never bothered her. Unless supper was too tall and then there was the whole standing on the old ‘tip-toes’ gesture. Levitating just drew too much attention these days. So that was out. But there were just so many ways to enjoy this man. Oh yeah, this one was definitely a “tip-toer” but if he tasted even a fraction as good as he looked, she’d enjoy every minute of him and probably go back for dessert. Standing a good six foot, three inches. Muscular beyond imagination. He wasn’t vamp. She’d smell it if that were the case. He wasn’t a morpher, either. Nah, he wouldn’t sprout wings or all that unattractive hair. This one was smooth, head to toe silk. Like a shaving cream commercial. He was a mortal. All mortal, delicious with long, ebony hair with an auburn streak that hung loosely over his left eye, if which, would match his right, was deepest green like the sea on a full moon-lit night. His nose had never been broken. Nope, he was a pretty boy and he’d taken good care of himself. And she was about to take good care of him. Calculating her next move, she slid in between two older men that hadn’t gone without noticing her. But the weirdest thing was supper hadn’t noticed her at all yet. Well, Mr. Tall, Dark and Yummy, she could make the first move. “Can a gal get a drink?” He turned, slowly, not too anxious, and she couldn’t help but wonder why he was cautious. No, he couldn’t sense what she was. She shook off the tremble easing down her spine. No one could identify her kind. Not a mortal. Not this soon. It wasn’t like they were regular average-variety vamps anyway. They were descendants of ancient goddesses that had evolved over the years. No, she was pure breed. The last of her kind. And could go undetected like none others. She smiled. Straightened her top and sucked in a sharp breath. Yeah, thinking he suspected a thing was beyond ridiculous. Hunger beat at her. With a force so intense, she shook it off and focused on the task at hand. The man did something totally unexpected. He turned to face her. Charcoal eyes, slanted as they bore into her, down to her soul. “Not if I’m what you’re drinking.” Shit! Morgen could’ve been knocked over with a feather. An honest to goodness feather. It wasn’t like her kind to be rattled so easily. It was the hunger. It had to be the hunger… She laughed innocently. “Is that an invitation?” “Depends.” He shifted on the bar stool, and turned the slightly to face her. He didn’t wear the common variety biker jacket or anything tattooed with a Harley Davidson.

A Taste of Divinity

77

This guy had on a black suede jacket, regular jeans with the knees faded out and a white tshirt. And damn was he hot. Morgen fought her fangs hard. Back babies. Not yet. Not playtime yet. A hint of familiarity nibbled at her conscious. Normally a regular guy would’ve pounced on her by now. Why did he stand there looking smug? Where had she seen that face? Images of her mother and sisters running through the streets of Mexico rang through her head. Their innocent blood spilled because of what they were. Not who they were. The horror of unspeakable prejudices. “On what?” she asked, ignoring the thoughts plaguing her mind. “On whether or not you’re buying,” he answered with a half smile. Goddess, look at those teeth. Perfect, white and— Oh. Shit. It came to her. Jag? Morgen took time from ogling her prey for over two seconds and it was enough to recognize the folly. How could she be so stupid? Panic engulfed her. Nerves bunched and gathered. All she had wanted to do was to come out and get a bite to eat. Instead, she had tried to take a nibble of the most notorious vampire slayer of all time. A legend. Touched by the gods—well, not the good ones–and deemed the absoluter of the Aztec people and she was fucking trying to eat him! What was she going to do? Adrenaline rushed through her like a freight train barreling through a tunnel. Just breathe, Morgen. You can make it out of this. Don’t alarm him to who you are. “I’ll buy,” she said, gesturing the bartender and feigning a smile of approval, “what will it be?” “Oh, I don’t know. What do you usually have?” his voice should’ve frightened her, sickened her or something, but it didn’t. It did just the opposite. Enticing and smooth as honey, it dripped over her with its warm timbre. What she wouldn’t give to dip her head to the delectable curve just so and sip and sip. But that wasn’t possible now and she couldn’t waste anymore time. She was hungry. And weakening. And was about to be staked if she didn’t get the hell outta Dodge and fast. “Lady’s choice?” “Why not?” “Bartender, two margaritas.” Jag tilted his head, jutted an eyebrow upward. “Interesting.” “What?” “Could’ve sworn you’d go for Bloody Mary’s.” There was no humor to his voice, although she’d given anything if there had of been. “What makes you think that?” Morgen pretended. “We both know we’re too old to play games,” his voice warned, and Morgen knew now was the time to flee of die. Stepping backward cautiously, Morgen moved her high-heeled footing slowly, calculating some form of— Jag’s muscled arm snaked out to claim hers. But she jerked, whirled on her toe and took off running like she’d never run before.

A Taste of Divinity

78

Hell, Morgen had experienced death, but she sure as hell hadn’t known death would come in tall, dark, and delicious. She nudged and clawed her way through the crowd. The muscles in her jaw tensed and her neck drew up in anticipation of death. It wasn’t like she hadn’t lived a long life. A thousand years wasn’t bad. No, it was damned good. But she couldn’t die. Not yet…not until… It was when she reached the exit that the brunt of a massive arm nailed her in a clothesline, slamming her to the floor. Fight or die. Every instinct she possessed screamed it. Demanded it and she would comply. Fight or die. Pushing up with a matrix-like flip move, Morgen planted her foot solid on the ground, then whirled with a spin kick, catching the handsome-lined jaw with the heel of her boot, sending a whapping sound in the air. When she spun around for the second time he caught her leg. Pushed her back on one foot into the dancing crowd, and pushed her back on one foot into the dancing crowd, against the hard wall of the club. Since when had she gone limp in the arms of a man? It was unheard of. Really, Morgen had never been like this. And she wasn’t about to start now. “Put me down—asshole,” she commanded through gritted teeth. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? But hey, that’s not in the job description. So, instead, I guess I’ll have to kill you now.” Shit. Double shit. “No, that’s where you’re wrong, Jag. Today’s the day you die,” Morgen bit out as fangs lengthened full-force. Normally they were utensils, but tonight they’d be used to rip out his throat.

A Taste of Divinity

79

Chapter Two Jag dipped his head low, so that only she could hear. “I look forward to the game.” He couldn’t help the wry smile curving to his lips. Oh yeah, he had her right where he wanted her—almost. He’d dusted hundreds of vamps aka Aztec Goddesses of the Night. But something about the way she looked at him with those please-don’t-kill-me eyes affected him more than he’d liked to admit. His job was simple. Find and kill. All he had to do is kill the last of her kind—the very Tzitzimine standing before him now—and he’d be released of any further obligation as a slayer. Hell, he’d gotten off easier than any of the Spirit Warriors. And got to rid the world of the vile goddesses that had so many times descended from lighted skies and drained his people dry. It was a great job until the last few years. Chasing this one had proven the most challenging. She was the last. And she’d be the best… So why in the hell hadn’t he already jammed wood in her chest and ended it? As she moved, her scent drifted to his nostrils. She smelled of mint and lavender. Unexpected for a vile goddess. She looked up into his eyes, and for a second, he fell into her trap. Her eyes didn’t sparkle. A dull cast shadowed. It meant only one thing. This vamp hadn’t fed in a while, possibly days. With so many victims lined in the club tonight the question remained why? “My life isn’t a game. And if you want to be the one to end it, you’ll have to stand in line,” Morgen’s voice came out quietly, weak, and he wondered why he hadn’t noticed it sooner. Then she looked inched closer to him, “Is yours?” “My life’s been a game for years. Others have been the players, but after I kill you, I get it back.” There wasn’t shock on her face like on the faces of the other’s he’d taken. Morgen stood tall. Moved in closer to him. And positioned herself close to his face. He felt her breath tickle with the words, “You’re move.” Jag should’ve reacted immediately, but he didn’t. Instead, took a minute to assess just what in the hell was going on. Her lips, just millimeters from his. Just a fraction of an inch and he’d taste them. Feel their warm plumpness brush against his in a caress. What was wrong with him? He’d never had this type of reaction from a vamp before? Hell, he knew it was their job, but still… He took her arm and wondered why she hadn’t made good on her threat to kill him. It didn’t take long to notice her strength wavering. Still, she’d had enough in her to attack and drink. “I’ll do you a favor. Since you’re my last, I’ll do it quick and in private.” He tugged at her, dragging her through the crowd to the back, private hall. Hell, he’d known the owners of the bar for a time and knew every nook and cranny in the joint. It wasn’t like the establishment was on the up and up. She didn’t respond. Just came with him, willingly without a fight. Strangely, not like any other of his prey.

A Taste of Divinity

80

“Don’t do me any favors, champion.” He paused, turned to face her. “What did you call me?” She opened her mouth, breaths heavy, as if it was hard for her to speak, “Isn’t that what you are? Champion to your people?” “You don’t know me,” he ground out. “I know you. I’ve met thousands just like you. Seeking fame through hurting others,” she continued, “so what do you get for being a legendary slayer anyway? A get out of hell free pass?” Her words cut, stinging when they shouldn’t have. His body ached around her when it shouldn’t have. Get this over with, he told himself. End it and move on. Suddenly, Jag started wondering if he could really end a mission that had been so much a part of his existence. The touch of his hand to her back had done nothing for Jag’s resolve to finish the job he’d come to do. Morgen’s compliance was a little unnerving as well. Jag felt her skin warm to his touch. The curve of her waist coasted under his fingertips. Since when was a vampire warm? “Paws off,” her voice commanded. But she kept walking through the masses of the dancing crowd. Even though she knew her demise was at hand? “Don’t worry. You won’t feel anything before long.” She rolled her eyes at him and he felt a tic work its way along his jaw. They made there way to the edge of the wall. Cautiously, he scanned the area for some sort of ambush, an attack of an entire vamp clan—something. It was going too easy. Entirely too easy. Once they made their way there, he turned to face her and she collapsed in his arms. ***** Cloudy. Everything was cloudy and horribly hazy. She’d been on the run so long. She hadn’t had time to feed properly. Plus she was highly allergic to the different antigen in animal blood, so animals were out of the question. Made her puff up like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Float. “What in the hell is wrong with you?” Like he cared. He was going to kill her. That’s all. Watch her explode into thousands of particles. Like fireworks and probably light up a cigarette while the entire debacle unfolded before his very eyes. It was then she became all too aware that she was being held. Held by strong, masculine arms. Her own arms loosely draped around a smooth, neck. Morgen’s gaze dipped to the bend of Jag’s corded neck. Creator, she was hungry. Starved near to death. The mere touch of this man caused a hunger in her like in places that only could be satisfied by a man. But with Jag it was out of the question. It wasn’t like anyone he’d be a safe tumble in the sack. A smile formed on her lips. A damn shame, too. Just looking at the bulge in his pants made her ache for more. She wanted to feel him, feed from him in the worst ways possible. But that’s not what he was here for. He was here to kill her. He casually placed a hand on the small of her back. It should’ve sent off all types of warning signs.

A Taste of Divinity

81

It should’ve. It didn’t. It made her crave him even more. The heat from his body, seared, burned into her. Her senses reeled. Tumbling with the scent of citrus and spice. Hmm…Mr. Yummy smelled so good. Like a breeze on an autumn day. The faintest noise of her stomach rumbling in hunger sounded in her ears, drowned out by the thump of the man’s heart that held her dangerously close to his jugular. Morgen leaned in, fangs aching and throbbing, and swallowed in anticipation of what was to come. The tiny pulse beat in his neck. She could see it. Hear it. Taste it. When she could stand it no longer, Morgen moved her lips to the curve of his neck, latched on, and drank.

A Taste of Divinity

82

Chapter Three Ecstasy. Pure Ecstasy raced through Jag’s body as Morgen drank. Gods, his cock hardened and the only thing he could think of was the quickest way to divest Morgen of those tight, clingy leather pants and sink into the bliss that surely waited. It had been a small tinge of pain, followed by a rush of tingly sensations and now— lust. Jag had to have her. At that moment he’d never craved anything like that in his life. He knew he should jerk her back and get her the hell off of him. He also knew she clouded his mind lust. There was no way he truly craved a Tzitzimine. No way. Never. But his cock didn’t lie. In fact, it strained against the unwavering denim keeping it in tact. Jag lay back against the hardness of the wall, throwing back his head and enjoying the feeling coursing through his body. His palms flat against the blocked wall. It was like being paralyzed. Moving away wasn’t an option. Not that he’d wanted to move away from her. Visions of Morgen lying beneath him, writhing in pleasure as he pumped hard inside her, flexed in his mind. The vixen was conjuring thoughts he shouldn’t have. When she lifted her head to face him, he was weak. His legs felt like he’d swum in the water for hours. His mind cloudy, muddled with thoughts of taking this sweet creature here and now. Where the hell had that come from? Unable to control his lust, his craving, Jag cupped Morgen’s firm buttocks through the leather and pulled her close to him were he could let her feel just exactly the effect she was having on him. Hard. Aching. She moaned, her mouth hummed along his throat. Images of them tangled in a lover’s embrace flickered through his mind; he was on top of her, pounding into her sweetness. Stop this. Get her the hell off of you. He warned himself, but she had complete control of him and good while she drank. Gods, if she didn’t stop he’d take her then and there. She was like a drug. An elixir. Morgen unlatched, licked her lush, curvy lips and looked him directly in the eyes. He didn’t know why he’d done it, and knew he was making a mistake, but Jag captured her still tongue-dampened lips with his own and pulled her closer and closer into him. Like being in a dream. She tasted so damn good. Their tongues laved and swept over one another in a temptuous tango. Slowly he allowed her feet to drop to the floor. Half expected her to knee him in the balls and make a run for it, but she didn’t. Morgen leaned into him, her hardened nipples pricked at him through his cotton tshirt. He kissed and kissed her, drinking up while the aphrodisiac of her bite still seared his neck. And before he knew what was happening. Morgen broke their kiss and drank again. Emotions flooded Jag. Emotions he’d kept buried deep within the surface. And the weirdest part was that he experienced her feelings, her wants, her fears, her…hunger.

A Taste of Divinity

83

This woman was damned near starved to death. His earlier instinct had been spot on. Why would a tzitzimine not swoop down and take what she needed when she needed it? Jag didn’t have time to think about it. All he experienced now was bliss. Sexual awakening he hadn’t felt in years. And by a goddess of the night no less. Here he was a destroyer of souls. And he was sent to destroy hers. Contrary to what many believed, goddesses had souls. Feelings? And he was about to rid the world of the last of her kind because his father had wished it. What in the name of all that’s unholy was wrong with him? One move. One swift thrust to the heart and he’d have his freedom. His life back. Was it worth it? As pure unadulterated bliss hummed through his once solaced body, he doubted it. Morgen suckled once more. His cock took notice and seared his stomach, burning with buried desire. Surely she wasn’t alone in this world. Morgen had to be baiting a trap for him. Luring him in to save her miserable soul. Tainted with blood of innocents. A tongue laved the pinpricks. And Jag saw her thoughts, the face of her victims and their fear. He had to kill her… Morgen unlatched, leaving him with a hazy, dazed sense of reality. Longing eyes reached for his, eyes the color of the Guatemalan Sea. The purest turquoise. All signs of lifelessness vanished. Dullness replaced with bright flecks, danced and swirled under the neon lights of the bar. And by the gods, he didn’t know why he did what he did next, but he couldn’t seem to help it. Jag lowered his lips once more to arrest her still swollen ones. And she surprised him right back. Kissing and meeting him. Movement for movement. That’s it baby, come to me. What in the hell was he thinking? By the stars she tasted good, sweet, and not like anything he’d ever experienced. Like exotic chocolate on a summer day. Like the sweetest caramel melting on the tip of his tongue. And he’d have more… ***** Morgen drank from Jag’s mouth as if he was rain in a desert after a thousand year drought. She hadn’t meant to take from him. Not after she’d discovered his identity. A legendary Slayer. The idea was ridiculous. Crazy. Dangerous. Did she have a death wish? She must. The weakness had overtaken her from days of not feeding. After all, he was the one who’d stuck her mouth to his neck—well, not technically—but a man like that was just asking for it. It wasn’t like she truly enjoyed feeding. It was a necessity. Her life force. And it’d never been a luxury—until now. Pulling back for a millisecond, her breaths came out ragged, sporadic. The taste of Jag lingering on her mouth. Her tongue. Tiny taste buds that applauded and sang for more as she dipped her mouth back into his and enjoyed. Ah Caramba this man, dark, dangerous, delicious. Deadly.

A Taste of Divinity

84

Strong hands tangled through her hair. Jag moaned a guttural, low moan of pleasure as his tongue swept against hers. Aching, needing, Morgen rubbed her leg along his, moving inward to feel his erection press firm against her leathered center. And it felt as glorious as she thought it would. Get out. Get out of here now, her mind shouted but her body betrayed her in the worst way. Blood always did that to her. Made her lust, need, but somehow this was different. Morgen draped her arms around his strong shoulders. Heated skin radiated from under the cotton t-shirt. And for some reason—right now—she needed Jag. As if he’d read her thoughts, Jag tore his lips from hers, rearranged their position. Funny though, she didn’t know whether or not to run for her life or to go in for another taste… Should she? Had she tempted fate more than she should? “Why did you do that?” she asked, her mouth searching for breath to speak the words. Jag’s eyes, slanted, as if studying a science experiment. Or witnessing an animal at the zoo. “I d-don’t know,” he answered, obviously still effected by her dinner. Knots tied in her stomach. Don’t give him time to recuperate. Get the hell out of here now! Move legs, she commanded the still-jello like stems, but they didn’t. They stood there, eyes meeting his, lips begging to be taken in a passionate caress once more. “Is this the way you kill all your victims?” Why had she just said that? “You?” He leaned in, pressing one arm on the wall behind her and caged her. “I-I’m not a killer.” “Could’ve fooled me,” he retorted. Oh yeah, he was back to himself. After a few muted moments, Morgen managed, “Are you going to kill me or kiss me?” Kiss me, she pleaded silently. He didn’t respond. Instead, breath raggedly, shooting a dangerous glare in her direction. Reached his left hand deep into his jacket pocket… He really was going to kill her. Run. Somehow—she didn’t know how she managed it, but did—Morgen took the pointed toe of her leathered boot and planted it directly in Jag’s shin. Jag answered with a Humph. Thankfully, Morgen’s legs decided to cooperate, she took out running as fast as her high-heels would carry her, out of Morbid Bar, out of Jag’s clutches. He was on her trail. She felt him. The anger. The confusion. Once at the door, Morgen sprouted winds and ascended high into the sky.

A Taste of Divinity

85

Chapter Four Damn. Jag shook off the reverie, fought the constraints of his cock pressing solidly against the unrelenting denim of his pants. Gods, he was slipping. How in the hell had he fallen for that trick? It was the oldest in the damned book! Distract a man with sex…or the promise of it. A few more seconds and it wouldn’t have been a promise. It would’ve been a reality. Jag knew with everything in him, he’d taken her. He had fallen too deeply into her clutches. Damn creature. Now he was no ordinary man and he didn’t distract that easily. But tonight he had. And it was no way to win his freedom. No way at all. He knocked and barged his way through the drunken, now rousing crowd. The backdrop of muffled voices and bantering capped with loud as hell music proceeded in aggravating his now aching head. Blood loss. No doubt from becoming Jag Al Dente. And now he’d have to search for her. Kill the woman he’d just kissed. It wasn’t his fault. Not really. Choices had been made. Long before he’d ever met Morgen. His orders from the gods, to destroy the Tzitzimine. Back in the day they’d been of the most feared goddesses of the Aztecs. And when his people had fallen to the Spanish, the warriors paid a price. Each given their own missions. His was to slay the vampires. Cut and dry. But wasn’t it really his choice to take their lives? He’d seen so many swoop down and take from his clan. Killing and drinking until their sickened stomachs filled. It was beyond imagination. Now it was time to end it. “Hey Jag, long time no see.” A beautiful she-wolf crooned in his direction. Long blonde hair flowed, stopping just shy of the small of her back. She had pretty blue eyes. And on another day, Jag might’ve paid a little more attention to her in order to relieve his build up. But not today. “I don’t have the time,” he replied shuffling past the crowd and out the door. Leaving the pining woman to stand, jilted. He didn’t have time to chase his cock. Not for a cheap thrill anyway. He weaved his way through the remainder of the crowd. And left the thump of the music and the scent of smoke. Closing his eyes, Jag honed his senses, trying to calculate just where Morgen had gone. The cool air whispered through his hair, grazed his face. The smell of crisp night air, jolted his senses and made him feel alive again. A hoot owl called, alerting him to her direction and Jag took off North following it. Leaves crunched under his thick-soled boots. He should be quiet, but hell, it wasn’t like she didn’t know he’d be coming for her. He’d counted on it. He just hadn’t counted on finding her so soon. Snaking around trees, the night air was replaced with the subtle scent of caramel and flowers.

A Taste of Divinity

86

Morgen It should’ve alerted him to attack—it didn’t. It alerted his pants to tighten yet again, but that wasn’t the affect he’d hoped for. Damn what had this woman done to him? Crouching low, Jag continued through the brush. Hell, he’d been a tracker in the clan. She was close. He felt it to his bones and in other places he really didn’t need to. The faint sound of cry carried with the wind. Surely not, he thought as he quickened his steps. The tiny mew came again. Jag’s breath hung in his throat. Gods no! A knot twisted low in Jag’s stomach. How could he have kissed something so vile? Damn there was nothing good about this woman and he’d done nothing except feed and feel her up? Piss. In the modern world that was considered aiding and abetting. His world it was a sin. Dear Hizzy, he knew better. Jag, the absoluter of his people, leader of the infamous Jaguar Clan of the Aztec Warriors and he kissed the very creator that’d left so many lifeless bodies to rot in the hot Mexican sun? But then his mind drifted to Morgen. That kiss, the way her lips tasted of the warmest caramel. The way her body curved in all of the right places. The misery. The hungry look on her face. Surely that’d been a ploy. And the way her firm body pressed against his in a sinful caress… The cry sounded again. Jag quickened his steps, seeking an entrance to the lair of Morg—the creature—he corrected his thoughts. He couldn’t let her get close to him again. Things were better ended swiftly. She was all that stood in his way of peace. A normal existence. Closing his eyes, Jag sought Morgen’s presence. The faint fall breeze wisped across his face. What should’ve happened at this point, was Jag should’ve felt discomfort, lust for the kill. Instead, Jag, drank in the alluring scent he smelled before. Morgen. Beautiful, sexy Morgen. Fuck, Jag, could you be any more of a puss right now? Tempering the strain of his cock pressing, painfully once more against his jeans, Jag sought the sound troubling him. He moved a few stray branches hanging down lower to the ground than usual and that when the entrance appeared. The sound was unmistakable. Small cries echoed from the depths of the carefully hidden habitat. He entered the mouth of the cave dreading what he might find. Dampness clung to the inner walls. Trickles of water dripped and echoed through the depths of the earth. Hair stood on his neck, quickly, he grabbed his three-ounce insurance policy aka the goddess slaying utensil and inched forward. Morgen was here and like it or not, Jag had to kill her. It wasn’t like he could give up his return to mortality. He’d come too far to trade normalcy for a piece of ass. He’d never been so stupid and wouldn’t start now. Stepping cautiously through the inner walls and focused on the deepest parts of the cave. She could be hiding or attacking from anywhere. Drawing in a deep breath, he scanned the dampened area, mindfully listening for the cries that had shaken him earlier. At any costs, he couldn’t allow her to do what she was about to do. Jag squeezed the weapon tight in his hand, so tight it almost bled. The piercing pain did nothing to temper the unrelenting anxiousness crawling down his spine. Silver eyes pierced through the shadowy interior. He’d found her.

A Taste of Divinity

87

Carefully, Jag paced in her direction as to ease the creature’s panic. Gods, the last thing he needed was to witness another blood bath. They were messy and he’d long lost his stomach for them back in his days in the warrior clan. It was as if a silent drape was lowered over the confined area. And in those moments, Jag’s eyes adjusted to the murkiness and he witnessed his worst fear come true. Morgen held… Jag blinked, not believing his eyes. Oh gods, please no. Shaky eyes met his, eyes filled with fear, confusion, and most of all protection. Morgen the last of her kind held something Jag never thought possible. A baby. ***** Morgen nestled Selithia close to her breast, fighting the hunger flooding her once more. “Leave us,” she commanded, holding the infant in a protective gesture. “You know I can’t.” He took a step in her direction. And shook his head to dismiss her request. “We’ve done nothing to you.” Morgen rose to her feet, backtracking a millimeter at a time. Why didn’t he just go? She hadn’t done anything to him. Well, other than make him a meal, but that was the way of it. Her survival, nothing could change that. Not even Mr. Cute butt. Jag didn’t respond. Just stared at her in puzzlement. Then words crept from his gaping mouth, “Put the baby down, Morgen.” He held his hand out coaxing her. What? He had to be nuts if he thought—Oh. “You think I’m going to eat her?” Jag’s right hand disappeared under his long coat and Morgen knew she didn’t want to find out just what type of toy he kept tucked away. “Aren’t you?” he asked. Funny how the comment tugged at her gut. It shouldn’t, but somehow it did nonetheless. Straightening up her stature, she spat out, “Get out of my cave. I’m not going to hurt anyone, but if you don’t leave us be, I’ll kill you.” It was a threat she didn’t want to carry through, but damn it she would if it meant their survival. “Give me the baby,” his teeth clenched now, Jag was more forceful. Morgen mustered strength somewhere deep from within. Selithia cooed and whimpered. With a bouncing motion, Morgen consoled the infant. “Shh…it’s almost time to eat, Sel. As soon as the mean man leaves, we’ll eat. Okay?” Selithia cuddled closely to her and ran a possessive hand down her back. “You’re sicker than I thought,” Jag accused, and in an instant he was upon her. His accusatory glare, tone, and all out smart-assness was not unnoted. The nerve of the man! Coming into her home and demanding compliance with his orders. “No, Jag. You are. What kind of man would try to kill my baby sister?” ***** Jag knew his legs were there. He was standing on the solid ground, how he still stood after that bout of news, was a mystery. Nevertheless, he stood. “What?” “You’re the sicko—“ “No,” he cut her off, “your sister?” “Yeah, why do you care?”

A Taste of Divinity

88

Good question. Why? If this child was her sister, then he’d have to kill her as well. Jag’s throat knotted and suddenly the confines of the cave seemed to close in around him. Gods, he’d never killed a baby before. Not sure it was even in him to do so. “I d-don’t…” he paused, moved back from the couple. “Selithia is my sister. Our mother is dead,” she informed, caressing the back of the baby’s curly hair. Shit. Hundreds of faces whirled through his mind, their screams, their pleas. Hell, the first hundred years he’d been assigned vamp duty, he hadn’t even known how many he’d killed. He’d gone at it like a blood thirsty vagrant. Exacting ‘so-called’ revenge. Staking hundreds, thousands possibly. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he said, thinking the words were a lie until he’d spoken them. Weren’t they? “I doubt it.” Morgen tipped her chin, her eyes coming up to sear into his. She had every reason to hate him. He’d killed the bulk of her kind. It was his job. The price he had to pay to return back to mortality. Something he was robbed of centuries ago. He’d be damned if he was going to throw it all away on a piece of ass. “I lost my mom too.” Had he just admitted that to her? He’d never really talked about that with anyone. Maybe he shouldn’t have told her. A twinge of regret moved through him. “I don’t want your sympathy.” Morgen’s voice held contempt, but the truth was, he detected the underlying weakness it held. She was scared. “I don’t expect to give it to you.” He shouldn’t felt sympathy. Jag shuffled his boot against the dirt in the cave. What were they doing in a place like this? It was no place for a baby. Even if the baby was a tzitzimine. Sister? Was such a thing possible? Gods, he didn’t really know. The first thought ricocheting through his mind was she was lying. At least he hoped like hell she was lying because if she wasn’t it only meant one thing. He’d killed their mother. ***** Morgen gazed up and snuggled Selithia even closer in her arms. Jag was a good kisser, but she wasn’t endangering her sister further for a set of good lips. Morgen had been through hell and back to make sure they’d survived the Medias’ the raid of their home. She swallowed hard, swiped the lose strand of curl from her forehead. Bastard creatures had ascended to the land she held most sacred and tried to take over the throne. And she wasn’t about to hand their lives over to the slayer of her people. Not after battling all of that. Closing her eyes, Morgen inhaled the sweet smell of cookies and cream. Selithia has just had a bath in the water spring and smelled sweet, innocent. Thankfully a shifter at the pub had agreed to baby sit while Morgen went to hunt. What blood she had in her veins had all but withered from feeding the baby. And she was about to die. Jag just stared at her. For the life of her, Morgen didn’t know whether he was going to attack her, or fall over from shock. “You have to be kidding,” he coaxed, as tension eased in his shoulders. “No, I’m not. So it’s your lucky day, Slayer. Two for the price of one.” Sarcasm dripped from her tongue, but she couldn’t help it.

A Taste of Divinity

89

It wasn’t fair he’d been sent to kill her. It wasn’t fair all that she’d already been through. “I-I…” he paused “What? Never kiss before you kill?” He blew out a loud breath. “No, that’s not…” Took two steps toward her, paused again. “Sudden attack of conscience?” “Will you just stop?” he managed in a less than happy tone. “What do you expect me to do?” She tipped a defiant chin. “You follow me into the cave. Demand my sister be handed over to you, the entire time hiding behind the façade that you’re on a holy mission to rid the world of an ancient goddess.” She pointed an accusatory finger in his direction. Morgen felt the anger searing her cheeks. Why didn’t everyone just leave them alone? “It’s not like that.” “No? What’s it like then? You hadn’t had a good kill lately?” He didn’t answer, which just aggravated her further. “Oh come on, you know you enjoy the kill.” He lifted a brow at the question. “Yeah, I guess I do.” Sick bastard. Morgen’s stomach knotted as she thought of how many people had begged Jag for their lives. “Stay away from me.” “No,” he answered, letting the hand that held the star drop to his side. “I mean it so help me if you don’t back the fuck up, I’m going to hurt you, Jag.” His face softened. “Listen, Morgen. I’m not more of a killer than you are.” “The hell you’re not.” “So, tell me precious. How many people have you killed over the years? I’ve seen your kind in action. Sucking the life out of people and leaving them to rot.” He crossed his arms firmly over his broad chest. “You’re no better than me.” “I am.” “Yeah, how?” he asked. “I’ve never killed anyone.” ***** Yeah right. She was lying. There was no way any goddess of the night hadn’t killed a single soul. “Look, Jag. I’m not defending myself to my killer.” “Guess not.” His felt his jaw tighten. He’d never been played such a fool. Or had he? Jag lifted his gaze to meet Morgen’s. Shit, her eyes were hollow once more. Dark circles ringed her beautiful eyes. Her skin porcelain pale—the color of milk. And if he wasn’t mistaken, her strong stance wavered. “You need to rest,” he scolded, not really knowing where it came from. “The hell you say.” “You’re exhausted.” He approached her with cautious steps. Still, Jag couldn’t figure out why he really gave a shit. She was his mortal enemy. An order sent straight from the gods. And he shouldn’t give a shit. But somehow he did. “Yeah and the minute I fall asleep. You’ll kill us.”

A Taste of Divinity

90

It was what he was supposed to do. He should do it. He knew. But something deep inside Jag told him he wouldn’t be a slayer today. Especially when he looked at the child Morgen rested on her hip. He reached his hand out to her, steadying her starving frail, tired, body and eased her to the floor. She didn’t fight, just gave into his request. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at him. Damn, she was gorgeous. “Please,” she pleaded. “She’s just a baby.” Jag made the mistake of turning his gaze to Selithia. A curly, black-haired baby that smiled up at him as if he was her hero. He was no one’s hero. He was the monster that had taken her mother away. He was the monster that was sent to destroy them. Jag extended his hand, cupped under Morgen’s chin, tipping it so he could look into her eyes. Gods was he in trouble. “I’m not going to kill you.” ***** Morgen blinked. Blinked again. Why? She wanted to ask. But she didn’t want to tempt fate. Hell, she’d been on the run so long from so many people. Everyone was on her trail—present company included. And the one man that was the equivalent to instant death wasn’t going to kill her? “You want me to buy a tie with that load of crap you’re trying to sell me?” “What?” he asked, his hand dropping a fraction. She couldn’t think with him this close. Hungry lips craved the bliss she’d found at the bend of Jag’s neck. Begged to taste those strong, masculine lips once more. Stop it, Morgen. You’re just tired. You’re just not yourself. She wasn’t. She hadn’t been herself since they’d come. Since the beasts had descended upon their haven in the stars and ravaged everything in sight. Her throat tightened at the thought. A tear trailed down her hollowed cheek. “Just make it quick.” The pad of his thumb came up to swipe her tear away. Then did something that totally surprised her. Jag scooped her up in his arms, Selithia and all, and cradled them both close. “You’re coming home with me.” Fight. She begged herself. Fight. But she just couldn’t. There was no strength left in her. The fight had gone. She had no choice but to trust Jag. The Medias would come for her soon. To finish the job they’d started. So Morgen did the only thing she could do, she closed her eyes, and fell into the security of her killer’s arms.

A Taste of Divinity

91

A Taste of Divinity

92

Chapter Five What in the hell was he doing? Jag questioned himself as he placed a sleeping Morgen down on the bed. In his house. His house. Gods, he’d actually brought one of them home. An actual Tzitzimine. The Aztec Goddess of the night aka the origin of all vampires. One was in his home. Damn. He cupped his forehead in his hand, rubbed at his temples. This one looked beautiful and drained and uncomfortable? Fully clothed, she looked uncomfortable. Unclothed he could only imagine… Jag unzipped her boots, and tugged them steadily down the length of her leg. His skin grazed hers. sending tingles his arm. Jag closed his eyes, prayed that he’d be able to resist temptation long enough to find out just what was going on. Goddesses of the night didn’t have baby sisters. Did they? Hell, he’d never heard of it. Jag pictured Selithia in his mind for a moment. She’d looked a like any other baby. A human baby. She looked like Idara, the baby he’d lost… Damn, it had been so long ago. Not long enough, he thought wryly as pain tore through him at the thought of his infant. A girl. Just like Selithia… Jag clenched his teeth hard at the fractured memory and turned his attention back to the task at hand. He had to find out what was going on and even more important, what to do about it. “Hmm…” Morgen’s voice moaned through the sleepiness. Jag tugged off her other boot and dropped it to the floor. Studying her face, the softness of her breathes. The tiny puffs of air escaping her bowed lips. Tired lashes rested on her slightly pinked cheeks. Long, Onyx hair feathered on the white sheets. Quit looking, just get out. You can question her later, Jag. Just get out. He told himself to leave. He begged himself to leave, but when her arm snaked out for his, he took it. Chilled and cold, from blood loss. Jag cupped Morgen’s hand in his, feeling the chilled, frigid, tiny bones seeking warmth. Damn, she was freezing. Her lips had frosted to a pale blue. Jag knew she needed blood. And the tiny, fresh marks on her arms told him she’d been feeding Selithia to keep her alive. Maybe she wasn’t a killer. “Please,” she moaned, still asleep and tugging him down to her. Jag wanted to warm her. Warm her in ways only that would satisfy both of their longings, but it was impossible. Instead, he dropped her hand and left the room. Trying to figure out what to do with Morgen, her sister, and his now even more screwed-up life. ***** The smell of coffee and steaming biscuits tugged Morgen from the recesses of her dreams. A bed… she was dreaming, she was warm and nestled in a bed and there was food. Honest to goodness food and for the first time in a long time—she was warm.

A Taste of Divinity

93

Stretching her arms above her head she let out a contented sigh. She’d dreamt of Jag. He’d brought her to his home to kill Sel and her. She had to stop him. “You hungry?” A male voice asked, and Morgen’s eyes shot straight open. Jag. He looked kind of funny standing there, holding a tray of food. Did immortal vampire slayers even do that sort of thing? Take a vampire home, put her to bed, and serve her breakfast on a tray the next morning? Really, all that was missing was a rose in his mouth. Or some salt on his neck, she thought wryly. What could she say? No thanks, no food, I’ll just kabob you and I’ll die a happy vamp? She decided against that. “I’m hungry,” she admitted, pushing up on her palms until she sat in an upright position. “I had Belita make you something,” he said, as he sat the piping hot tray of biscuits, eggs and bacon down on the nightstand beside the bed. “Who?” “My housekeeper. You know you’ve been asleep for a couple of days.” An uneasy silence followed. This morning Jag had foregone the trench coat, wearing only a white cotton t-shirt and faded jeans. The white showed off his copper-kissed skin and grabbed his muscular torso just right. “What?” “You must’ve been exhausted.” She ran a hand through her hair as she stretched. “I guess so. You have a housekeeper? Slaying must pay well these days?” she asked sarcastically. “I’m ignoring that.” “Why? It’s what you are.” “I’m ignoring what we both are for the time being,” Jag informed as he eased down to sit next to her on the bed. Heat radiated from him. His heart drummed a dull melody in her ear. Her fangs ached slightly, but just enough so she kept them in check. “Why?” “There’s something I need from you, Morgen,” the businesslike tone of his voice bothered her. His business was slaying vampires, and hers was keeping her and Selith— Bolting up, “Where’s Selithia? What have you done to her?” Fear welled with a pain so fierce, she knew if he’d harmed her, she’d drain the bastard dry. Hell, she wasn’t a killer, but she’d make an exception if Jag hurt Selithia. Selithia was all she had left… “She’s fine,” he consoled, but she wasn’t ready to trust him completely yet. “I have to see for myself.” Morgen hurried out of bed, attempting to step past the mass of man now blocking the doorway. “Move, Jaguar,” she warned, exposing her fangs in a hiss. He eyed her suspiciously, his gaze traveling her full length and back up again. “No one’s called me that in centuries.” He appeared taken aback. Good! She’d heard the stories and knew he didn’t like to be called that. “Yeah, well, I’d heard of you. Now scoot out of my way before I kick your ass.” She was being bold, mustering up what strength she had to get to her sister.

A Taste of Divinity

94

Jag jutted an eyebrow upward, “promise?” He was cocky, over confident and…well…sexy, but now wasn’t the time to think about that. “I want Sel.” “Relax.” The slightest touch of his hand brushed her shoulder. “Belita has her. She’s great with babies.” “Selithia isn’t a normal baby, Jag. She needs me.” “And she can have you.” He moved her slowly backward, “after we talk.” Shit, she wished he’d stop touching her. Didn’t he know tzitzimine needed blood and far more, they needed sex from their prey? Morgen had gone a long time without both. Truthfully she didn’t know if she could keep it up if those large hands kept touching her. “If you don’t quit touching me, you’ll have to do more than talk.” ***** If she meant sex, then the feeling was mutual. Her scent, her essence clung to everything in this room. His cock was semi-hard and if she brushed against him one more time, it would be brick hard. “Sorry,” he apologized, lowering his hand from her. “Would you sit back down?” Morgen complied. Her bare feet, padded back to the bed. The crimson varnish covering her toes had chipped just on the edge. “You have a foot fetish?” she asked tucking her toes back under the blankets. No. He didn’t, but her feet were dainty. They were clean, but he couldn’t help but wonder why a creature whose business was to lure men into seduction would leave her toes unkept. “There are some things I need to understand.” That was an understatement if he’d ever heard one. “You’re not the only one pal,” she retorted, squaring her shoulders to meet his. “Will you hush for a minute?” To his surprise, she did. “Why were you living in a cave?” “Why do you care?” “I don’t,” he lied, “I just don’t understand why you would be hiding out in a cave with your so-called sister. It doesn’t add up.” “She’s not my so-called sister. She is my sister. I was hiding in a cave because you’re not the only one trying to kill me.”

A Taste of Divinity

95

Chapter Six She hadn’t meant to say it. It’d just come out that way. The shock on Jag’s face was unmistakable. “What? Didn’t you know you were in a long line?” Jag just stood there, caging the door and Morgen still didn’t know whether or not would kill her today or not. With the Medias hard on her tail, Jag seemed to be the least of her worries. “Well, you are.” “Who?” he demanded, raising his brows with the question. “Doesn’t matter,” she managed, knowing her words weren’t the truth. “Might.” “Why would it? You’ve brought me here to kill me.” He took two careful steps toward her. “I think I’ve established I’m not going to do that right now. His arm came out to touch hers. “I need to know.” “Yeah, and I need my sister,” she informed, pushing at him to move out of her way, which he didn’t. “Stop playing games.” “I’m not playing.” Morgen’s fangs receded and she closed her eyes for the strength she needed. She needed to get Selithia and get out of here. She didn’t trust Jag yet. Not enough to put Selithia’s life in any more danger than it already was. And she had good damned reason. He was a slayer. She was a vampire. Morgen knew that whatever their circumstance. Jag was her last hope. “I have to know who’s after you, Morgen.” “Why? Why in the hell would a slayer care who was after me? I mean aren’t they doing the world a favor?” Sarcasm dripped from her mouth, and just kept pouring. “What’s in this for you anyway, big boy? You get to mount my head on a wall like hunting game? I’d imagine with this big house you probably have a trophy room of goddesses you’ve killed. Am I right?” “Do you not know how to shut up?” “No, I guess not,” she felt her temper rise with the question. “Do you not know how to do your job? I’m still alive. Kidnapping and torturing isn’t part of the deal.” He was inches away from her face now. Closing in the small space. “I’m going to help you.” He had to be kidding. A slayer helping a vampire? Those things only happened on Buffy reruns. Not in real life. Within Jag’s words lay a promise. Hope. He said he’d help her. Did she have a choice? Tension filled the ever-shrinking room. Was it hot in here? Jag’s close proximity was astounding. Effecting Morgen’s innate ability to crave sex. Blood. It wasn’t anything she could help. Hell, Morgen’s center dripped at the thought of having her powerful enemy buried deep inside her while she drank crimson elixir. Her damned near starved body screamed for blood. For sex. For Jag. God, she ached. “You wanna help me?”

A Taste of Divinity

96

“Yes, I do—” she cut him off, tiptoeing to brush her lips against his. She needed food. Jag was food, plain and simple. Jag stood stone still as Morgen murmured against his mouth, “I really could use some dinner.” She waited. Waiting for him to back up and move away. But he didn’t. Jag captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Tangling, pulling her half-clothed body hard against his. Morgen’s legs looped around Jag as he cupped her buttocks with his hands and gave a good squeeze. Morgen ached for him. Begged to have him. Not just a sip. She wanted all of him. Maybe it was because she wasn’t supposed to want a slayer. Maybe it was because he was dangerous and the promise of fear heightened her arousal. Either way, Morgen was going to sample Mr. Tall, Dark and Yummy before she left. Every last delectable inch. What if he tried to kill her in during? She really couldn’t think about that right now. Hell, she really couldn’t think of anything except Jag and how good his lips felt devouring her mouth. ***** Jag knew he’d regret it. He knew he’d be punished for disobedience. He knew he was giving up his only opportunity for normalcy—something he’d fought long and hard to obtain all these years. But when Morgen wrapped her legs around him, his cock went rock-hard and he lost any voice of reason. Gods, it’d been years since he’d had a woman that moved him the way Morgen did. She dripped pure sex and he wanted to sample his one forbidden pleasure. The back of his mind kept screaming she was tzitzimine. Goddess of the night and evil to the core. His cock screamed take her. Own her. Tempt fate… Jag cupped her firm buttocks and moved her where he knew he knew he wouldn’t resist—the bed. Roughly, he pitched her to the bed, allowing his gaze to travel the full-length of her. Hair the color of the raven spilled across the solid white pillowcase. The contrast was astounding. Ebony and silk. A hint of rose colored her cheeks. Dark eyes beckoned him to join her. Breath taking. Jag hadn’t seen such beautiful since his— “Aren’t you going to join me?” she coaxed, reaching out a frail, dainty hand. “Yes. Gods help me.” He took her hand in his. Jag cupped her face as he lowered his body to rest on top of hers. Morgen was soft, supple, and extremely receptive to his touch. Too receptive. She moaned into his mouth. Tasted of caramel. His cock begged to take her. Bury itself deep within this woman and forget for a moment who and what they were. But that was crazy, wasn’t it? ***** Jag was the best tasting man Morgen had ever nibbled. Never had she thought she’d be in the bed with Jag. A man who’d almost singlehandedly made her kind extinct. And she wanted him. Wanted to experience the danger.

A Taste of Divinity

97

Passion. She hadn’t experienced anything except for fear and hunger in so long, she wanted to know what it was like to be wanted. No longer the prey of some ruthless predator. Jag’s large frame made her feel feminine. Sexy. Hardness pressed against her. Moving and playing with her emotions. Morgen took in astride and pressed deeper into the danger. The safety. Jag broke contact from her lips. Her lips immediately cooled, still throbbing from his passionate kiss. “This is crazy,” he breathed. Warm air tickled with his words. “No, this is the sanest thing I’ve done in a while.” She reached up, took strong lips with hers and pushed her tongue into his pliant mouth. He moaned and that just encouraged her further. Morgen’s nipples drew tight, hard against his firm chest. Jag’s cock was brick-hard. She felt it through his pants and Morgen couldn’t help but wonder what the quickest way to divest him of ‘said’ pants would be. Breaking the kiss, she made her way down his chin, down to the bend of his neck. The pounding rhythm beckoned her. Jag’s blood could be powerfully addictive. Stronger than any aphrodisiac she’d ever encountered. “No, not this time,” he breathed. “I wasn’t going to,” she lied kissing her way back to his lips, instead and drank from his mouth. Moaning, his fingers crawling under her shirt, and finding her erect nipple. The first touch to the tip nearly sent Morgen from the bed. He kneaded between his thumb and forefinger causing her need to grow further. Her center dripped in anticipation of knowing him as a lover. A man. An enemy. He was seducing her and in the worst way. All of these years her kind had been taught how to lure a man. To coax him to comply with their every wish and here she was, putty in his hands. At that moment, Morgen would do whatever Jag asked of her, just to feel his power inside her just once. Other men she’d fed from were weak, she could control their mind without a second thought. But not Jag. He was muscular, hard and strong as an ox. Morgen splayed fingers over his back. Pressing him closer. Closer. She needed to feed again. The urge overtaking everything in her so that she didn’t know if she’d be able to resist much longer. And the hardness of Jag’s manhood pressing against her, made her hungry in other places was almost too much for Morgen to handle. He lifted his head. “We shouldn’t do this.” The words tickled her kiss-swollen lips. “Yes, we should.” She reached to him, flipping him over and taking control. She straddled Jag now. The most powerful killer of her people and Morgen in her weakened, starved state overpowered him. Reaching down between his legs, she unzipped his pants and freed his cock. It sprang out, hot, hard, ready. She jerked her clothing off as well. It’d had been so long since she’d felt anything but fear, she couldn’t wait until Jag was deep inside her. His hand came up behind her back, unlatching her ivory-laced bra and exposing herself to him. She knew she was beautiful. All of her kind was. But something inside her wanted Jag to think she was beautiful for her, not because it was part of the allure. And she was about to take the killer of her people and show him just how beautiful her race could be.

A Taste of Divinity

98

Morgen cupped his hardness and stroked. He breathed in a hiss of air and his hips lifted to meet her ministrations. The hotness of his need seared her palm. Morgen’s nipples drew up even tighter, harder. Who was the one doing the seducing now? He reached, cupped her exposed breasts and lifted him self up on the bed. “Gods, you’re beautiful.” “You’re not so bad yourself,” she admitted as she stopped touching him. “We’re breaking all kinds of rules here.” His voice a reminder of the natural order of things. But the natural order of things hadn’t been her salvation ever. So Morgen mentally shot it the middle finger and moved on. “Rules are made to be broken.” Then she lowered herself onto him.

A Taste of Divinity

99

Chapter Seven Jag drew in a sharp breath as Morgen’s pliant center lowered onto him. If there was ever a woman that felt better, he doubted it. You’ve fallen right into her trap, he warned himself. The problem with that was, he didn’t care. Something drew him to her. Made him yearn to help her, save her. To take her until they were both spent from the pleasure of it. And now that he’d had a sample, he feared it would only get worse. They moaned in unison as she sheathed him, covered him fully. Warm, hot, and oh so tangy. The scent of their lovemaking filled the air. He captured her breast with his mouth. Toying, playing with it. She hissed in pleasure of the warm, captivating lips flicked and toyed with her breasts. Morgen raised and lowered herself over Jag’s strong cock. Almost shuddering with pleasure with each movement. He unlatched from her breast, his gaze traveling to meet hers. She was breathless. Utterly, completely breathless. “I’m not supposed to be doing this.” The words came out breathy, and rasping. “Jag,” she said his name like a prayer. Never had a woman mad him feel so complete. Like he mattered. Like he was somebody. Somehow, Morgen did. “Gods, Morgen, you feel so good.” ***** “You’re feel good yourself,” she said as she kissed a trail down his neck. He was weakening. She felt him pause beneath her. The dull rhythm of his heart… The only part of Jag hanging on was his hands to her ass. Morgen wanted this. She wanted to weave a spell so powerful. To drink once more from her enemy and share his strong emotions, feelings. “Will you die? If you don’t feed now, will you die?” His question caught her off guard. Why in the hell did he care if she lived or died? He was sent to kill her. And Selithia… Morgen shook off the shudder running the length of her spine at the last thought. She no longer held back her inhibitions. She would drink. And she would be full. “Survival of the fittest baby.” Then she lowered her throbbing fangs to his neck and drank the metallic bliss. ***** Jag knew it was crazy. Hell everything he’d done in the last twenty-four hours was beyond crazy. However, the feeling that raced through his body when Morgen drank coupled with her warm pussy sheathing his cock caused his balls to draw up tight and beg for release. Damn, no wonder his kind had always fallen privy to the goddesses. They were wonderful. Alluring, mystifying. Sexy as hell. And as she drank…

A Taste of Divinity

100

The visions—like an exotic dance on a warm rainy day—clouded his mind. Morgen drank as Jag moved her body the full length, up and down his hardened cock. Enjoying the honeyed center dripping over him. He got closer. The pressure built deep within him and he knew he would come like with an orgasm so intense. One like he’d never felt before. Morgen stopped drinking, peered deeply into his eyes. Behind those jet black eyes, lay a good man. Somehow he had to be. Gazes locked, she began moving faster, faster. Higher, flying with him until she came, her center dripping over his pressing cock. Jag, met her, moved higher and higher with her intense orgasm. They both came together and then collapsed on the bed from the exhaustion of it all. “I’m supposed to kill you,” Jag admitted his gaze raked the length of her. “Stand in line.” She shot him a half-smile. Although he knew it couldn’t be fun for her. Always on the run. A slight lump formed in the back of his throat. He’d never run from anyone or anything. Hell, he’d never had to. Everyone had always feared him. He’d always been the predator. Except for with Morgen. “Don’t be a smart ass,” he teased. “I’m not. There’s a long line ready to rid the world of the Tzitzimine. You just found me first.” He blew out a breath and moved from the bed. Jag stepped back into his jeans, buttoning and zipping them. “Well, then if you’re not going to tell me who’s after you, I can’t help.” “Why would you help me, Jag?” It was a good question. How did he answer it? Because I’ve just had the best sex I’ve ever had in my life? No, that wouldn’t work. He stood. Quiet for over a moment. “Let’s just say destiny has screwed us both.” “Meaning?” She lifted from the bed to face him. A look of concentration, pain on her face. “Meaning, if I kill you, there’s still someone else.” It was the bitter truth. As much as Jag hated it. There it was. He couldn’t kill a baby. Not after what had happened to his. Fighting the emotions buried deep within him, Jag buttoned his pants and swallowed hard. “Yeah, well, you have us both here. Two birds with one stone’s the way I see it.” He grew quiet. “I’m not killing a baby.” “Why not? We’re killers. So low in fact, you’ve single-handedly rid the world of most of our existence. So why not a baby?” Gods, he didn’t want to talk about this now. Why couldn’t they just take another tumble in the sack? Women always had to go serious right after sex. “Jag. I asked you a question. How come a legendary slayer can’t kill a baby?” Jag turned, fiddled with the door knob, averting his eyes. “Because someone killed mine.” “What?” “Get dressed,” Jag said and then left the room. ***** Morgen could barely believe her ears. Jag had a baby? Even worse, someone had killed it. Man, did the man really have a heart after all? Morgen dressed herself, ignoring the way her body still zinged with the excitement and the absolute best sex she’d ever had and brought her mind back to the task at hand. No matter what he wanted her and Selithia to do, she had to get her sister and leave.

A Taste of Divinity

101

It was all too surreal. Honestly, too surreal. She was in the house—strike that— freaking castle of the one man appointed by the gods to obliterate her family to a pile of ash. And he’d damned near done it. Single-handedly. What Jag hadn’t done, the Medias had taken care of the other half. Morgen bit back tears as she thought of the torture the Medias had put her mother through. All because those bastards wanted to rule the sky. They can have it. It had been her home, yes, but it was gone and she had to make her way now. On Earth. Morgen tugged her shirt over her head and stood to make the bed. Bed. She looked at the crimson comforter with a sense of longing. She’d been on the run so long. The bed had been so comfortable. Selithia deserved to sleep in a bed like that every night. Not just sometimes. All the time. She shook off the thought. No use thinking like that. Morgen couldn’t give these things to her. If they stayed put for too long, the Medias would find them and they worked for the same god Jag did. Jag just didn’t know it. ***** Shit. Jag smacked the wall of his bedroom. Why in hell had he just said that? He hadn’t spoken of Kai since she’d died. Jag leaned against the wall, closed his eyes tight. It had been so many years ago. He wasn’t the Aztec prince. He was only a relative. This damned curse should’ve left him the fuck alone. But it hadn’t. And after the death of his wife and child from the disease that engulfed Tenochtitlan, he’d been more than willing to kill whatever came into sight. With each life, each spirit withering to dust, was if he murdered the people that robbed him of so much. Until now… Gods, his cock throbbed with the thought of Morgen and how good she’d felt on top of him. Jag fought the urge to stalk back in the room and take from her again. Shit, no wonder his people had fallen to prey with the goddesses. They were fucking addictive. Scary addictive and Jag had fallen so hard under her spell, he didn’t know what he could do to stop it. He was in trouble. Plain and simple and as soon as the gods found out Morgen and Selithia lived. He was in even more trouble. A tic worked its way down Jag’s jaw. He didn’t care. They could damn him to Mictlan for all he cared but he wasn’t going to kill Selithia. His mind drifted back to Inara’s sick infantile body. The disease brought by the Spanish to Tenochtitlan after the invasion had been astounding. It had taken his wife. His baby girl. And their people had been powerless against the sickness. Well, he wasn’t powerless. Not any more. Fear held more power than any other emotion known. And Jag was feared in life. And even after his death. Death, he thought wryly. If the asshole gods never let him die, he’d never see them again. He needed to kill them to become mortal again. That was the deal. Could he? “She’s asleep,” a woman’s soft voice called. Jag turned, “Thanks, Belita.” “No problem. She’s a sweetie. She cooed and played. I went to the store and got her a pacifier. But the weirdest thing...” She held it up and Jag almost burst out laughing.

A Taste of Divinity

102

“She chewed it up. The poor child will definitely have a few visits to the orthodontist when she grows up.” Jag felt the corners of his mouth spread slightly. “Could be.” He moved over to the bar, extracted a shot glass and poured himself a shot of whiskey then slammed it. Would the pain ever go away? “I’ll leave you to yourself. Just wanted to tell you she’s nice.” “Yeah, she’s sweet.” “I meant your lady friend.” Belita winked at him and left the room. Jag placed both hands on the counter and let out a ragged breath. Shit. What was he going to do? Now he could never be human again. Live the life he’d had robbed from him. He’d never be human. But neither would she… ***** Morgen slipped through the halls like a quiet dream. She had to see Selithia for herself. Make sure she was unharmed as Jag had claimed. Although she wasn’t a hundred percent sure. Morgen could almost bet that Sel was fine. Tiptoeing through the hall, her emotions mixed. She wanted Jag. Funny, but she did. She wanted to go back and have another go, but she didn’t have time. She had to gather Selithia and fly. Fly away from this place. High into the stars. Maybe she could hide behind her favorite one? No, they’d look there. That’s the first place those bastards would look. She quickened her steps down the darkened hallway. The place was huge. There were no family portraits. Mostly it looked like a museum. Cold tiled hallways, grey walls. There were more doors than the paths to heaven. She couldn’t help but wonder why Jag needed a place like this. All to himself. She tempered the visions of how nice it would be to have a place of her own again. I place for her sister to grow up and play down the long halls. A place much like this one. But it would never happen. So she might as well forget about it and resume her life on the run. Morgen tried the first door knob. Creaked the door open and peered in. A desk, sat against the wall. A tall bookshelf full of old hardback books lined the walls. Selithia couldn’t be in there. Carefully, Morgen closed the door and started again. How in the worlds was she supposed to find her in a place this big? “Looking for something?” She jumped like she’d been staked. Jag had that affect on her regardless of whether or not he’d snuck up on her. This time he’d gone and got her good. “Yeah,” she admitted as she turned to face him. “Sel.” “She’s sleeping.” Jag took a few steps in her direction then paused. “How am I supposed to believe you?” She crossed both arms firmly over her breasts. “Listen, Morgen. I let you drink my blood for crissakes. I think you can take my word for this.” He had a point. “About that.” She gestured to the marks on his neck. “Thanks, it was swell and all, but I think I’ll be getting Selithia and leaving now.” Jag sauntered in, glared at her with sheer determination. “You’re staying with me.”

A Taste of Divinity

103

A Taste of Divinity

104

Chapter Eight The implications that held. Jag didn’t know why, but the thought of waking up and knowing he could sample Morgen anytime he wished didn’t bother him as much as it should. Hell, no, it made his cock throb for more. And why did he feel responsible for her? Just because he’d killed her mother? He’d killed a lot of mothers. Hell, and someone had killed his. It sucked but it was a way of life. One that had been dealt to him. Was he going to be responsible for every orphaned Goddess? No, there aren’t anymore thanks to you. Why did he have to go all puss when she was around? “I’m leaving. You don’t understand.” Morgen backed against the wall, trying to slither past him. He caged her in on both sides. “I can help you if you let me.” “Help me? Shit, you’ve been going to kill me for over half the time we’ve known each other. The other half you’ve been seducing me.” “Seducing you? You forget yourself. When I decide to seduce you. Make no mistake, you’ll know it.” He’d let her take control the last time. The next time they… If he let her go there wouldn’t be a next time. Then what? What would he do with his life? Seek her out again? Try to get the most of his mortality roaming the earth forever? No. It wasn’t what he wanted. Then what in the hell did he want? His gaze dipped to Morgen’s lips. Those lips, still kiss-swollen. Still begging for him to take her again. Gods, he’d never reacted this way to anyone in his life. “That wasn’t me seducing you.” “Oh no?” “No,” he murmured as he lowered his lips to hers once more. Jag drank Morgen’s rosy lips up like the only bottle of water in the middle of a drought. She moaned into him mouth, her arm coming up to circle his neck. Why in the hell was he reacting to her like this? He should be smarter than that. The creature was baiting a trap for him. And the legendary slayer was falling right into hit. Wasn’t he? He couldn’t think with her nipples rubbing his chest through the cotton shirt. He just wanted to dip down and take them in his mouth and suckle whilst his cock slammed into her and alleviated about twenty or so years of sexual frustration. It wasn’t like Jag hadn’t taken a woman to bed in that time. He’d just gotten bored with the same old routine. Meet a woman, take her to bed to help relieve the pressure of his built up frustration. Then he had a devil of a time trying to slip away before she’d notice and before the light of a new day. He did not want commitment. He did not want any woman to be dependent on him again. Jag shook off the memories of horror and convinced his mind to make new ones. For some reason, he knew he’d defy the gods and save this one. Morgen. And Selithia.

A Taste of Divinity

105

What was the use in offing Morgen when he’d just have to off Selithia in order to complete his mission? “Jag, I…they’ll be here. I have to go.” Morgen pulled back from his embrace. A tear brimmed her eye. What was it like to be the hunted? He’d never taken the time to find out. Always move in for the quick kill. Jag bit back the bile forming in his throat. Who else had he killed that Morgen loved? Damn, he’d become the very thing that had destroyed his family. His life. And something inside Jag changed. The relentless, ruthless slayer, looked down at his enemy and felt. “They’ll have to go through me to get to you.” Confusion lined her brow. Her eyes searched his for reason. “Why?” “I owe you, Morgen.” “What are you talking about?” Gods, was he really going to say it? Jag drew in a deep breath. “I killed your mother.” ***** Morgen blinked. Blinked again. Was he serious? “Jag, I—I have to get Selithia.” She turned from him and entered the room. All too aware of the large-framed shadow behind her, Morgen went to the bed where Selithia slept. She looked so peaceful. So at rest. How many nights had she dreamed of a life of normalcy for her? Not running from the Medias? Or the slayer… Selithia’s long curled-up lashes rested against rosy cheeks. The rise and fall of her tiny chest caused emotions in her to well up. For some reason, Morgen yearned for a home. A family. Because of who and what they were, she knew it was never possible. “She reminds me of my daughter.” Morgen turned to face Jag. A look of softness and longing swept across his face. “I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, turning back to her baby sister. His hand snaked out to clutch the grip of her arm. “I-I Morgen, I’ve just been so full of hate for so many years.” She’d never thought about it. It all made sense now. He hated what had happened to his family the same way she hated what had happened to hers. “So does that give you the right to kill others because of what they are?” She question. “No. It doesn’t,” he admitted. She hadn’t expected him to admit any wrong doing at all. But there he was. “I did what I was told to- to get what I wanted.” Damn, she became furious with him. How selfish! Why would a man like Jag kill for pleasure? He actually got pleasure from killing. He’d all but admitted it earlier. “You’re a bastard.” A look of hurt crossed his face. “We all have our reasons, Morgen. Why do you take blood?” “I need it. It’s different,” she countered, ignoring his close proximity. “I need to kill.” Shit, the man was unbelievable. “What in the worlds would make you need to kill a race, Jag?”

A Taste of Divinity

106

“Mortality.” Now he made no sense at all. “Why do you want to be mortal?” He looked away. Tight-lipped and full of regret. “You can’t die unless you are.” “Oh.” Why would he want…? Morgen searched his charcoal eyes for the answer. She saw loneliness. Regret. And then it hit her. No wonder. In the afterlife, he’d see his family. Oh god. Morgen stood in front of Jag, lifted a palm to his chest. He did have a heart after all. What would it be like to have a man love her like that? To make it his entire life’s mission to go through hell on earth just to be together in the afterlife? He still couldn’t look her in the eye. “You want to see them again, don’t you?” she asked. Jag caught her palm. Stopped her from rubbing his chest. “More than anything.” Morgen’s hope withered. Why did she even imagine for a second she could earn the love of a man like Jag. If anything, though, she knew he deserved to know the truth. “You didn’t kill my mother.” He was silent with her words. “The Medias did. They slaughtered my entire family. I was taking Sel for a stroll and when I got home. They were dead.” Tears welled at the memory. Her grandmother, mother, and sisters. All dead. Overrun by the power thirsty Medias. The demons of the sky. And they’d found out she was alive. A shudder ran through her. She couldn’t let anything happen to the baby. Sel was all she had left. He looked relieved at her admission. “Yeah, but I’ve killed a lot of mothers.” “We’ve all done things we regret, Jag,” she informed him. “The bad thing is I didn’t regret them until I met you.” He chewed the inside lining of his jaw. Was that true? “I-are you sure?” “More sure than anything. Gods, Morgen,” he said, his finger coming up to trace the outline of her lips. “You make me feel and I haven’t felt in so long.” He made her feel too. But she didn’t have time to feel. She didn’t need to feel. “This is crazy, Morgen. I can’t get you out of my system.” The brush of his hand against hers. She wanted nothing more than to crawl into his strong arms and rest. But his heart didn’t belong to her. Maybe it never would. How could she compete with a ghost? The memory of his wife? She just wanted to rest to sleep a full night and wake the next morning without wondering if today was the day she’d die. “I don’t know how to trust you,” she admitted, searching his eyes for the answers. “What choice do you have?” He was right. She couldn’t take Selithia and run. The past few months had been hell. She couldn’t run forever. They’d catch her eventually. Or she could stay and enjoy being with Jag, and hopefully have protection if she needed it. She just hoped she was making the right decision by trusting him. Morgen took one last look at Selithia. Knowing she’d wake in a warm bed with food everyday she was with Jag. And it wasn’t a bad trade. Sex with Jag had been more than she could imagine. Fascinating. Crazy and she was growing to like this slayer. A lot. “And if the Medias come?”

A Taste of Divinity

107

“I’ll kill them.” It was a warning. One she knew he’d carry through. And for the first time in a long time, Morgen felt safe. She felt warm, and she felt cared for. This was definitely the beginning for the change of things. “You’ve never met them.” Could he kill them? She couldn’t help but wonder. He turned her loose. “I’ve come across a lot worse things in my lifetime. I think a few demons should fit right in.” “What if they find me?” she was shaking now. Literally shaking. “If they find you, they’ll be sorry.” There was a stern promise in his words. Morgen knew he meant them. The irony of it was astounding. Here she trusted the very man whose sole purpose was to eliminate her race. And that man was her only hope if she wanted to live. “I hope so,” she said. “Follow me,” Jag coaxed, holding out his capable hand to her. She bent over and gave Selithia a kiss on the cheek, then followed Jag down a long corridor, stopping at a room with double doors. His room. “Are you thinking about sex now?” Slayer had some nerve. She’d just poured out her heart and soul to him and he was thinking with his nether regions? “Gods, woman, it’s hard not to think about sex looking at you. What have you done to me?” “Nothing. You’re the one who kidnapped me.” He turned to face her. “Like I had a lot of choices. I had to find out what in the hell was going on, Morgen. A tzitzimine with a baby is unheard of.” “Only to people who don’t know tzitzimine.” She made the come back. A look of distaste curled to his mouth. “You’re right.” What? Mr. high and mighty was admitting it? “Damn right I am. Excuse me for not falling directly into the plot of a person that’s made it his business to killing my kind.” His thumb came up to her cheek in apology. “I can’t change what I’ve done.” He traced the curve of her chin, sincere eyes boring into hers. “But I can change what I’m about to do.” His arms looped around her, pulling her up against his rock-hard body and Morgen melted. Literally, physically melted. Everything about this was wrong. Maybe that’s why it felt so right? She tip-toed until her lips reached his. Melding them together and she became pliant in his hold once more. Damn, this man. Felt so good. So… Morgen felt his semi-hard cock press to her as she inched her way back to the bed. This time she didn’t hold back. Jerked him down on top of her as they both fell back onto the four-poster bed. ***** This time Jag took the lead. Practically ripping Morgen’s clothes from her body and devouring her inch by glorious inch. Gods it’d been so long since he’d experienced something real. For the first time since he’d become whatever in the hell he’d become, he felt good. Alive. Morgen made him feel so alive. Gods, he was fucked, but he wasn’t killing her. He wasn’t losing another family. Jag, paused, looked deeply into Morgen’s eyes and knew then. He wouldn’t stand by and see another woman he cared for killed for what she was. The irony of it burned as

A Taste of Divinity

108

he swallowed. With explosive need and want, Jag plied apart Morgen’s legs and cupped her moistened center. Delving a finger into the warmth to ready her for him. “Jag.” His name sounded like heaven from her lips. Pure, exonerated heaven. “Oh,” she moaned and he delved another finger in for good measure. Her hips lifted to meet him. His other finger came up to toy with her perky nipple. Jag twisted it with his thumb and forefinger while his finger pressed into her harder. Harder. Until she shattered around him. “Oh, Jag, shit, I’m coming. I’m coming so hard.” Jag quickly unzipped his pants, freed his throbbing cock and replaced it where his finger had been. When he entered her, the pleasure of it rocked him to the core. “Gods, what you do to me.” He pumped his cock into her over and over like he could fuck his feelings away. But every time her sweetness coated him, it seemed to get worse. “What have you done to me?” his voice was breathy as he nails bit into his ass. Urging him to pump even harder. He complied and when Jag thought he could last no longer. He came.

A Taste of Divinity

109

Chapter Nine Morgen slept for what seemed like forever in the comfort of Jag’s arms. They’d been in the bed all day and night. Morgen had only awakened to nibble at his ear. “You’re trying to kill me aren’t you?” he joked. “Yeah.” Morgen nibbled a trail down over the hard planes of his chest. Damn, he was hot. Ripples of muscles lined his torso. She dragged a long fingernail down the valley and stopped just shy of his navel. “Wake up.” “I am awake.” He combed his fingers through her hair, softly, tenderly then pulled her to him in a searing kiss. The sweetest kiss Morgen had ever experienced. And for a minute she was sucked in the illusion he actually cared for her. Not just sexually, but on a deeper level. The real her. The one without the innate powers of seduction. The Morgen that cared for him more than she should. Jag tugged her on top of him, massaging the small of her back and pressing her closer to his heated erection. Her center dampened at the contact and she knew she wanted him buried deep inside her once more. To escape to a world with no Medias. A world were she could pretend she was Jag’s woman. Safe in a nice, warm, home. And were Selithia could romp and play without worry. Morgen felt the softness of the sheets slide down her body and cover only her bottom half. She broke the kiss and rose up; her breasts exposed to him and just stared into his lust-filled eyes. Damn, he was handsome. His left hand came up to cup the small of her breast. Every time he touched her she could just die. “Do you not know what you do to me?” His voice was huskier than usual and Morgen felt just why beneath her. His cock seared her leg, begging to enter her and have the fever stop. “To you? I can barely breathe every time you touch me.” He must’ve liked her remarks because he smiled, then lifted her hips as if she weighed nothing and sat her down over his need. They moaned in unison as he lowered her onto him. The hardness filling her satiated a need in Morgen she hadn’t known existed. He completed her. Jag was what had been missing in her life for so long. “Gods, Morgen. You’re addictive,” he groaned, moving her hips up and down like the beat of the ocean’s waves slapping the beach. Gods, so was he. More addictive than an elixir she’d even experienced. “So are you,” she teased then rolled them both over so that he was on top. She wanted to feel his power. Needed to feel his power pound into her over and over. She wasn’t disappointed. Jag pressed into her, hard and slow. Fast and easy. Over and over until the pressure of it was so intense she thought she might actually lose consciousness. “J-Jag. Oh, Jag.” Morgen heard her own words, but dared to believe she sounded so full of pure inhibition. She threw her head back, closed her eyes and imagined he was hers for all time. She clawed his back as if to hold on for the ride he gave her. He moaned and grunted with each thrust. “You’re so tight. So warm. So…” He paused, “Oh, Morgen, I’m going to come.” “Me, too,” she breathed. They came together, falling into each others arms. *****

A Taste of Divinity

110

“Sir, I’m sorry to interrupt but you must come quickly.” Morgen jerked the blankets up over her nude body turned to face the voice. “What’s wrong?” Jag asked. Belita’s face went sheet white as she began to speak. “I’ve never seen nothing like it. They’re attacking from everywhere.” “What’s attacking?” Jag furrowed looked over to her, worry etched in his handsome face. “I-I don’t know what they are. I just don’t know. ” There was more than worry in Belita’s voice. Jag jumped from the bed, gave her a quick glance, and jerked on some clothes. “They’ve found me.” She was going to be sick. She just knew it. “Where’s Selithia?” “They’re not getting her,” he assured her but the voice in the back of his mind prayed he told the truth. He zipped his jeans, tugged up his boots. “Morgen, don’t move. I’ll come back to get you.” He gazed deeply into her horrified eyes. Gods, she was scared. She looked away and he could tell she wasn’t so sure. “Morgen, listen to me.” “Yeah?” she asked half-heartedly. “I will be back for you.” She shrugged. “Don’t go. I’m not worth dying over Jag.” Her voice held worry and Jag wanted to gather her into his arms and tell her it would be okay, but he couldn’t make that promise. Hell, it might not be alright. But it was a chance he had to take. Grabbing her shoulders, “Don’t move. I’ll see you in a bit.” He prayed he told the truth. “Get the baby, Belita. Bring her back to Morgen and lock the door. I’ll come get you when it’s over,” Jag instructed and made his way out the door. “Yes Sir,” his maid answered, gave a polite smile of obedience and took off for the baby. Bile formed in the back of Jag’s throat. He wasn’t going to let her die. Not today. Not by his hands. And not in his home. ***** Morgen fought the fear filling her chest. They’d found her. How? All kinds of emotions ran through her like a rapid storm. Swirling and making her dizzy with the possibilities of the outcome. She wouldn’t allow Jag to fight them alone. This was her battle not his. He had his own problems. Hell, problems that had mounted because she had come into his life. If they survived this. She’d have to leave. Jag needed his mortality. He deserved to see his family again. And she wasn’t standing in the way of that. She and Selithia would find their way. Somehow. She quickly dressed, opened the door to find Belita with Sel. “Mo mo,” Selithia called to Morgen. Looking into her sister’s eyes, an innocent baby blue, she knew that she’d never let her down. “Oh, baby.” She took Selithia in her arms. “That’s right. I’m here. The bad guys won’t get you.” Morgen held her held close to her shoulder and smoothed down her hair.

A Taste of Divinity

111

She felt like she needed to fight along side Jag. To defend herself. She certainly was capable. She also didn’t want to leave Selithia. Torn between her sense of duty and her love for her sister, Morgen did the only thing she knew to do. She slinked down in the corner, held Selithia tightly to her and prayed. ***** High-pitched shrills pierced his eardrums. The scraping sound from the claws, as the creatures attempted to break into his home, sounded like a fingernail dragging down a chalkboard. They came from every direction. All over and nowhere all at once. Jag had no idea what in the hell he was up against. Most of the time he liked it that way. Today, when his existence wasn’t the only one in jeopardy, he didn’t. Silently, he continued down the hallway to his weapons room. Whatever they were, they weren’t subtle and their ability to sneak up on someone all but sucked. “Okay, you bastards. Let’s see what you got.” Biting back the thought of what he’d used them for in the past, ridding the world of the Tzitzimine. He let out a ragged sigh. It wasn’t the time to think about this now. It was time to use them for good. For someone that needed him. Morgen needed him. Jag extracted his cross-bow, and grabbed several stakes, stuffing them in the pocket of his denim pants. War was something he knew. He was Aztec. A trained warrior, skilled. It was the way of his people. Deep down it was something he was born to. Jaguar clan. Ever muscle in his body screamed for the kill. The urge overwhelmed him. They couldn’t have her. They wouldn’t have her. Then he left the room to go and kill the fuckers. ***** The more Morgen sat there, hunched in the corner the more useless she felt. Nerves bunched up in her neck. Every synapse coiled in response to her now supercharged adrenaline. The hair lifting shrill of the Medias grew louder. Almost unbearable and it meant one thing. They’d come for the kill. The bastards meant business and Jag couldn’t handle it on his own. There was no way. Morgen had no doubts he was as skilled a warrior as all of the rumors said he was. But, he’d never faced a Medias. She had. She knew their weak spots and with Jag fighting by her side. Jag fighting by her side… She really liked the sound of that. Although, she knew she shouldn’t get too used to it. After they killed the Medias. She’d take Selithia and get out of his life. Before they caused him any more trouble. “Shh…baby.” She soothed the baby as she grew anxious in her arms. Jag needed her help. And no one needed her help. But he did. This was her problem. Her mess and she wouldn’t allow Jag to be injured or even killed for her. “Belita,” she whispered in the direction of the trembling woman. Belita looked up and her, fear lining her eyes. “It’s going to be alright.” Belita didn’t look so sure. However, Morgen knew it would be okay. Deep down it had to be. “Ms. Morgen. What are they?” “The worst of the worst.” She swallowed. “How good can Jag fight?” Belita didn’t hesitate in her answer. “The best.” She knew it. “But he can’t do it alone. He’s never faced the Medias. They’re strong.”

A Taste of Divinity

112

Worry lined Belita’s thin face. Morgen could tell the elderly woman cared for Jag. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d been with him a long time. “Best stay here, dear. Jag can handle it.” The strangest sensation flowed through her. She didn’t want him to be hurt. Had she really grown so attached to her enemy this soon? Yes. She had and she’d be damned if she sat around and let another person she cared about be murdered by a Medias. “Belita, listen to me,” she instructed, as terrified eyes bore. Morgen straightened her posture, held her chin high. “Take Selithia. Hide in the closet. Don’t come out until either Jag or I come after you. Got it?” “B-but, Mr. J—” “Jag’s not here. I am. Listen, I’ve dealt with Medias before. He needs me.” Belita’s eyes softened. Morgen knew she saw right through her. She cared for Jag. And she hadn’t cared for anyone or anything besides Selithia in so long. No one had stood up for her. Her kind. No one cared if they lived or died. But for some reason, Jag did. “Yes, Ma’am,” Belita agreed and Morgen handed Sel over to her and took off down the hall toward the horrifying shrieks. ***** Jag loaded his crossbow. Praying with everything in him that the Medias would die on first impact. He crept carefully through the basement passage. If he could come at them from underneath, he just might be able to get an advantage from a distance. He had a sickening feeling that he didn’t want to get too close to the creatures. The dampened smell of the basement mixed with the foul odor of the Medias seared his nostrils. Hell, it wasn’t like Jag hadn’t smelled death before. He had. But this was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. Like old garbage in the hot summer rain. Sweat beaded on his brow and he swiped at it with the back of his free hand. He couldn’t fail. He’d never failed. He scampered over the shelf and stood on the table, peered out the window so he could scant the area with precise measure. “Son of a bitch.” The bastards were unlike anything he’d ever seen. What in the name of all that’s holy where they? Their yellow fangs dripped with saliva. Talons curved over violet-scaled hands. A head not unlike that of a dinosaur. No wonder Morgen ran from them. They could rip apart an entire town in seconds. The thought of them hurting, Selithia... Rage welled deep inside him. Head pounding blood boiling, Jag bunched his fists together. The bastards were going down. “They’re unbelievable aren’t they?” A shiver ran down his spine. “I told you to stay put.” He descended from the ladder, squared himself to her. Ignoring the mind blistering noise still littering his ears from the predators surrounding his home. “Yeah, well I don’t listen too well now, do I?” She teased, undoubtedly attempted to mask the fear eating at her soul. “No, you don’t. But maybe you need to learn.” He didn’t mask his agitation. This was entirely too dangerous for her. “You’re not going out there alone.” “Why can’t you just stay put? It’s dangerous Morgen.” “Yeah, I didn’t realize that.” Sarcasm laced her voice as she continued her approach.

A Taste of Divinity

113

Silence captured the air. Jag gazed deep into her eyes, and knew. Knew this was something she had to do. She needed to face her fears the same as he’d needed to face the killer of his child all those years ago. Her hand came up to cup his face. “Please understand.” The baby soft caress eased his tension. Gods forgive him. “Okay but you stay behind me. Got it?” Morgen dropped her hand. “Got it.”

A Taste of Divinity

114

Chapter Ten Dusk settled by the time they’d left Jag’s home in search of the Medias. She inhaled deeply, ducked low and crept cautiously behind Jag. It was nice to have someone to help her for a change. But it didn’t erase the unease she felt for his safety. She smelled them. The overwhelming flood of memories from the scent of tar and blood. The way they’d descended on her people. Left them for dead. Morgen remembered the ivory castles, a breathtaking contrast to the darkened sky, resting just above the stars. Her home had been beautiful. She swallowed, knowing she’d never see it again. Hell, she’d never have a home again. A branch snapped. “Watch out!” Morgen warned, as she watched Jag clutch his cross bow, pull the trigger and wood splinter through the chest of the Medias. It fell to the ground, hissing and wailing. “Shoot again. In the stomach.” He didn’t question her, just followed her instructions, immediately withdrawing another stake and shooting the animal directly in the stomach. The animal slunk to the ground, writhing and shrieking. “One down.” He turned to her, breath ragged. She looked away. It was more than she could bear, facing the horrible Medias. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Protected. Maybe everything would be alright after all? “Thank you,” she said. “Don’t thank me yet. There are more.” Jag turned to face the predators as if they were puppies no more fierce than a poodle. Then the attack came from nowhere and everywhere all at once. There were two? No three. Biting and clawing at Jag. He punched the tallest in his scaly jaw, while he performed a spin kick move and jabbed the second with a stake. The man could handle himself, but Morgen didn’t want him to do this alone. It was her fight. Ascending to the air, Morgen took flight and began circling the horrible beasts that had slain her family. ***** A hiss sounded through the grunts and groans of the battle. Jag looked up. Morgen flew above him. Silvery wings shining through the dark of the night. She attacked, biting and scratching the Medias from behind while he attacked from the front. She was magnificent. Hell, he’d never seen anything like it. And he’d lived many, many years. How was it he’d harmed so many of her kind? Gods, nothing could happen to her. He couldn’t allow it. He gathered his bow, peered through the cross-heirs, and pulled the trigger, sending the other creature tumbling backward. Then turned his attention to the one standing before him. The angry beast swiped a sharp claw and caught Jag’s shoulder and cut deep. He bit back the pain of the torn flesh and gathered his crossbow once more. Morgen no doubt saw what happened because she swooped down, distracting the Medias. “Come on you son of a bitch. Let’s see what you’ve got,” she challenged.

A Taste of Divinity

115

Unfortunately, it worked. The Medias turned its attention away from Jag, spread its wings took flight, chasing Morgen. It amazed him watching the two of them battling in the sky. Scary amazing. Why had she gone and done that? He had powers, sure. His greatest was his ability to fight, but he couldn’t fly. It was beyond his capabilities. And she’d known that. Never had he been so angry. Morgen shouldn’t have endangered herself like that. He barely had time to think about it as the Medias that Jag had sent to the ground emerged, angrier than ever and wanting his ass on a platter. “Come and get it,” Jag taunted the beast all the while praying Morgen knew what she was doing. ***** Morgen swooped and dipped, luring the beast as far away from the house as she could. He was hard on her tail. She smelled his horrific breath as they soared through the cool night air. It didn’t matter what happened to her now. She just had to save Selithia. If she died, Jag wouldn’t let anything happen to her. She had to believe that. The dark clouds sailed across the quarter moon and Morgen soared past them until she reached the cliff’s edge. She landed on the rocky terrain and prayed she had the strength to stop the Medias. The scaled creature slithered toward her as it landed. Its claws digging into the rock and skittering bits as it stalked. “I guess this means you don’t want to be friends?” She toyed with it. It snorted. Steam emitting from its nostrils like that of a dragon. Although she knew it couldn’t breathe fire, it didn’t do much for her nerves. Its slanted eyes glowed a feral crimson that probed the inky dark night. “No? Damn, I already had my best china laid out for a dinner. I guess I’ll just have to settle for kicking your ass.” Gods be with her she launched herself into the air after the bastards that had taken so much from her. ***** Too bad the beast couldn’t talk. Jag wanted the pleasure of listening to the vile piece of shit beg for its miserable life. Instead, Jag drew up his bow and laid his sites on. Just as he pulled the trigger, the Medias jumped in the air. The stake missed the target, stabbing the Medias in the leg. But it didn’t stop its blood-thirst as it willed itself onward toward Jag. Jag quickly reloaded and aimed higher, just in case the son of a bitch tried it again. Relentless in its efforts, the Medias shot into the air like a rocket, its ravenous intent spent on tearing Jag to shreds. “Not today,” Jag warned, lifting the bow steady before pulling the trigger. Spot on. The Medias twisted and wrenched in the air before falling to the earth with a thunderous thud. Then it evaporated into thin air as if it had never existed. Now to get to Morgen. ***** Four spin kicks later, Morgen began to doubt her ability to win over the beast. She was tired, sick with worry over Selithia’s well being, and worse, Jag. Her mind drifted to him. She’d really gone and done it. Bringing this trouble to his home. Damn, she was nothing but trouble. If she lived through this, she was traveling to the far ends of the earth

A Taste of Divinity

116

with Selithia and leaving. Her time with Jag had been great. Hell, it had been the only real strand of hope in a never ending nightmare. But she couldn’t’ expect him to fight her battles for her. He had his own mission. Then, the Medias back handed her with a smack of its scaly palm and sent her winding back. Morgen quickly caught her footing just before sailing back off the cliff. She could run. She could fly, but the bastards would just track her again. It was best to deal with it now. “You think your smart, don’t you?” She swiped a drop of blood from her lip where the animal had clocked her good. It just looked at her. Then reared its head back and let out a mind-scraping roar. She launched herself at it, punching its stomach with all her might. The beast doubled over, then lifted its horrifying gaze in a gesture that said it was coming for her and growled low in its throat. He’s like the freaking Energizer Bunny. Don’t know when to quit. Come on pal, let’s see what you got. Straightening her stance, she readied herself for another attack. When all of a sudden the beast screamed out, then vaporized before her very eyes. What the…? Jag stood lowering his crossbow and smiled at her. “I think we got them,” he announced. Breathing hard and making his way from the other side of the cliff. Was it really over? It was hard to believe. Morgen had been on the run for so long. Were the Medias were out of her life? They were. They really were. All thanks to the man who’d been sent to kill her. All thanks to Jag. “I think we did,” she reaffirmed as she attempted to get her breathing under control. Exhaustion overtook her. She could rest. Actually honest to goodness rest. No more running. No more… But she didn’t have a home. “Will there be more?” he asked. “I don’t think so.” Morgen tried not to look into his captivating eyes. If she did, there was no way she’d be able to leave. For a little while, she dared to dream she could have a nice home again. With someone who cared for her. And Selithia. But she’d be the reason he’d never see his family again and she knew deep down, he’d never forgive her for that. “I guess you have to kill me now,” she teased. He came to her. “You’re kidding right?” “You can’t become mortal if you don’t.” “Do you honestly think I’d risked my life to save you just so I could kill you?” “No,” she answered. “Why did you?” ***** It was a good question. A question Jag knew he really wasn’t prepared to answer and Morgen wasn’t prepared to hear. “I told you. I don’t let babies die.” It was probably the wrong thing to say because Morgen had never looked so disappointed. “Oh.” Damn. Why couldn’t he just say it? He loved her. How he’d fallen so hard so fast he didn’t know. But the truth remained, he had. Nothing he could do about it now. He loved having her in his bed.

A Taste of Divinity

117

His bed. And he knew he was already becoming attached to Selithia. “Morgen, look—” “No, it’s alright. I need to get back. Get Sel and get out of your hair before you change your mind, Slayer.” Her body language was unmistakable. She didn’t care for him. It was an impossible relationship. A vampire and a slayer? Really it was the stuff television shows were made from. But it didn’t stop the twist he felt in his gut at the thought of never seeing her again. “Don’t go.” It was a start. A bad one, but it was all he could manage. Hell, he hadn’t expressed feelings for anyone since his wife. Maybe he wasn’t good at it anymore. “I have to.” “No you—” But it was too late. She turned, spread her wings flew off the cliff’s edge. Gods, why couldn’t he just say it? Say he wanted her. He wanted to be her family. Hell, he’d defy the gods just to take her as his. And he was going to. He wasn’t losing anyone he cared for ever again. ***** Morgen ran into Jag’s house and straight for her sister. She couldn’t bear to stay another moment in this place. It wasn’t hers. He wasn’t hers. And he’d never be. It was better this way. “Hey baby,” she said, as Selithia reached for her, arms spread wide. “Thanks, Belita.” Morgen hugged Jag’s housekeeper. “You’re welcome, Miss. It was nice to have another woman around for a little while and the precious baby.” “Thanks.” “Sure did warm Mr. Jag’s heart.” Had it? Morgen would give anything if it had. He just enjoyed the physical perks of having her around. There was no way a slayer could love a tzitzimine. And really she shouldn’t be falling in love with Jag. That’s why she had to get out of here and fast. If she didn’t she was a goner. “She did,” Jag said as he entered the room. He nodded at Belita and she smiled back at him. “I have a lot clean up after. Those big lizards are messy.” Belita smiled. Morgen suppressed a tiny laugh. She guessed they were. “Anything else I can do for you two?” “No thanks, Belita.” “Yes sir.” Belita left the room and with her departure the room fell silent for moment. “You’re hurt.” She gestured toward the ripped shirt and a tiny droplet of blood dripping from his wound. The smell of copper tempted her nostrils, but this wasn’t the time to think about anything but leaving. “I’ve been hurt before. I’m fast healer.” “I’m glad.” “Morgen, I—” “What do you want Jag?” “You.” The words shocked her. He couldn’t mean… “No, you don’t.” “Yes, I do.” “It would never work.”

A Taste of Divinity

118

“Why not? Stranger things have happened,” he said leaning into the door framing. “Not many.” He gave her a small laugh. “Maybe not often. But they have. Listen, I don’t know what’s gotten in me. I just don’t want you to leave.” “It will pass.” ”What if it doesn’t? What then? Am I supposed to scour the earth in search of you?” “Why not? You’ve done it before.” “Will you just stop! Stop with the cold act.” Jag came closer. Too close. Damn she couldn’t think with at the same time she smelled the scent of citrus. Musk. Copper. “Jag, I…you can’t do this.” “Do what Morgen? Care about you?” “Yeah. You can’t care about me.” “Good, because I don’t. I love you.” Everything in her wanted to fall into his arm. Stay in the warm forever, but she knew he’d never forgive her. “You can’t love me.” “And why not? You think it’s easy for me?” She averted her eyes. Letting her gaze drop to the hardwood flooring. “Because I’m keeping you from your family.” “What are you talking about? You’re not making any sense.” He raised his voice a few decibels. “You wanted to rid the world of the last Tzitzimine so you can die and be in the afterlife with you family right?” The thought of something happening to Jag made her throat tighten. And even though his family was gone, she felt a stab of jealousy he didn’t care that much about her. He cupped her cheek. Swiped the tear now streaking it with the pad of his thumb. “Morgen, honey. I wanted to die because I had no reason to live.” “But…” “But nothing. I was tired of the killing. I haven’t been alive in so long. Not until I found you.” “Oh gods, Jag. I didn’t realize.” She lifted her gaze to meet his and knew he spoke the truth. “I haven’t loved in so long. I’m not sure I still know how. But I’m willing to try if you’ll let me.” His words were so sincere it practically stole her breath. She answered him with a brush of her lips. “I don’t know how to be loved.” “The only thing I know is to run. But shit, I’m tired of it.” Tension seeped from her shoulders. “Let me protect you, Morgen. You and Selithia.” Should she? Just then Selithia reached for Jag. Giggling as he took her. He was so gentle with her. Bouncing her on his hips. Lord she could love this man. Given half a chance she could fall madly, deeply in love. Maybe they could be a family. “Okay.” She answered.

A Taste of Divinity

119

He smiled. “Okay.” A wicked smile formed to her lips. “One thing though.” “What’s that?” “Can Belita watch Sel for the next four hours?” She dragged a fingernail down his neck. “Why?” He smiled. “I’m hungry, baby.” “Me too. And this time I get to devour you.” Jag smiled down at her and she knew she’d live the rest of eternity happy, safe in the bed of the man that had once been her mortal enemy.