195. Consummation

Juliet

Everyone was out doing something. I was stuck in my room at the Tower. Not allowed to leave by orders of Marcus. He didn’t want to worry about me, but what was I supposed to do? Start a new TV series? Wait on En-gannim till the war was over? Go back to Earth? I thought about Sammy and Warden. My mom and everyone at the compound. I had not seen them for so long, and going back to Earth would have been better than staying at The Tower. Once we heard that Ian was going to attack us, I had no time to think about what I would do while the guys fought in the war.

Chris had left through the teleporter and had made himself scarce afterward. That was what I was doing, taking care of him and spending time with him. When I pressed that button and Michael and I traveled to Mirach… I had to confess, I didn’t think about leaving him behind. Or about my decrees of him not leaving my side until his powers were back. Marcus didn’t have time to figure it out either, and Louis was right. Chris had to do what he had to do when I just disappeared… I could’ve gone to look for him, pushed him into a corner to tell me what happened between him and Selena. I would have had to sneak out. No problem there… I couldn’t. I decided to do the right thing.

I went downstairs to my office. Louis was the first to smile and look up at me. The men were so hard at work that no one even noticed me. Marcus had passed out at his desk. I did feel a twinge of regret, dumping it all on him, forcing him to take over all my responsibilities because I couldn’t deal. I wanted to go to Marcus. Louis reached out and held me back, taking my hand in his. “Don’t. He just nodded off and is in a much better place.”

Louis drew me closer. “Tell me.”

His arms wrapped me tightly, resting his chin on my hair. “Marcus is dreaming about… a home. I’ve not seen it. It’s here on En-gannim. A stunning house and amazing fields with exotic plants almost as high as you. In one part, the fields turn into soft, turquoise grass with a little clearing and a beautiful view. You are there….” Louis stroked my hair. “And a little boy running around. Still a young little vampire.” I smiled, not thinking about Marcus and me. We will have our time soon. I knew the place Louis was talking about. Marcus’s dreams were not many months away. I had instead thought about Louis and me the day before I left and the day before when he threw me over his shoulder. Our relationship had changed so suddenly, and all I wanted to do was be with him in France, with our little baby in the bed with us. Nestled between us. It would be my next goal to give… Louis’s arms tightened around me. “After what you said… Louis, I….” He pressed his lips onto mine, kissing me so fervently that a blush crept into my cheeks. His tongue was desperate, and he tilted my head wherever he wanted. The noise in the room had ceased. Go figure! They would notice PDA.

“Should we clear the room?” Kubra mocked.

A little embarrassed, I pushed Louis away with two hands, keeping him at arm’s length. He didn’t relent in trying to close the gap, lowering his lips closer to mine. “You want to go upstairs?” He whispered.

I shook my head and wriggled around in his arms. “Stop it. Everyone is staring.” Louis reluctantly loosened his grip, eyes still imploring me to give him what he wanted. I was thinking about it. Louis held my gaze and tugged on my shirt. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the moment’s pleasure, and swatted his hand. Louis laughed, and for the millionth time, I wished I knew what he was thinking. Did he think I was petulant? Did he still see me as a child? His smile broadened in that condescending way. Did he wish for more sex? That I had more of an appetite. For the first time, I thought that I was like any other woman in that regard. This made him bark out a loud laugh. I hit my head, trying to stop the racing thoughts continually bombarding my mind. He had all the entertainment of what was going on in my head while I was left wanting to know how serious he was. I let it go and reminded myself why I had come down to talk to Marcus. “What I wanted to ask was… If you will allow me to take Aries and Sammy to Charlene.”

Louis’s brow, smile, and shoulders dropped all at once. His back stiffened, and he got eerily quiet. The smile had turned into a thin, tight-lipped line. Frustrated hands pulled out a pack of cigarettes from inside his jacket as he took a step back. He tapped the packet against his palm. One white stick jerkily made its way out into the world. He lit it quickly and blew out the first puff. I didn’t understand what he was doing or why he had reacted that way. He stretched out and held the cigarette between two fingers, bud first close to my mouth. I shook my head, “No. I don’t think I…” Louis pressed it against my lips. I sighed and opened eagerly. It was what I wanted. I didn’t even realize that I needed it. Louis led me to my couch.

“I don’t like that you came to ask, baby,” Louis explained.

I relaxed and laughed. “That’s why you’re upset? Your acting has gotten better.”

He nodded and got that cheeky smile on one side of his mouth until his smile broadened to that full-mouth happy grin of his. “You didn’t want to but changed your mind at the last minute.” He laughed as I shrugged. “I enjoyed having to come and find you... rescue you. I get why Chris is so frustrated… I also like having adventures.” Louis was happy. It made me happy. Glad that he was still all there with me, focusing on us and on me amidst all of it. He became serious again. “Not that what happened to you was an adventure.” There was a worried look in his eyes.

Louis had known that I would still have to deal with what had happened in that camp. Both Charlene and I. Why I needed a cigarette. The whole business had been plaguing the back of my mind… I wasn’t ready to think about it. I kissed him quickly, telling him to change the subject. “Okay, so I’m informing you that I am going.”

“Take us with you,” Kubra complained. He joined us, sitting on Marcus’s couch and lighting the cigarette Louis had handed him. “It’s going to be days or weeks before Ian makes up his stupid mind.”

I stared at Louis. He was so hyper-vigilant all the time. Would he, at some point, take a break? Put off his brain? How long could he go on like that before he crashed and killed everyone?

“Or before we figure out what to do.” The Chinese general said, walking past us. “They might be on their way now! On giant bridges, we can’t even see coming.”

The three of us laughed. The human men found it difficult to factor supernatural elements into the battles. Terrains they had no idea how to counter.

“Jessy has to go with you,” Louis said sternly. “And take Warden. He also needs a change in scenery.”

“Is he tired of being Sammy’s watcher?”

Louis shook his head. “No, I just want him to also have a life. What if he’s Sammy’s Michael?”

“Hell no!” I huffed, flinging my arms in the air, getting up. “We will fight all the time. Warden will scold me… once he has the clearance to do it.”

Kubra laughed, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “Him as a son-in-law!”

“I’m sorry, Kubra,” Louis said. “You have to stay. We need you.” Louis looked up at me. “There will be time enough at one point where we can all take a break.”

Kubra got to his feet and clapped his hands together. “No worries, your league.” He bowed and sighed, “I will get some eventually.” Kubra said softly, walking away.

“I know how you feel,” Louis whispered.

I pointed my finger at him. He has had me more times than anyone else in the last few weeks. Louis glared at the offending body part. Nevertheless, the images of us the previous day flashed through my mind. How fingers were essential to our sex life. How his hands had roamed every part of my body. Touch was vital to my sexual satisfaction. That and the feeling of being wanted and connected. Louis had given me everything I craved. Read every thought. Told me everything I needed to hear. The confession of his wedding vows played over and over in my mind. He took my hand and kissed the top of my fingers. “Oh, baby. I love you so much. Go. Go have fun. Eat well and get your check-up with the midwife. Lounge around. Take the kids for a trip. Make sure Caleb and Michael are okay.”

I nodded, my eyes brimming with tears. “The baby is going to make you go batty again… Your thoughts will be a mess. Your sex drive will increase eventually when the hormones kick in…” He looked up at me. “I will be waiting… As for the other issue, we will deal with it together when we have the time. Let Romero use his ability if it gets too much.” I rested my hand on his cheek, shook my head, and left, sniffling. Jessy and Louis shared some words, and we were off.

***

The red gates stood open. My dad and uncle were playing with the kids on the grass. Standing there, I realized that it wasn’t just Louis who was happy. I was too. Yes there was a lot to deal with. Marcus and I had not even spoken one word since I came back. The last time was in the lane when I had left him feeling that Michael was more important than him. The previous day, I was with Louis. Michael… He was angry that I didn’t give him sex. I just couldn’t deal with him that day after what happened to Charlene and me. If Louis had not shown up, we would still not have talked about Stevie. Michael and I had sorted out our issues in some ways. Marcus and I will connect again, and I will look at him differently. I hoped. But regardless, I had family all over the galaxy. People that loved me and cared for me. If I could only embrace the feeling. Take hold of it in some way. Let it sink from my head to my heart. My gut contended with my contentment. I knew in the time to come. It will blow…

“Julie!” My mom’s voice brought me back into the present.

“Mom!”

I didn’t know if my dreams of being happy were what I wanted after all? Do they not say that what we think will make us happy is usually the opposite. I shook my head. No, that was impossible. We could never go on like we did forever. Troubles, trauma, conflict.

It didn’t take much to get everyone packed and ready. The strangest thing was to see the little dragon boy in a car seat. Warden had him hanging from one arm. Sammy didn’t want to let go of me. Jessy was carrying Katty in her carrier, and somehow, we were going on an adventure.

First, we traveled to the field. Louis saw us off, and we came out unannounced where Michael and I had landed not long ago. The boy in the room wasn’t so shocked to see us and took a knee when he recognized me. “It’s good to see you, Queen Ahmed.”

I snickered. It would never get old. The acknowledgment didn’t seem to phase Jessy. On the other hand, Warden snorted, muttering that I was not fit to be queen. I rolled my eyes. “Will you please announce our arrival and receive permission for us to enter.” I addressed the bowing boy.

The boy sprang up. “Oh no, Queen Ahmed. You never need to be announced again. I have strict orders to take you immediately to Princess Charlene.”

I stuck my tongue out at Warden. Sammy did the same.

The boy glanced at Katty. “Is it a meal? Was it a long way to travel?”

“No! Sammy yelled. “Katty, not a snack. Not for eating.” It at least made Warden laugh.

“She is a cat. Do, mes, ti, cated… animal.” I tried to explain.

“Animal? Do…mes…ticated?” The boy frowned.

“She is a… sacred keepsake.” I figured that would make him understand. “Holy and to be looked after.”

He glanced at Katty sitting in a little loaf in her carrier and said. “I will see….”

“She!” Sammy said.

“I will see that she is treated accordingly… Sacred Katty.”

Sammy nodded, pleased that her pavement special cat would be treated right.

Miné and Charlene were knees deep in the sand outside their house. Caleb had a bucket in his hand, releasing currents of water into their moat, making Miné squeal with pleasure. He hadn’t seen me and walked off. The Dheka around them watched in awe, whispering among themselves. How could Charlene think of such a fun pastime for a young child? They had built a massive castle with doorways and tunnels. The windows even had curtains.

“Miné!” Sammy yelled and wriggled out of my arms. She took two steps and fell forward, not quick enough to use her hands to brace herself.

“What a fine Riphath you make, my dear.”

She spat out the sand she ate going down. Miné had heard her and was elegantly walking toward us as if she was effortlessly gliding over the sand. A vision of Brylee jumped to mind. How Miné was destined to rule Palmyra. It would never be mine.

Charlene had stood up. She would not be showing for a while. I was almost five months and instantly jealous of the clothes she wore, feeling fat already. She could see my glower and lifted her hands in the air, turning in a triumphant circle. “I drew it! They made it for me.”

“I want one.” I stomped a foot.

Miné had helped Sammy up. She, in return, had thrown her arms around Miné’s neck, not noticing the reserve I had. They were instantly bonded, just like Charlene and I could be. I would not give that up! Not even for Palmyra.

Miné had sat down again, showing Sammy all the little things they had included in their creation. “She is different,” I said softly.

“I am a lady now. Grandmother says I need to hold my head up high.” Miné said in a gentle voice.

“I can’t fault her logic on that.” I retorted.

Charlene and I joined them. The four of us were instantly enthralled in making it the best kingdom in the world. It didn’t take Sammy long, or Miné had lost sight of who she needed to be and remembered who she was.

“Seems like all she needed was her vampire friend to show her how fun life could be,” Charlene said. I placed a hand on her arm. “I’m worried that this place will affect her werewolf attributes in the wrong way.” I tucked a strand of hair hanging over her eye behind an ear. “I don’t know what to do if she turns into Brylee.”

“Yeah, when I saw her, that was my first thought. That regal air Brylee had.” Charlene glanced up at me. My eyes were on Sammy and Miné running across the sand in the distance, playing tag and laughing. Pretending that the floor was lava. Their star was setting on the horizon. “You know, you won’t be able to go with her to Palmyra in a few years. When she needs to take the throne. If that’s what you want. To keep their customs and ways of living.”

“Treat the men like slaves.” Charlene snorted. “You know I could never do that… You take it!” Charlene dusted off the sand clinging to her hand. After that, she gestured wildly as she unburdened herself. “I don’t want her to turn into a werewolf. She needs to experience various social regimes before deciding who she will be. Here… I don’t know. Anyway, Miné never has to know. The Werewolves on Mirach… I’ll think about that when the time comes. I’m not even the rightful heir.”

“That doesn’t matter anymore. You have the stone… but Fahan is still there.” I said soothingly.

“For now! And, for now, he is just in one place. If I were you.” Charlene said, fixing her gaze on me. “I’d make my move soon.”

“If you were me!” I laughed. “You are me! It’s not mine, Charlene. It’s yours. If you want to invade. You should do it now.” We both laughed. We heard the chuckles from the men inside the house.

“But it’s not! I’m an Ittoqure. Long lost bloodline destined to die for the second time in a few thousand years. There must be some planet we come from.”

Miriam approached us, bowed, and told Charlene that Yazen and Imani had invited us all for dinner at the main house. I noticed Charlene stiffen. “Thank You,” Charlene said with a strained voice. She had not even looked up at Miriam.

As soon as Romero’s sister was out of earshot, I pounced. “What’s going on?”

Charlene circled herself, arms waving. “Argh, you know the formalities of it all. The dressing up just to have a meal together. The stuffy ways were fun for a while… that thing on my head… every time! You saw Miné! It’s all a mess. I can’t use my powers. Stuck here…”

I realized Charlene was still traumatized by what happened to us. Formalities and customs were not something you wanted to deal with when all you wanted to do was stay in bed and binge a show. Space out and take your mind off everything. We had so much fun the last few days with Carl there that having us all ripped out from under her might have pushed her over the edge. “Charlene… how did you and Romero and the whole party get back so quickly? It took us four days.” I said, trying to get her to focus on some positive things.

“Okay, fine… I do get to use my powers… but…”

I nudged my eyes for Charlene to follow my gaze, trying to stop her from saying something she would regret. Romero had come from nowhere and stood behind her, quietly thinking. Their eyes locked for a second. Charlene broke the stare. I guessed she had not told him how she felt. Romero was the one to break the silence, placing two hands on her shoulder. “I have an idea.” He smiled when Charlene wouldn’t look at him. He put a finger under her chin, tilting her head up. “We will have a meal in the desert. On cushions and blankets like when we were away from all of this.”

Charlene threw her arms around Romero’s neck. “Can I go in slacks?”

“No! No slacks!” He protested. It was fun seeing her having to deal with marital bliss.

Charlene pouted. “I have an extra pair,” I interjected, adding oil to the fire.

“You do! What I wouldn’t do for a pair of cotton long johns and a T-shirt. All stars and jeans.”

“A little blue sequence dress and go clubbing.”

Charlene burst out laughing. “No! One of the worst nights of our lives… oh, I will never forget it.”

I jumped up. “No, but it was much easier back then. We accept your invitation for music, dancing, and feasting. Because I am sooo hungry.”

Charlene turned red. “I’m sorry! I should have offered you something to drink or a snack.”

“Yes, you should have… I forgive you… You have other things on your mind… Why aren’t you hungry?”

Charlene pulled her nose up. “What I wouldn’t do for crackers. Dry crusty crackers.”

“You have morning sickness?”

“I do. And nothing here is dry. It’s all fluffy, and it makes me want to gag.”

“Jessy! My supply, please.”

Jessy, Warden, and Caleb stepped out of the house. He handed her the packet of biscuits I kept on hand. Charlene burst into tears, stuffing the cracker into her mouth and taking the tiniest nibble.

“I don’t think you’re the only one that will be batty with this pregnancy,” Jessy said in my ear.

I hit him on the chest with the back of my hand. “She’s a creature now. Of course, it will be harder. She has so much to deal with.”

“If we don’t make her too angry! She might do something stupid.” Warden quipped.

Romero watched the scene with interest. Jessy leaned toward him. “Can I talk to you for a second? Louis asked me to give you a message.”

***

Michael

Selena and I stood on the precipice of the floating island, looking down onto the village. For one, I had thought Iku and his wife were off making love somewhere. The reverse was that they were off killing our men and would come after me. It was neither of my theories. Shocked, I stood motionless, gawking at the scene on the ground. The two of them were working together in the village. The beast I had maimed had recovered and was out for vengeance. He had followed me. The red stone sword’s effects had worn off. How could it walk after I almost cut it to pieces? Iku was also getting nowhere in thwarting its advances on the village. Even in his brilliance of shadow fighting, he couldn’t control or tire the beast out. Our team was helping in any way they could. I was pleased that they had disobeyed my order. The watchers were flying and shooting at it with nets and guns. The swords the Vampires had were the only thing to break through his thick skin and penetrate the furry beast. It was so big that he stood halfway with Iku and face to-face with his wife. It was why she was there in the first place. To protect the Dheka. The beast’s fur absorbed the watcher’s bullets, pushing them back out with intensity. The stabs the vamps could make didn’t slow it down. The men looked at each other in defeat. They had no idea how to kill something impenetrable.

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“His pelt is alive!” Selena yelled. “I’ve seen something similar on Zoreah. It’s healing itself.”

“His pelt? Alive?” I wanted to finish strategizing before we barged in there. Nevertheless, the tall blond had teleported into the midst of the fighting right next to Iku. At least the village seemed deserted. It was almost identical to the one Iku had been guarding, and it felt strange that the only two of their kind left on the planet were so conveniently placed.

I reached for the red sword at my side. My eyes grazed over the surface as I held it up. It was not a shiny material like a diamond. A rock you could buff into a smooth surface. It was rugged and crafted to the best the Vampires could manage. Rough edges and prickly in some places. Until you lit it to life. I hit the sword on the perfectly chiseled pavement next to me, sparking it to all its glory. When the red stone was lit, it glowed and transformed supernaturally into a thick, smooth blade. Large and double in size. It was almost Viking-like. For a Riphath, it was nothing. For the Chadari, even less to pick up. Not many could yield it. Only Serena and I had one. The other one they crafted was for Chris. As soon as he was ready to pick it up. The Vampires needed more time to harness the ability of the red stones. After that, the possibilities would be endless. Lucky for us, the Chadari wasn’t on their planet anymore. We could mine the remaining rocks to our hearts’ content.

Everyone seemed to think that I held so much power. It was just that I could go anywhere in the galaxy. Whenever I wanted. Beyond that? I did not understand how our race had wiped out Iku’s. We also bled and died. As I stared at the shadow, I wondered how, why, and when it all happened. Ahasuerus, Brylee, and Ira had kept more from us. A lot more. How did the Ittoqure not wipe out the Werewolves? The Vampires or the Riphaths. There was something I was missing.

Calling in the helicopter was futile. It would destroy the village; blasting bullets wouldn’t help anyway. I teleported down and landed behind the giant beast for a second time. It had heard me and glanced around. The red glow of my blade made it falter, its face contorting peculiarly. It was only for a second. Its mouth opened, and giant razorlike teeth came at me. The beast didn’t allow me to strike it again. At least it had forgotten about all the other fighters around it. No one posed a threat. I had wounded it. Made it vulnerable. Even if it was for a small amount of time.

“Its weakness is water!” Serena yelled. I barely heard her. Focused on missing and dodging the beast’s attack, I had no time to consider what to do. I always fought in my Riphath form. It was the easiest to teleport and fight like that. It was what I was used to.

I changed to a vampire to use my cognitive ability. My speed helped me to move around it more nimbly. The heightened awareness I had when a vampire was all I needed to focus on everything around me. I heard the water in the distance and knew precisely where it was and what source could help me. It also allowed me to catalog where everyone was and where the most casualties would be. The villagers were hiding. Most of them were on the far side of the valley. I used all my forms to lure it to the water, away from hurting anyone. Once, I stood under a waterfall, crashing into a pool deep enough to reach my waist. The beast faltered for the second time, raging at me, crying loudly at the edge of the collection of water. Serena was right. It didn’t like water, but would it avoid it. Not all beasts were the same.

Anticipating my moves, Serena followed us. She was waiting for a moment when she could strike. She sliced the beast’s legs. The pelt split in two. Serena’s eyes were as white as snow. The power she was able to wield was immense. As soon as she had made the cut, the pelt closed again and started to heal. Her eyes came back to normal. “Get out of there! His pelt is learning to counter the stones.” My words were too late. The beast had hit her as it turned, flinging her through the air. She landed unconscious, not far from Iku’s feet.

When the beast and I had fought the first time, I had cut it many times and in different places across its body. It must be more vulnerable in certain parts. The beast wanted to finish Serena off. I teleported to intervene and cut it over the leg again. The pain was enough to send it reeling at me. It wasn’t enough to stop it, though. I had to let the sword go. What was the point if it would be fine in a second? Our nets were not big enough to hold it. “Iku, follow me closely.” Hand to hand was all I had left.

I focused on my target and fought the beast as a Riphath with long black nails, rolling and scratching it as a werewolf. The tearing of flesh over my chest sent a jolt of pain down my spine. I focused more on my vampire form and lured it slowly up an embankment, teleporting to frustrate it. Far enough, so it had to follow me. It wasn’t very clever, and it landed on all fours most of the time, running at me like a bear, standing up on its hind legs when I was close. There was only one floating island connected to the one I wanted. It took some time to get us both at the top and close to the edge. I teleported over the small gap. The beast didn’t think twice and leaped over after me. The black shadow was shooshing and gliding over the earth around us.

My shirt was blood-soaked, and my arms were scratched in places. I couldn’t unnecessarily transform anymore. Tired, I wiped over my weary eyes. Unable to focus. I was as drained as I was the day Silvanus whipped me. Human, I could do nothing more than stand as a pawn to the slaughter. Iku was going to have to do the rest. With my last bit of strength, I transformed into a werewolf, fighting close to it. There was nothing on its body I could use as leverage. Its arms effortlessly gripped me when I tried to attack it from behind or get on its back. Blood trickled from a wound on my head over my brow. The smell was enough for the beast to lose control. I teleported to the edge of the Island, hoping it was stupid enough to follow me the last little bit. I maneuvered it into position.

Finally, it stood up on its hind legs. Iku did what he was supposed to. The black shadow darted past me. Black long waves flowed out toward the beast. Large hands grabbed around its neck. The cloud enveloped the thing, and Iku kicked off the ground, sending him and the beast over the ledge. I crashed onto my knees, hands in the dirt, crawling the rest of the way. My arms trembled, and my hands stung over the jagged rocks. Searing, sharp pains in my chest made me hiss. The beast and Iku had landed in the pool. I held my breath, hoping that the water was deep enough. That the waterfall would confuse it enough. Scare it sufficiently to stop its attack so Iku could drown it. He was swirling around him. The beast sputtered and gasped for air. Iku’s wife joined the muddle and flung herself into the fray. The fall had done nothing; it was too strong, and their abilities didn’t dampen his resolve. Different colors bolted like lightning through the water. The pond was too shallow, their weight together nothing for the sheer size of his bulky body. It didn’t even reach his knees when it stood up on its hind legs. It could not run or move fast in the water but fought and fought, stopping Iku and his wife from coming close to it. The first time it landed a blow on Iku’s wife, she was sent smashing into the side of the floating island.

Iku looked up at me, heaving and out of breath. Red clouded my vision. I swiped my sleeve over my eyes, trying to think and recoup some of my strength. I stood at the edge, looking at Selena lying on the ground. Iku’s wife huddled in a fetal position. It was a mess. I had angered the beast and not thought of the repercussions. I had lured it there and made it come after me. With resolve, I cried into the air. Screeched as only a vampire could and got its attention. All I had to do was wait. A movement caught my eye. Behind me were several small shadows standing and staring at me. They covered the ground quickly and enveloped me. Their combined abilities healed me, and the blood stopped running into my eyes. The stampede was growing louder. A loud thud shook the earth beneath our feet. It had jumped over to the Island. The shadows disappeared as quickly as they had come. The gashes over my chest were halfway healed, but every time I took a breath, it was in ridged agony. I looked up at the sky, thinking about Juliet. How useless I was on Zoreah when that sand monster had made her fall over the edge. I wasn’t that guy anymore and quickly decided what needed to be done. No matter the cost.

Again, I waited and fought and lured it closer and closer to the edge. Over and over, I gained new wounds. We were so close. I transformed into a Riphath, dived at the beast, and dug my nails into its fur. The piercing and squelching sounds that followed made the beast rear up, lashing down at me with his mouth. I planted my feet and pushed. At the very moment when the beast was in the air and my feet could push off the ground, I teleported, closing my fist until I had flesh and skin securely in my grasp. I wrapped my legs around it and plunged my teeth into its neck. I didn’t know if it would work or what would happen. I was hoping, more than anything else, that the velocity of our fall and my push off the ground would be enough. I closed my airway. The jolting cold snapped me into action. I let go and ripped out my claws and teeth from its skin. The beast was slow in the water. It looked up at me, slowly swatting its arms through the darkness. It was futile in the depths of the ocean. He could barely move. His weight slowly dragged him down and down into the depths until I couldn’t see him anymore.

On the other hand, I had changed into a werewolf at the last second and was desperately searching for the mountain. The tiny entrance to the cave where the vault was kept had been my goal. It had been the only landing point on Mirach I could think of. It had worked. The strong current pushed me back and forth as I swam to reach the still waters close to the opening. It was my only way to safety. The mountain became more apparent. As soon as I could, I kicked my feet against the rock and drove myself back against the solidity of the mountain, back into the water, teleporting to the one place I wanted to be. It was our one weakness. Water. I landed on my knees and hands, coughing and choking, red water dripping onto the clean floor. I looked up. The young boy started and jumped to his feet, reaching out and tugging violently on a cord. Bells echoed above us. They carried and became louder and louder. My face hit the floor before I could say anything.

***

Loud music brought me back to reality. I took in my surroundings, wondering where we were. My eyes landed on the beautiful night sky with The Milky Way on the horizon. A moon shone brightly to the side. The large fire brought me back to Juliet and Charlene, who were dancing around it and being silly. They were dragging Caleb and the young girls with them as they moved with the rhythm of the music, mimicking an African tribal way of dancing, bending at the waist and their arms stretched out over their heads following the movements of their bodies. Juliet’s arms almost touched the sand, and she brought them up into the air. I smiled and turned onto my side to have a more comfortable view. They were in grey sweatpants and black T-shirts, barefoot and glowing like only pregnant women could. Charlene was laughing, picking Miné up, twirling her around in her Riphath form, putting her down, and joining Caleb and Juliet again. Juliet had taken Caleb’s hand, pulled him in, and pushed him out from her body, flaring up her arm at the end of a movement. Caleb soon figured out what he was supposed to do and took charge, leading her around the fire. Sammy clapped excitedly, jumping up and down, dancing in her own little way. Another smile pulled at the corner of my mouth. I was so thankful to be a part of her family.

The Dheka musicians were enjoying themselves. There were some trumpet noises and some plucking instruments. Imani and Yazen had joined the festivities. Imani and Romero were dancing… weirdly. Yazen and his daughter were next to them. Their dance was elegant and more reserved.

A hand startled me. I glanced around. The doctor who helped me after Juliet and I fought felt my forehead, running his shadowy hand over my face. It was awkward as his hands glided over every part of me. He lifted a hand in the air as he finished at my toes. The music stopped abruptly. I peeked at Juliet, who was startled and confused until she caught my eye. Those daggers turned to cold ice picks. It was not how I wanted our next meeting to go. My anticipation for our reunion had washed away in the water. The doctor stood and held out a hand. I shakily took hold of his arm. “Slowly now.” I used my other arm and lifted my body off the ground, too weak to move quickly, even if I wanted to. Romero swiftly put himself under my shoulder and helped me to my feet. “Selena?” I croaked out the word, feeling the gashes over my chest that were not completely healed.

Romero looked at a tent in the distance. “Jessy is with her. She has not woken up yet.”

“Iku and his wife?”

Romero’s gaze traveled to another tent, and he pointed. “They will talk with my father tomorrow.”

I nodded. Juliet came into view, and she stopped when I looked at her. The ice shards were being shot at me in succession for a long while before she turned around and stomped off toward a tent. She lifted the flap, flinging it closed behind her. I glanced at Charlene for help. She shook her head. “We watched your feed.”

I glanced at the tent Juliet had gone into and sighed heavily. Caleb wrapped his arms around me. “How could you do that?”

I pulled him closer. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I was in beast mode.”

Charlene laughed lightly. “I know how you feel.”

Yazen clapped his hands together. A line of finely dressed servants walked through the gathering with plates high above their heads. I took in the food piled on top of each. My mouth watered as the smells drifted through the air. “Romero,” He looked at me. “Can you send one to Juliet’s tent? I’m starving.” He held out an arm, and the closest server went in that direction. I followed and held open the flap for her. Juliet sat on the cushions, her feet pulled in beneath her, picking agitatedly at her nails. The server put the food down and left quietly. I let the curtain drape and walked over to tower over her. Juliet’s hand swiped over her chin, and she turned away from me. I didn’t have the energy to deal with her. My lust was spent entirely. A few hours ago, I would’ve gladly worked on us. “Is this where you love and hate me at the same time?”

“Yes.” The word came out so easily. As soon as I said it, my torturing thoughts ceased. Juliet quickly got up, and I pushed out my arm straight in front of her to bar her from leaving. “You were so happy a moment ago.”

She shrugged. “It’s my life. Nothing I can do about it. I have to take the happiness as it comes.” Her chest was pressed up against my skin. I needed her. My hand opened and lightly closed around her shoulder. Her whole body relaxed. “I’m starving. Please eat with me.” She glanced up and dried her tears, nodding.

I tackled the food with vigor, shoving handfuls into my mouth. Juliet chuckled at last, and I shrugged. She was right. We had to eat when we could. Enjoy any moment that presents itself. I slowed my chewing after my stomach caught on. Charlene came in and dumped a small beast at my side. “Drain it. It helps.” She wasn’t out of the tent, or my teeth were dug into its neck. With my thirst quenched, I fell back onto the cushions, closing my eyes and wiping away the liquid at the corners of my mouth. Maybe I should shave my beard; washing it every time I drained something was becoming irritating.

I heard Juliet moving around in the tent and scuffling noises next to me. Then, a wet cloth was pressed against my chin and the skin around my lips. I frowned. Slowly, she continued to wipe and rinse. “Let me be the woman in this relationship, just this one time.” I laughed, allowing her to tend to me, take care of me... After she felt I was clean enough, all movements stopped. I could still feel her thigh against my chest and then her breath on my lips. I peeked out of one eye. “Are you okay?” A little revived, I stared at her lips, considering if I could start something I couldn’t finish.

I shook my head. “I never knew what you really went through all those years. How it felt and how dangerous it was. How often did I prepare a person for you, and things didn’t go as planned. As a child, you had to fight for survival. Out there fending for yourself and getting hurt in the process. Manage your emotions… I’m sorry I scared you.”

Juliet pressed her lips onto mine. I wasn’t in the mood. Nor had the strength to make it memorable. “I...” She leaned in, needy and urgent, until my lips relaxed and folded in with hers. Her lips were soft, welcoming my slow response. I rolled her over so she was underneath my chest but next to me. We stayed like that for a while, staring at each other. Her hand came up to rest on my cheek, rubbing her thumb over my lips. Asking. I was contemplating if this was how I wanted it to be? In that tent? After all we had been through. Rushed and shallow sex… Again.

My mouth lowered onto hers, deciding for me. If I didn’t take it when she was so available, who knew when I would have another chance. Juliet’s mouth devoured mine with fervor. She wasn’t only available but desperate. Her body adhered to every touch as my hand cupped her breast and pushed behind the nape of her neck, forcing her to give me more of her mouth. I was slowly forgetting my tiredness but knew it would be over too quickly if it went on like that. I slowed my lips and touched her with purpose. She didn’t like my pace and wrapped her legs around me, pushed me over, planting herself on top of me. I smiled and pretended to go for her ass but did the same to her. I was on top of her again. Juliet sat up, bunched up the hem of my shirt, and pulled it over my head. While I was still arms in the air, she caught me and rolled me over. I tossed my shirt aside, came up, took hold of her neck, and thrust my tongue into her mouth, exploring and ravishing her soft, soft lips. In the midst of our enthusiasm, I got rid of her shirt. Her bra pushed up her breast, and I gorged myself on her cleavage.

I tossed her over again. Juliet went for my pants and pushed them down. I laughed. I had to roll again to get them off. How I missed a bed. Juliet got on top, and my low energy was forgotten. I reared up to unclasp her bra, releasing the objects of my desire. My tongue was out before she could get it off above my head. Stretched out, I groaned, licking the bottom of her breast. Juliet shivered and faltered with every broad stroke I dragged around her nipple, never giving her what she wanted. She had ultimately let go of the idea of getting rid of the bra. As she dropped her arms, the straps still hung around her elbows, intertwined behind my head. It made her breast plump up, and my cock responded in kind. I pushed her over and got rid of her clothes for her until there was nothing left between us. My eyes devoured her soft skin and curves, drifting down to her open thighs. I wanted to rest myself between her legs. Juliet laughed as we rolled over a few more times, kissing and struggling. Neither wanted to give over control. “I’ll go on top. You’re tired, and I don’t want everyone to know I’m having my way with you.” She said through ragged breaths.

“I don’t care. So, are you going to give in? I want to have my way with you.”

Juliet cocked an eyebrow. “Never…” She wanted to roll me over. I smiled and didn’t let her, pushing her down and rocking her backward and forward on my frustrated length. We both knew who would win that fight. I looked deep into her eyes. Juliet used the only other thing she could. Tactics. She pretended to concede and lay down so I could mount her. Still in the air, one hand glided over my ass, and the other cupped me, touching and stroking me the way I liked. My eyes closed, but I kept her underneath me when she tried to push me around. I jerked a few times in her hand, still circling my rigid length. “Okay, what if….” She slid down my shaft... “We go fifty-fifty.”

I lowered down to her mouth and bit her bottom lip in between my teeth. “I’m listening.” I kissed the corner of her mouth, licking the side of her mouth. “I’ll go first, and you can have your way with me after.”

Only the idea shriveled me up and made a wave of tiredness cross over my eyes. “Urrgh, no!” I let her go and fell down next to her. “You take forever; by that time, I’m wiped.” I rolled on my side, giving her my back. “I just killed a freaking giant alien… All I want to do is sleep. And this was not how I saw us tussling between the sheets.” I thought she would be hurt.

“You just don’t know what you’re doing.” Juliet mocked.

I busted a gut, laughing and groaning as my abdomen contracted around my wounds. Juliet was trying… everything to get me there. Best compliment ever. She killed Stevie for me, and I couldn’t…

“Maybe you should have slept with more people over the years.” Juliet quipped.

I rolled back to her, still laughing and remembering the knife she had kept from our time at the farm. Juliet slowly slid he hands over my chest, following the patterns of my tattoos, tugging at the rings through my nipples. It did nothing for me. I just couldn’t anymore. Our foreplay had drained me. “My girlfriend is very jealous. Juliet I…”

“I can help with that.” The doctor’s voice startled us. He was peeking in at the entrance of the tent. Juliet yelped and pulled a cushion to cover her bare breasts. We heard the whole camp laughing.

“It’s nothing new here.” The doctor said, coming closer. “The women get so used to their powers that the men have no idea how to do anything.” Juliet laughed. The women outside laughed. He wriggled his fingers in the air. “One touch.”

Juliet jumped up, addicted already. Juliet gets what Juliet wants. With the pillow clutched to her chest, she dragged him closer, pointing at me. I smiled. She was naked, but her breasts bothered her. “Him first.” My smile fell. I had never felt it before. It would be interesting. What if it didn’t work? I wanted to experience it. What if it did work, and I lost control? I was tired enough. What could go wrong? The doctor smiled and gestured with an outstretched hand. Juliet lay down next to me. The man touched both our heads and left us clouded with lust. He retreated quickly, clapping his hands together above his head. The whole camp went into a melodious song. Instruments and voices booming so loud that the noises we were going to make wouldn’t matter. Juliet’s eyes were dark, staring at me. It was like nothing I had ever known. All the pain was gone. All the thoughts. Every last excuse was replaced with only one thing flowing through my veins.

With absolutely no control, I grabbed her shoulder and pushed her face down into the pillows. Not caring about how rough I was or making it memorable anymore. I moved over her, ready to take her from behind like she had begged. The image that had been chafing at my self-control. My hand pushed in underneath her body, enveloping her breasts with excited squeezes only to slide down her body and rest between her legs. The tips of my fingers were soaked as I teased her entrance, driving out deprived sounds of desperation from Juliet. I slid over her a few times, took myself in hand, and, with a frantic push, plunged into her. I kept myself to the hilt, lowering down on her to bite the back of her neck like she wanted me to. My fingers rested on her silken skin, and I rocked hard and repeatedly against her depths. My teeth nipped up and down the naked flesh that presented itself. Throaty breaths quickened, and Juliet convulsed in waves around me.

I rolled my hips back, swallowed by warmth, and thrust into her with a few erratic pumps to get myself under control. Once I found my rhythm, I was relentless, in and out. I adjusted my position, came up on my hands, and straddled her other leg, pushing hers together, making my next thrust a pounding second of overwhelming ferocity. “Michael…” I pounded again, unable to curb myself. “If I lose this baby, neither of us will survive.” I slowed down to say, “Honey, that stuff I gave you made you carry another species, child. Your cervix is as thick as I am right now.”

“Then get off so I can get on all fours.”

I kept moving back and forth, lowering down on her. My mouth tugged and sucked at her earlobe. My breathing was uneven in her ear, “Not tonight… I want to make love to you.” Juliet melted underneath me and clenched around me. I slowed my pace but kept my thrusts hard, moaning every time I was at the brink. Her hand came around. Soft fingers ran over my shoulder and into my hair. I rested on my elbows and took both breasts in the palm of my hands, squeezed and held them tight, thrusting myself over and over into her. “How does this feel?” I didn’t really have to ask. She could not see I was in my vampire state. It wasn’t a conscious decision. It had just happened. My black nails were sliding over the moist skin around her breasts, dragging ripples of pleasure from her. Her heart was pounding, building up to another climax. The smells of our fluids mingling together with the sounds our bodies were making sent me spiraling. It was mind-fing good. I didn’t want to give her what she wanted. Since being a creature, I didn’t have to ask her how she felt anymore… I noticed all of it. The red in her cheeks, the flush in her neck. Her parted lips, silently gasping and begging for relief. The tremble in her voice. “More…” She fisted my hair.

“F- Juliet, that mouth of yours… You’re mine. Do you understand that?”

She didn’t say anything. I gave her more. Her muffled moans became louder. Her breath caught every time I drove forward. “Yes… I’m yours… I always have been.” I released violently into her, pushing up on my hands and pressing down on her back so she couldn’t interfere with the unbearable heights the drugs had pushed me to. I dropped my manifestation but couldn’t stop. Even after, I scooped her up and was standing on my knees in a second, spreading her legs so I was positioned between her dripping thighs. She was boneless in my solid arms. I held her close to my chest, still hard inside her. Gently, I took her weight on one arm and leaned forward, tilting her with my upper body. With my other hand free, I reached between her legs. I wanted more and started stroking, coaxing her to abandon all self-control. “Just like that, don’t stop.” Her voice was barely audible.

“Shut up.” I hissed in her ear.

“Pleeease.” My brain didn’t want to give in. “Michael, please.” Her nails dug into my thigh. It surged frenzy ripples of pleasure through me, but more than getting off, I wanted to keep the space between her thighs under my control. A breathless urgency took over Juliet. Every time I rubbed over her, she would hold her breath in anticipation. I would take my hand away, leaving her writhing. I would have to start all over, and every time, it took less time to build her up and stop right before she could come undone. It went on until only one stoke would send her reeling, and I would lift my fingers for a second too long. Again and again, keeping her at that quivering point. My other fingers clamped around her nipple, tweaking softly. “Ahh… I can’t anymore. Michael…”

Juliet’s hand reached for mine. “Don’t you dare.” My lust craze told me to make her squirm. She felt so good around me, pulsing and jerking every time I teased. Absolutely begging. A soft cry of agonizing desperation made me shake myself, and I came back to human, rested my fingers over her slick heat, and began slowly thrusting in and out of her. Juliet’s hands gripped my thighs. I let my fingers move with my rhythm, urging her to trust me. She surrendered and leaned against my arm, allowing her release to engulf her. My hand closed around her to steady her and stayed like that, holding her and letting her come undone in her own time.

Juliet came up and rested her head on my shoulder, taking ragged breaths. Her dark, taught nipples begged me to touch them. My mouth watered to get a hold of them. Under my sweeping touches, they flicked. I had never seen them like that.

I sat back on my heels and let her sit on my lap, giving us both a moment to catch our breath. I took hold of her waist, lifting her up and plunging her down on me, bucking every time the head of my cock got what it wanted. I wrestled with myself to prolong my pleasure. Anticipating coming undone. I moved her hair to one side and wrapped my arms around her, letting my lips and tongue taste her skin. Our bodies were hot against each other, glistening in the dim light. Juliet held onto my arm as I lifted her up and down. Her lips came around to capture mine, one hand in my hair. She complained as our lips parted. Every stroke up and down inside her weakened my thighs. I felt the sting of the wounds on my chest. It would be the last time. The drugs were wearing off. I didn’t want it to end and manifested. My emotions were a mess, and I pushed her forward. Juliet’s hands reached out to stop her fall. I caressed her back, gliding my black tips over her twitching skin toward her shoulder. I gripped and let myself lose all sense for a few unbridled surges, finally crying out with every burst. My finish was long and splintered the torment of ending it there.

Lethargic and spent, I pulled out and sat back, admiring the view while Juliet caught her breath, hair covering her face. She was exhausted and fell over onto the cushions. I followed her lead and pulled her into the crook of my arm. I felt a slight shaking against my chest. I glanced down till the sniffles and deep breaths were loud in my ears. Juliet was crying. I quickly turned her body. More tears rolled down her temples. One arm came over to cover her face. Eyes wide, I dragged her into my arms and onto my chest. “Honey, are you okay?”

She nodded against me.

“You’ve never cried after… Has it happened before?”

She nodded, “Too many times. But never with you… I wanted it too much.” I threw my leg over hers and wrapped my arms around her. She buried her face in the hollow of my shoulder. Her soft sobs deepened. I held her until she fell asleep. I closed my eyes. Was I too domineering? The realization dawned. I had been in my vampire form. I cursed myself for letting myself get out of control. It was reckless using that purple stuff on me without anyone there. No accountability. My eyes jumped open. Louis would read her thoughts and go over everything I did and… said. I groaned, wiping one hand over my face. I told her to shut up… “Oh geez!” She had to say please.