The Fantasy Trove

Bobby learns more about his family and his past.

 

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Chapter 09

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Blood and Water

 

“A bomb?” Shayna took a step back and stared at me. I saw her shivering as fear suffused her beautiful face. “Why is there a bomb in my husband?”

 

“How do you know there’s a bomb in his neck?” Susan asked in a much calmer tone, though that was only in comparison.

 

“After your son was resurrected, they discovered he wasn’t a high-ranking Knight. Then he seduced their wife-trainer, so they decided he was too dangerous to be left unfettered,” my mouth moved as Charlotte answered. It creeped me out how that other voice came out of me. However, I didn’t fight it, needing to know about this. Instead, despite my rising terror, I focused on everything the succubus said.

 

“That doesn’t explain how you know about the bomb,” Elly chimed in.

 

“After their wife-trainer almost killed him, they knocked him out, but I remained conscious. I think that’s why we look like we do now. I tried to stay subdued so his soul would mold this new body to his previous appearance… But my soul became dominant when they knocked him out and not me.”

 

“That explains why he looks cuter,” I heard Shayna mutter, but I was more focused on what my stowaway was saying.

 

“While unconscious, they implanted a small explosive device at the base of his neck and then healed the spot to ensure Bobby wouldn’t discover it.” My hand moved to the spot that’d itched since I woke up that morning, and I shuddered. “I can’t remove it myself, but I’m hoping you have some contacts that can? Susan?”

 

“So, it’s all about self-preservation then?” Mom asked with a cold glare. “I never trusted you, Jules—or Charlotte, or whatever your name is now.”

 

“Susan, I swear to you that I have only ever had the best of intentions for your family. Bernard meant the world to me, and I have taken his charge seriously to watch over and protect your son.” I swear I could actually feel her sincerity. That’s because I am sincere, her voice echoed in my head with a note of peevishness.

 

“Yeah, I’ll bet you did,” Mom sneered at me. Well, she made that face at Charlotte, who was inside me, so it felt like it was at me.

 

“Susan, I don’t mind your enmity, but your son’s life is in danger,” Charlotte stated with a hint of annoyance. “Do you know someone who can get rid of the bomb or not?”

 

The sneer turned into a grimace before my mother’s face softened. “Let me make a few calls.”

 

“Bobby?” Shayna drew my attention to her while Susan went to grab her phone. “Who is Charlotte?”

 

The cold tone in her voice formed icicles in my veins.

 

“I… um…” I desperately thought of what to say, coming up blank.

 

The truth always works best in these situations, Charlotte offered her advice.

 

Says the woman who tricked me and lied to me! I thought back but had to admit her advice was solid.

 

I opened up, telling them how I’d met the goth woman the Wednesday before First Knight. Then how I’d met her at the brothel I was investigating, the subsequent bombing, finding her in purgatory, and not knowing she was with me until a few moments ago. They listened without interrupting until I finished as my mom made multiple calls in the background.

 

“So, you had a succubus inside you this whole time?” Shayna asked, looking wary.

 

“Only since being resurrected,” I said.

 

“Which is why I think that oni lost control,” Charlotte added. “I also think it may have been why Bobby lost control in the shower. I don’t know everything this body was created to be capable of, but I sense incubus genes in its makeup.”

 

“Wait,” I lifted my hands before my face, expecting to see claws or fur. “You mean I have monster parts in me?”

 

“Subtle, but yes,” Charlotte said. “The Paladonic Knights are known for capturing magical creatures and doing unspeakable experiments on them. They then use that knowledge to create the homunculus bodies to resurrect their highest-ranking officials. Of course, the more powerful the body, the higher the ranking knight that’ll inhabit it, except you threw a wrench in that plan.”

 

“I threw a wrench in that plan?” I sputtered.

 

“That’s not true!” Shayna snapped, her dark skin turning darker in her abrupt rage, confusing me until she continued. “If anything, they only examine the dead ones! They do it to keep humans safe! You make it sound like we’re the monsters, kidnapping children and doing evil things.”

 

“I have personally seen the rows of cages,” Charlotte said, her voice tinged with sadness. “Every resurrection facility has them. Creatures of all ages and types lined up in cells barely big enough to curl up in. And I assure you, they were all very much alive while in their prisons, not as much after being taken away.”

 

“Lies!” Shayna screamed as Elly pulled her into a hug and glared at us.

 

“I hate to say it,” my mother cut in, setting her phone on the counter, “but the demon is right. I’ve also seen it.”

 

“What?” I asked, wondering what other secrets my mother held.

 

Susan shook her head as she gave Shayna a pitying glance. “That’s a story for another time. I have some friends coming that can help you, son. And maybe get that demon out of your head.” She turned back to Shayna and Elly, with a worried expression. “You’re welcome to stay, but you should know that those coming are not human.”

 

“Who are you?” Elly asked, narrowing her eyes while Shayna continued to hug her. “We figured you were just a powerful witch, but now I suspect you’re something else.”

 

My mother chuckled sourly before answering. “I’m very much human, but yes, I’m also a powerful witch. However, I also worked with my husband to save many innocent cryptids from the Paladonic Knights over the years.”

 

“But your husband was a Knight!” Shayna accused as she finally turned away from Elly. “Why would he betray humanity?”

 

“Again, that’s a long story,” for some reason, Susan looked at me, or was it Charlotte? “I’ll understand if you want to leave, but if you stay, I expect you to behave with my guests. Especially since they’ll be coming to save my son and your husband.”

 

Shayna immediately stepped towards the pantry but stopped when Elly didn’t follow. “You can’t seriously be thinking of staying here? We need to go before any more monsters show up! We can’t get caught up in this… this….”

 

Elly placed her hand over her stomach and gave Shayna a sad look. “They’re coming to save our husband, the father of our children. We’ve already gone a week without him. I don’t want to lose more time than we have to.”

 

“But didn’t you hear the monster inside him?” Shayna demanded, her red eyes growing angrier. “He’s just as much of a monster as them!”

 

I won’t deny her words hurt me more than I can say. Especially since I knew she was right. I was a freak now. Sure, my body was more robust, more resilient, faster, and capable of incredible things. Still, it came at the cost of my humanity.

 

“You can leave my home,” Mom said, her anger hot enough to scorch.

 

“Let me talk to her,” Elly stepped between Shayna and Susan. “She’s confused and doesn’t know what to think. A lot has happened tonight, and she may need some time, but please let me talk to her.”

 

I watched as my mom chewed her lower lip before giving an answer. “I won’t have her or anyone badmouthing my husband or son. It wasn’t their fault what happened to them, and I’m just thankful to still have my son in my life. I don’t care if she’s carrying my grand-baby. I’ll teach her how to show proper respect if I have to.”

 

Elly didn’t answer beyond pulling Shayna back into the hallway. Even with my enhanced hearing, I couldn’t hear what they said.

 

“Now, as for you, succubus,” my mother’s furious gaze landed on me, “what else can you tell me about the body they put my son into?”

 

I actually felt my passenger shiver under that gaze. I didn’t blame her. I remembered that look from when I screwed up as a child. I didn’t get it often, but I knew I’d made a grave mistake when I did. I never repeated those mistakes again.

 

Like when you put that kid in the hospital? Charlotte’s thoughts came to me.

 

Get out of my memories! I snapped back, not wanting to remember that defining moment in my childhood.

 

“I can’t say much,” Charlotte answered my mother instead of me. “Don’t give me that look, Susan. I can’t say much because I don’t know. I recognize the incubus powers because of my own proclivities. Your son is stronger and faster, has better hearing and eyesight, and I think his healing and recovery is increased, but I don’t know more than that.”

 

I figured you’d appreciate me not talking about your increased sex drive, Charlotte thought to me.

 

Gee, thanks, I responded and tried not to grind my teeth.

 

Don’t be like that, she scolded me with a teasing tone. At least I didn’t point out how often you noticed your mom’s not wearing a bra.

 

“I have not—” I started to say out loud before clamping my mouth shut.

 

No, but you just looked! I heard her giggling in my head as I ground my teeth.

 

“You haven’t—what, son?” The way my mother looked at me with such concern only served to stoke my anger at Charlotte.

 

“Nothing!” I snapped, then lightened my tone at the look of hurt in her eyes. “It’s just Charlotte being a pervert.”

 

“Don’t sling hate my way,” Charlotte continued to laugh as she spoke through my mouth. “I’ve always said your mom was pretty ho—hrmf!”

 

I forced my hands over my mouth and threw every ounce of willpower behind holding them.

 

“Yeah, that definitely sounds like the succubus I know,” Susan grimaced and shook her head. “I’m sorry you have to put up with her, Bobby, but hopefully, Stefan can get rid of her for good. Unfortunately, most of my contacts are dealing with the tragedy at the Gulf.”

 

“Who’s Stefan?” I asked when I felt Charlotte stop vying for control of me.

 

Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door. While my mother went to get that, I glanced to where Shayna and Elly were having a heated exchange. They glanced at me, saw me looking, and I watched as Shayna’s shoulders slumped.

 

I got to my feet as they walked over, though neither would look me in the eyes. Then, before either could speak, I said my piece.

 

“Shayna, I understand how you feel. I don’t blame you for hating whatever it is I’ve become. I hate it.” I felt my heart sinking as I spoke but forced my way on as a pit swelled up in my throat. “The only thing that I ask—though I have no right to ask anything of you—is that you let me see our child from time to time. Of course, you don’t have to tell them I’m its father, but I can’t imagine not being a part of my child’s life. Even if it’s just as that weird guy you put up with.”

 

“Shut up!” Shayna suddenly spat, shocking me with her intensity. I did as she asked and kept my mouth shut to let her speak. “Just shut up. I… Why did this have to happen? I could have been so happy. We could have all been so happy. I didn’t know. Elly was right. She always is! After your mother removed the love spell—something we were always told was impossible—I started to see cracks in what I was raised to believe. But I still believed that all magical creatures were evil, and the Knights were pure. They are supposed to be the good guys. And I’ve seen the good they do! But… but I don’t think I can keep my eyes closed to everything anymore.”

 

Her face lifted as she finally met my eyes, and I didn’t know what to make of her tear-soaked cheeks or the intensity behind her blue gaze. “And you! You were so perfect on paper! The Knights assured us that they were thorough and knew everything there was to know about you. But they didn’t know about your pendant, your mother, or even your father's dealings with the monsters. Oh, sure, they knew you were intelligent, athletic, sincere, and even how big your cock was, but not the other stuff!

 

“And now I’m supposed to be okay with you sharing your body with a fucking succubus? A damned lust demon?! I could get over the fact that you might have parts of you that came from the monsters, but it still would have been you inside.” Suddenly, her finger poked into my chest as she stepped within my personal space. “But you want to know the worst part? The part that I can’t ignore or get out of my head no matter how much I tell myself otherwise? It’s that I still like you, even knowing all I know now. The way you treated Elly and me before you left on that mission—before becoming whatever you are now—still sets my heart going. I know that side of you is in there, and I keep thinking to myself… I keep hoping I’ll wake up; this will all be a nightmare. Shit, maybe that love spell wasn’t really lifted, or it’s got my head all fucked up, but I still like you. I want to make it work despite all that… this… fuck, I don’t know!”

 

While Shayna continued her monologue, I noticed my mother return with someone beside her. I returned my focus to Shayna and what she was saying. Despite her emotions thickening her words, I understood every word she said. But I wasn’t sure of her meaning.

 

“So…” I tried to think of how to ask her to clarify but couldn’t do it without risking making her angrier.

 

Men! The thought resounded with disgust in my head, but I mentally shoved Charlotte away.

 

Shayna’s jaw tightened as she met my eyes with a firm resolve. “Your speech a moment ago showed me that the Bobby Brody I know is still inside there. The fact that you want to be there for our child, just to be part of its life, shows how much you truly care. Shows me the heart that I knew in the original Bobby.” The finger poking me in the chest shifted as she opened her palm and laid it flat against my chest. She took a deep, steadying breath before continuing. “What I’m saying is that I’m willing to try. I won’t say I’m comfortable with what you’ve become or what is inside you, but I’m willing to try. But I’m going to make you work for it. No more of your sexual voodoo, and the sooner we get that thing out of you, the better!”

 

“If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is,” a dry male voice cut in, making all of us turn to face the newcomer. The man stood next to my mother, nearly a foot taller, thin, pale, and wearing something that would fit right into a noir novel. His long, dark trenchcoat covered him from neck to ankles, and his broad-brimmed black hat rested just above his eyes. I couldn’t see those eyes, but I felt them regarding me.

 

“It’s not love,” Shayna said, taking a hasty step away from me and grabbing Elly’s hand. “Just hope.”

 

“Well, regardless of which, let’s see if anything can be done about this supposed bomb, eh?” the man dismissed Shayna in such an off-hand manner that I felt offended for her.

 

I glanced at Elly, but it was impossible to read her face. She’d remained silent throughout Shayna’s speech, and I had no idea how she felt.

 

Don’t worry about that one, Charlotte’s thoughts reached me. Her emotional intelligence is actually kind of scary.

 

I ignored her, though I admit I took comfort in her words.

 

“Stefan, I presume?” I asked as I stepped closer to the gaunt man. He tilted his head in a nod but kept his head down, making it impossible for me to see his face above his nose. “What do you need me to do?”

 

The man sniffed twice, then shuddered before answering. “Please lie down on your stomach on the couch and let me take a look at you.” The man’s words were polite, though his tone was commanding and his sniffing a bit on the creepy side. I noticed him twitch when I didn’t immediately obey him.

 

Glancing at the worn and uncomfortable couch, I shook my head. “Any chance I could lay on the floor? Or we could go back to one of the bedrooms and use a bed?”

 

“He’s not allowed in my room,” my mother said with finality. “And I’m certain Nikky won’t allow him in hers either.”

 

If the man was offended by her words, he didn’t show it. In fact, as I stood there thinking, I noticed he barely moved at all. A statue showed more life.

 

Resigned, I moved to the couch and rested on my stomach. I had to place my left hand under me between my chest and a spring poking up. Another spring dug into my right thigh, but I had to suffer that one due to more springs in less comfortable positions. Why the hell did my mother keep this couch?

 

“Quit fidgeting,” the man ordered me, making me jump. I hadn’t even noticed him move next to me.

 

“What are you going to do?” I asked, feeling my heart rate hike up. “Shouldn’t I be knocked out for this?”

 

“Quit fidgeting,” he told me again.

 

“Relax, dear,” my mother said after moving to the back of the couch. “Stefan here is the most knowledgeable healer I know.”

 

“Aquacia is the healer,” Stefan responded as I felt something cold and wet press against the back of my neck. “Please be silent as she works.”

 

I did my best to hold steady as whatever was pressed against my neck shifted and probed. I felt no pain, though that itch was steadily getting worse. My face pressed into the threadbare cushion, so I couldn’t see what was going on, though I could hear feet shuffling.

 

If Aquacia is the healer, what’s this man doing? I wondered. And why is Mom okay with him helping me if she doesn’t trust him in her bedroom? Not that I wanted to think about any men in her bedroom.

 

Because he’s a vampire, Charlotte informed me. I would have jumped up and ran if she hadn’t locked my muscles down. Relax, I know of them. You’re in good hands.

 

Them? I asked back. I’m pretty sure I only saw one man.

 

Stefan and Aquacia are a unique couple. Well, ‘couple’ may be a bit of a stretch. Charlotte’s mental voice took on a thoughtful tone as she informed me of the two creatures working on removing my bomb. They share a symbiotic relationship. She’s a water nymph—no, you’re thinking of a nymphomaniac, not a nymph. Anyway, through some curse, miscast spell, or something—he’s never come clean on what exactly, and I can’t read his mind—the two share one body. Hey! Just like you and me!

 

I didn’t like how chipper she sounded at the end, but her mentioning a curse reminded me of my fabled blurse.

 

Oh, yeah, that! She said, giggling as she thought to me. That was me also, by the way. But I’ll tell you about that later. I think they’re finishing up.

 

Wait! I thought back at her in a rush. What do you mean that was— Everything from my neck down went ice-cold, then numb. “Umm…” I started to say, then felt electric arcs shoot through my body and limbs.

 

“Quit fidgeting,” Stefan demanded once more, this time losing all sense of decorum as he gave me the order.

 

But I wasn’t fidgeting anymore; I was under full-blown convulsions. I remained fully cognizant of my body’s actions, though I’d lost all control. Finally, it became bad enough that I thrashed my way off the couch and landed with a grunt on the floor. I felt something warm and wet dribble from my mouth. Was I bleeding or foaming at the mouth? I knew I was experiencing a seizure, though I thought I was supposed to be less aware during one.

 

As fast as it started, my body relaxed, and I regained control. My chest heaved as I gasped for air, but I rolled to my back, sat up, and hurried away from the gaunt man as fast as I could. As my back ran into a wall, I noticed a large globule of water slip into Stefan’s hand.

 

“We have done what we can,” he informed us, and now I could see his blood-red eyes. They held me riveted as he spoke. “The bomb cannot be removed without risking permanent injury. However, the remote detonator was disabled, as was the GPS tracker. So you are as free as anyone, now.”

 

“What about the demon inside him?” Shayna demanded from her position of hugging Elly.

 

A watery head formed above Stefan’s shoulder and answered the question in a wet female voice. “I can fix almost any physical ailment, but their souls are conjoined. There’s nothing we can do about metaphysical ailments.”

 

“Do we owe you anything?” Elly asked, speaking up for the first time in a while. Her voice came out cracked and worried, though her face looked calm.

 

The watery head giggled in what I thought was creepier than Stefan’s sniffing, but no one else seemed to react the same as I did. “We have already taken our payment. He has quite a unique flavor.”

 

Her words sent another shiver down my spine, and I didn’t want to think of their implications.

 

“Do you know what else his body was made from?” My mother asked, and I noticed Shayna perk up. “We already know that the Knights used Incubus genes, but we don’t know what else.”

 

“Is he safe?” Shayna added before the odd pair could respond. I noticed Elly flinch, but no one said anything as they waited for an answer. It came from Stefan this time.

 

“Now that you mention it, we tasted the incubus in him, but he is too muddled to be certain of anything.” The vampire turned to look at me for a long moment before he continued. “He is still mostly human, with subtle hints of others. We are confident that he is safe to his allies. He cares greatly about you three women, though the dark-skinned one’s behavior has hurt him. Oh, and Susan? You have been making him uncomfortable with—”

 

“Okay!” I cut in before this vampire could suck any more of the mood from the room. I also didn’t like how he described me like a fine wine to be savored. “So, I’m still mostly human, I’m safe with my friends, and I’m not in danger of having my head blown off. I think that just about covers everything. Thank you for all that you’ve done. I’d get your number if my phone hadn’t blown up with my original body, but I’m sure if I need you again, my mom knows how to get in touch.” I tried to sound appreciative while letting this freak know I was more than ready for him to leave.

 

As though mentioning a phone was some sort of cue, I heard one start ringing.

 

That was pretty rude to someone who just saved your life, Charlotte chastised me.

 

I’m pretty sure they drank my blood without my consent while they did it, so that makes us more than even, I thought back at her as Elly answered her phone.

 

I meant the part of thinking of him as a freak, she responded with annoyance. Her words, or maybe it was a feedback loop with her emotions, made me even more annoyed with her. He is unique with his relationship with Aquacia, but it’s similar to our predicament. He is no more a freak than we are.

 

I ground my teeth as I snapped back an answer. Yes, I’m also a freak! Is that what you want to hear? I am so disgusted with what I’ve become that I almost want to kill myself. Does that make you happy, demon?

 

I was starting to see red as I felt my anger boil. I wouldn’t kill myself, no matter what I said. Life meant more to me no matter what I felt about my predicament. But I felt so dirty, knowing what I was and what was inside of me.

 

“What do you want?” I snapped as Elly held her phone out to me. I saw the hurt and shock cross her face and immediately regretted my outburst. Of all the women in the room, Elly had treated me the best after finding out that I was a freak. “I’m sorry,” I offered right away.

 

“Willmont is on the phone for you,” Elly told me in calm tones, though I noticed an angry glint in her eyes.

 

Accepting the phone from her, I wanted to mentally lash out at Charlotte but knew I had myself to blame.

 

“This is Bobby,” I answered, wondering about the protocol for answering the high-ranking Knight from my wife’s phone.

 

“Carpenter Brody, it seems you made it home all right,” the older man said in jovial tones.

 

“Yes, Sir,” I said, mindful of all the eyes on me as I spoke. Especially Stefan’s red eyes. “Did you need me to come in?”

 

“Um, actually, no,” he said, sounding caught off guard by my question. “I actually live only a few blocks away from you. I know it’s late, but I can be there in a few minutes if that’s okay?”

 

I felt my heart sink as I looked around my mother’s home, the home that was a couple hours’ drive from my new home with Shayna and Elly.

 

“I, uh, I’m not exactly dressed for company,” I said, trying to stall for time.

 

“Oh, I’ll bet you’re not,” I heard Consul Willmont chuckle over the phone. “I’m sure your wives have missed you over the last week. But listen, pull your dick out of whichever one you’re using, and I’ll be there in a few.”

 

“Understood, Sir.” I gulped as I noticed that he’d hung up before I responded. I handed the phone back to Elly as I thought about how I would get home.

 

You forgot how you got here, didn’t you? Charlotte chuckled. Maybe it was me feeling her humor, but I relaxed.

 

Until I looked at Shayna. She hadn’t exactly been happy with my changes. Would she tell Willmont about what happened here, risking the fact that the love spell was lifted from her?

 

She must have seen the question in my eyes as she met my gaze with a determined one of her own. “You’re my husband. I know you’re a good man, regardless of everything else. I don’t have to like this situation—or that creature inside you—but I’m not going to risk my future over it.”

 

Not the best answer I could hope for, but far from the worst.

 

“Thank you,” I said and meant it, then turned to face my mom. “We have to get home. Sorry to rush out, but I’ll talk to you when I can.”

 

I tried to herd Shayna and Elly to the pantry, but Elly stalled. “Aren’t you going to at least kiss your mom goodbye?”

 

I opened my mouth to argue, but my legs had a different idea.

 

Trust me, you should listen to her, Charlotte informed me. Elly’s a woman you should never argue with. The least reason for this is because her intelligence is far above yours. It’s sad, really. I mean, it’s like comparing a softball with a basketball. Only, you’re denser than a softball.

 

Okay! I get it! I mentally snapped as I pulled my mother into a hug and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for everything, Mom.”

 

“Take care of those women,” Susan whispered, then in a different tone, she added, “And you, succubus, take care of my son.”

 

“I will, Susan,” Charlotte said using my mouth. “Your husband asked that I look after him, and not even death has stopped me. I wish you and I were on better terms, though.”

 

“I’ll bet you do, succubus,” my mother said. Even though I heard her stress what Charlotte was, there wasn’t as much animosity as she’d held when first finding out that I had the creature sharing my body.

 

I was able to move away then and rushed to the pantry. Shayna and Elly were already inside. As soon as I closed the door, they started rearranging the food.

 

As I felt the shift in the room, Elly stepped up and met my eyes. “I can see you’re going through a lot right now. I can’t even begin to understand all of it, but you might find it useful to keep a journal of some type. It might allow you to organize your thoughts.”

 

Once again, I opened my mouth to say that I wasn’t going to be writing some dear diary bullshit, but Charlotte’s advice against arguing with the woman that already had one doctorate replayed in my mind.

 

“I’ll try,” I said instead, and I think it’s pretty evident that I started writing everything down. However, instead of doing different dear diary posts, I found that it works better for me to pretend this is some story that hopefully no one ever reads.

 

Shayna opened the pantry door as we heard the doorbell ring. Looking down, I had a brilliant idea and began stripping.

 

“I don’t think now is the time to—” Shayna started, but Elly cut her off.

 

“He’s not thinking with his dick, babe.” The taller of my wives turned to me with a severe look. “We’ll head to the bedroom and make it look legit while you answer the door.”

 

I nodded appreciatively as Elly ushered Shayna from the pantry. I heard the darker woman ask, “In his birthday suit?” before they made it down the hallway. If they spoke anymore, I didn’t hear it.

 

The doorbell rang again, followed by a hard knock by the time I was down to just my boxers. I stuffed my clothes in a corner, not wanting to move anything, and accidentally transport myself somewhere else.

 

“Coming!” I yelled as I rushed to the front door and messed up my hair. Then, cracking it open, I hid behind the solid door as I peeked out. Then, pretending I was out of breath, I greeted the well-built older man on the other side. “Consul Willmont. Sorry. I know you said you’d be right over, but I thought I had a few more minutes.”

 

The older man grimaced as he met my eyes. “Well, don’t block the door. I don’t care if you’re naked; let me in.”

 

“Uh, yes, sir,” I nodded and pulled the door back. I ensured I wouldn’t be seen from the street. Being the new guy on the block, I didn’t want to set a bad example with my neighbors. “I’m sure my wives are getting dressed and will be out in a moment.”

 

“Quit hiding behind the door!” Willmont snapped as he stepped inside. I wondered what’d put him in a sour mood, as he’d sounded fine over the phone.

 

Closing the door behind him, I gestured to the front room. “Please, come in and get comfortable. Can I get you anything?”

 

“No, I won’t be long,” the man said and turned around with a smile on his face. His tone lightened up as he looked around the house. “Your wives have already made this place look like a home. Tell me, have you had a chance to do any serious gaming on that computer? What am I saying? Of course not. You just got home and haven’t had time to, ahem, relax.”

 

He gave me a knowing look and a smirk as he took in my level of undress.

 

“It’s not easy keeping two incredible women happy,” I chuckled uncomfortably. Was he bipolar? One moment he’s upset and ordering me around, and the next, he’s acting like we’re best buds.

 

“Heh, I’ll bet not,” the white-haired man half-grimaced, half-grinned as he shook his head. I wondered if he was jealous or old-fashioned. “Anyway, I came by to make sure you were doing okay. Sorry about your face. I don’t know what went wrong in the acclimatization process, but it’s not too noticeable in the right lights.”

 

I had no idea how to respond to that statement, and all I could manage was a weak, “Uh, yeah. Shayna and Elly don’t seem to mind it—they said I looked cuter, which is what every man wants to hear… I’m just happy to be alive.”

 

“Of course, they don’t!” Willmont chortled. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a person actually chortle until that moment. It wasn’t a laugh or a chuckle, but somewhere in-between. “They love you unconditionally. And I had to argue with my superiors to keep you alive. Not that they necessarily wanted to kill you, but they were upset about losing your prototype body. They didn’t tell me everything that went into making it, but they still have some tweaks to work out from your looks. But, of course, that is if the program that brought you back is still operational. You don’t happen to remember anything new on that, do you?”

 

Watch out, Charlotte warned me. I can’t read his mind. I recognize him from my establishment and have never had a problem reading it before. Strange… It almost feels like the same issue I had reading your mind.

 

“Thank you for speaking on my behalf,” I said as I felt my blood run cold at the succubus’s words. I didn’t know Charlotte could still read minds, but that explained many of her comments about Elly. Did that mean I could read minds if I tried? I had incubus parts in me, after all.

 

He’s still waiting for an answer! Charlotte berated me. Then she must have read my mind as she answered my unasked question. Tell him that all you remember is that you had help and maybe something about slipping through a loophole, but most of it’s a blur.

 

“I had a blur, and most of it’s still a help, but that’s about all,” I told Willmont. I played my words back over in my mind from his confused look and groaned. I hate lying. Charlotte’s commentary on my intelligence didn’t help. “I meant, I had help from someone, but it’s still all confused. I know there was something about a loophole, and someone helped me, but that’s really it.”

 

“Weird…” Willmont rubbed his chin as he regarded me. “Most either remember everything or nothing. Maybe it has to do with this loophole? Bah, I’m sure brighter minds than mine will figure it out. I don’t suppose you remember who or what helped you? Eh, of course not. In the meantime, here is your new phone and debit card. Try not to destroy these.”

 

I took the objects from Willmont and stared at them. They looked just like the ones I’d had on me when I went to Charly’s and died. I hadn’t memorized the number on the card, but my new phone looked just as beat up as my old one.

 

“Don’t worry. The passcode to unlock it is the same. For all intents and purposes, it’s a clone of the original, including all your data.” Something in Willmont’s voice made me look up at him. He was smiling, but I noticed a slight twitch to the corner of his mouth as he grinned at me. “I would probably upgrade that one, though. It’s a bit old, and it’s not like you can’t afford a new one, right?”

 

“Yeah,” I said, trying to figure out what about the man’s demeanor was setting off my spidey sense. “Hey, you didn’t happen to find my pendant, did you? It holds a lot of sentimental value and—”

 

“Pendant? What… Oh, right. Your little trinket. Nope,” Willmont cut me off to answer. He glanced around, then lowered his voice as he continued. “Look, if I’m being honest, there really wasn’t much left of your body after the explosion. I doubt there would be anything left of it, either. But listen, they’re still sifting through the remains of the building, and if it pops up, I’ll let you know immediately. But the building is in shambles, and finding something that small in the wreckage? I wouldn’t expect much.”

 

He’s lying, Charlotte informed me, though I already knew that. I didn’t doubt there wasn’t much left of my previous body, but if douchebag Adam survived with no wounds to show for it, then the building hadn’t suffered as much as Willmont claimed.

 

“I appreciate that,” I said instead of calling him out. “Any idea who that bomber was? I didn’t get a good look at him….”

 

“We’re still looking into that, but I’ll let you get back to your wives,” Willmont said with a shrug. “I’m sure they want to show just how much they missed you. You have classes starting tomorrow, so you’re excused from duty for a bit. Just keep your phone close in case we need to get ahold of you.”

 

And so he can track you through its GPS since the chip they implanted has mysteriously quit working, Charlotte chuckled in my head. And I already know who that suicide bomber worked for.

 

I ground my teeth as I forced a smile on my lips. “I appreciate that, Sir. I’m sure my professors are ready to have us make up for the last week and a half. It’s been crazy, what with everything else going on in the world, joining the knights, suddenly getting married, getting blown up, and—”

 

“You’re babbling, Carpenter Brody,” Willmont cut me short, and I closed my mouth with a click. “Take care, and I’ll be in touch.”

 

“You’re leaving already?” Elly asked as she stepped into the front room wearing only a short pink robe. “Would you like us to get you a drink or anything?”

 

I watched as the older man’s eyes grew large, taking in Elly’s shapely thighs and the bit of cleavage she had on display. I wouldn’t say she was showing a lot, but what was visible was enough to tease how great the rest was. For a moment, I felt my inner jealousy rise up like a dark cobra ready to strike. When Shayna walked out in a shorter white robe a moment later with a dazzling smile on her sweet lips, that cobra hissed and bared its fangs.

 

“Relax. They’re utterly loyal to you,” Willmont said to me under his breath. Then he raised his voice and spoke to the women. “Sorry, ladies, but my wife is waiting for me with a casserole in the oven, and I still have a lot of paperwork to complete before I turn in for the night. Perhaps we’ll have you over when things are a little more settled.”

 

“Have a good night, Ariberto,” Shayna said, still flashing him that infuriating smile.

 

Consul Willmont—who I guess is Ariberto Willmont—nodded his head and walked out the front door. I closed it behind him, then turned to my wives. But, before I could open my mouth, Elly was there with her hand on my chest.

 

“Before you say something you’ll regret, neither of us is interested in him. I know you’re uncertain about where we are in our relationship, but we’re not going to cheat on you.” Her voice was quiet and soothing, even though it held an edge of chastisement.

 

“We dressed like this to distract him from your horrible acting,” Shayna added, though she remained in the hallway. “I was starting to get worried that you’d tell him about what we did earlier….”

 

Earlier? I wondered, then realized that she chose her words carefully. The house had ears. Then I looked at my new phone and realized that the Knights were making sure I had a tracker on me. I wasn’t a free man.

 

“I know you have a lot of thoughts running through your head,” Elly said, looking deep into my eyes. “Perhaps you should keep them quiet for a while?”

 

She’s talking about me, Charlotte informed me before I could even begin to wonder.

 

No shit, I snapped back. I might not be as intelligent as her, but that doesn’t mean I’m an idiot. Looking at Elly, I said with a soft chuckle, “I went through puberty. Trust me when I say I know how to keep my thoughts to myself.”

 

“Are teenage boys’ thoughts really that dirty?” Shayna surprised me by asking as she took a step from the hallway. “I mean, growing up, we were always warned that teenage boys only had one thing on their minds and that they were gross. I can’t tell you how often I was warned to stay away by my Daddy. He kept saying they would do dirty, nasty things to me.”

 

“Don’t lie and pretend that didn’t turn you on,” Elly mock-chided her. “I remember you telling me your own dirty fantasies.”

 

“Elly!” Shayna whined, her eyes going wide. “He doesn’t need to know that. Especially now that… Wait, are you using your sexual voodoo on us? You promised not to!”

 

No, I’m not, I had my answer before I could ask.

 

“I’m not,” I told her. “I keep my promises. But I’m also not going to tell you what I thought about as a hormonal teenager. There’s an unspoken agreement among men never to reveal that.” I met Shayna’s eyes as I teased her with my statement.

 

Young men aren’t that original, anyway, Charlotte laughed in my head. It always involves the same things. Get hard. Stick it in whatever hole. Get off. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. It’s not until you gain some experience that you—

 

I know what my own thoughts were, thank you. I wasn’t in the mood to talk with her. Not when I had my relationship to salvage.

 

Shayna continued to meet my gaze, almost in a challenge. I was unsure what she was challenging me to, but I held her gaze. Elly noticed, and I saw her smirk out of the corner of my vision, but she didn’t say anything. Finally, I sensed Charlotte preparing to say something, but I mentally shushed her.

 

After almost a solid minute of me admiring Shayna’s blue eyes, she spoke. “The sooner we get that thing out of you, the better. I’m going to bed. You coming, Elly?”

 

The way she said that let me know that I wasn’t invited. It hurt but wasn’t unexpected.

 

“In a moment,” Elly said over her shoulder before turning back to face me. She stepped closer and laid her palm on my chest again as she continued. “I want to make sure we understand each other.”

 

“Don’t wait too long, Love,” Shayna said as she turned back down the hallway. I couldn’t help but admire the sway of her hips as she walked and wondered how much she wore under that robe. “I’ll be warming up your side of the bed.”

 

“She’s a brat!” Elly muttered with a shake of her head. She then planted a kiss on my cheek before meeting my curious gaze. “I’m sorry you can’t sleep with us. Give her time, and I’m sure she’ll come around. I’ll work with her. This is a lot to take in, and I know it’s not your fault. I—” She looked past me for a moment as she swallowed, and I knew she was struggling to find the right words. “I know she means more to you, so give her time.”

 

Elly turned and tried to rush away, but I gripped her wrist and turned her back to face me. She refused to meet my gaze, even when I placed my free hand under her chin and tilted her face up.

 

“Elly, I don’t know where you got it into your head that I like her more than you, but it’s not true.” Elly’s brown eyes flicked to mine and then away. I could see she was about to argue, and I forstalled her. “I like you both equally. Neither of you means more to me than the other. So what did I do to make you feel any less?”

 

“I appreciate you saying that,” Elly’s voice was barely above a whisper. “But you don’t need to worry about me. I’m a big girl.”

 

She tried to pull away from me, and I attempted to pull her back and into a hug. I only meant to get my point across, not force her into anything. I thought her willingness to get close to me was a green light for some familiarity.

 

The next thing I knew, I was on my back, gasping to catch my breath as Elly’s soft footfalls ran to their bedroom. I hadn’t even seen her move! I knew a fair bit of martial arts, but whatever maneuver Elly just pulled was beyond my understanding.

 

I would have warned you, but you wanted me to be quiet, Charlotte’s voice chuckled in my head.

 

I still want you to be quiet, I grumbled as I sat up and rubbed my back. I knew Shayna was strong, but I found a new respect for Elly.

 

Walking back to the spare bedroom silently, I pondered Elly’s attitude. I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to make her feel inferior. My taller wife was brilliant, beautiful, sexy, had a stellar personality, and was an all-around incredible woman.

 

I sensed Charlotte wanting to answer those thoughts, but I mentally shushed her. She was the last person I wanted to listen to. My relationship would have been okay, I would have looked like myself, and life would have been better if she hadn’t stowed away with my soul.

 

Of course, I also wouldn’t have known about the bomb. But would they have implanted it if I hadn’t seduced the Knight’s… what did Charlotte call her? Wife trainer? Did that mean that Shayna and Elly were both trained by such a creature? It would explain why neither had acted like an inexperienced virgin on their first night.

 

I wasted no time before crawling into bed. I wanted to bring an end to this long day.

 

Of course, my mental stowaway had other plans, and my commands to be quiet were ignored.

 

I woke up tied and gagged. My naked body was spread out, with my arms and legs bound to whatever was behind me. I was upright but hanging from whatever bound me. Yet, despite all that, I wasn’t in any physical distress.

 

“Now that I have you under my power, it’s time for you to listen to me,” Charlotte’s voice sounded behind me. Then, I heard something crack, making me flinch, and I realized just how precarious and vulnerable my position was.

 

I tried to speak, but the gag muffled all my attempts. Finally, I pushed my thoughts to her, but if she heard me, she didn’t respond.

 

I almost choked when she stepped into view. Shiny black leather covering all the naughty bits and nothing else hugged her red skin. The cracking noise was a thin black riding crop slapping against her open hand in a steady rhythm.

 

I struggled against my restraints, glaring at her. I won’t write down the filth that spilled from my mind as I demanded this creature release me, but suffice to say, I was pissed.

 

“Do you want your mistress to punish you?” I felt the sting of the crop across my abs before I registered the movement. It stung, but not as much as I expected it to. “Or do you want me to reward my good boy?” Charlotte trailed the tip of the tool up my inner thigh, to my scrotum, and then down my naked length.

 

I growled at her, unable to answer her. What game was she playing? And why wasn’t she reacting to my thoughts? I knew she could hear me because she’d always responded before. Mental images of her writhing in agony as she burned in the hottest pits of hell should have gotten some kind of reaction from her.

 

“Hmmm…” the demon hummed as she brushed the tip around my limp junk. “Nothing? I thought I’d get at least a slight rise out of you. Dammit! This is so much easier when I can read your mind.”

 

Charlotte played for a couple more moments before giving a disgusted sigh. Then, with a wave of her hand, the stockade I was tied to turned into a plush bed. I was still bound and gagged, but it was more comfortable. Her black leather outfit morphed into a slinky pink negligee that somehow covered more while looking much less. Crawling onto the bed, she straddled my stomach and gently rocked her hips as she looked into my furious eyes.

 

“I can see you’re angry with me,” Charlotte sighed. Her hand no longer held a riding crop but now an extended matching pink feather. She ran that up my chest and neck to my chin, then back down to where her panty-clad crotch brushed against my abs. “I need you to listen to me, though. You have a lot of hangups, and if we’re going to be together for a while, it’d be best if we aren’t always fighting.”

 

I couldn’t figure out her logic. How was tying me up and forcing me into this lewd situation supposed to get me to listen to her?

 

“I’ve been around a long time. Long enough to know that men listen better after their balls are drained,” Charlotte said as though reading my mind. “Usually, that’s not much of a problem for me, as I can read their minds and know exactly how to pleasure them. Did you know that men are more receptive to women who get them off? Even if it’s a hate fuck, the serotonin… You know what? That’s not important.”

 

She continued talking, but I tuned her out. My thoughts raced as I tried to figure out why she couldn’t read my mind. Had I died, and we were back in purgatory? This certainly didn’t feel like that sterile but crowded place. Was this a dream? If so, I should have some control over—

 

My mind came screeching back to the present as I felt something warm and wet slide along my cock. Looking down my body, I saw that Charlotte had removed her panties, and she’d shifted from grinding on my abs to gliding along my shaft. Either she’d used her magic on me, or my subconscious mind was paying more attention than I was because my tool remained firm beneath her gentle ministrations.

 

“Ah, I see I have your attention now,” she cooed with a mocking smile. I glared back in response, unable to do anything more. Even if I tried to buck her off, I knew I’d only end up pleasing her. “I must admit that I find this communication method much more pleasant than using the whip. Oh, don’t give me that look. I know you’re enjoying this, even if you won’t admit it. You forget that I was there when you seduced that oni.”

 

That was different, and not just because I was in control. And hadn’t Charlotte confessed that part of the reason the Japanese demon lost control was because of her?

 

But I couldn’t deny that the feeling of her slippery folds felt fantastic as they slid up to the tip, kissing it softly, before reversing course and taking the steady path down to my scrotum. She repeated this a few times, her eyelids fluttering as she bit her bottom lip.

 

She’d almost be cute if she didn’t have those horns or the red skin, I thought, then shook my head to dispel that horrendous thought. She was a freaking demon! She wasn’t human; she was the enemy! A freak! How could I ever find her anything other than repugnant?

 

“Yes!” Charlotte threw her head back and let out a throaty moan as I swallowed my groans of pleasure. “Give in to it. I know how much you love when a woman gives in to her lusts. So now it’s your turn. Feel the freedom of succumbing to the bliss. It’ll feel so good. Can you feel how wet my pussy is as I ride the lightning of your big, thick cock? That wetness is only for you. Wouldn’t it feel so much better buried deep inside my warm, tight cunt? You could be pumping in and out of me, letting my tiny twat get stretched by your big dick. You and I could have unlimited bliss. We could fuck every night, and you’d never even have to tell your wives. It would be our little secret. Every night, we’d pleasure each other. I could be your personal cum dump. I’d let you work out all your frustrations. Just nod, and you can have all of me.”

 

She fell forward, her heavy breasts pressing against my chest as she panted and moaned into my ear.

 

I couldn’t do much with my hands and legs bound, but in this position, it would only take a little hip movement to do as she asked. Of course, I already knew that she’d feel wonderful. How could I ever forget that night in the hotel? Flashes of her with my prick deep in her throat flit through my mind. Would it really be so bad? I’d already done it once, even if I hadn’t known what she really was. I could return to her warm, welcoming insides with one slight movement. That was some of the best sex of my life. It even ranked up there with when I took Elly and Shayna’s virginity.

 

Elly and Shayna…

 

They deserved better from me than to give in to this evil woman’s temptations.

 

It took much more effort than I want to admit, but I forced my hips to remain still. I was better than this. I wouldn’t give in that easily. I didn’t know what Charlotte’s game was, but she was a demonic creature. How could I ever trust her?

 

The red-skinned monster kissed down along my neck, trailing kisses down my chest on her way to my sex. I closed my eyes, trying to dredge up images to kill my sex drive. Old women doing hula-hoops. Kittens being forced into a bath. I didn’t know my grandparents, so I pictured my mom cooking breakfast like she did when I was a kid. Wholesome thoughts, all of them. However, fingernails trailed from about mid-shaft down to my scrotum, making me flinch and groan. I felt hot breath envelope the head, teasing of greater pleasures to come.

 

The image of my mother cooking turned into Nicole in slinky lingerie, hand-feeding me a piece of bacon. At the same time, her slender feet toyed with my erection.

 

My head thrashed as I worked to clear that image. Why was I thinking of that annoying redhead? Just because she was living with my mother? Sure, she was hot, but I’d already learned you can’t trust a redhead.

 

Unless they had a spell cast on them like Jolene. Al’s wife was a redhead and smoking hot, but I had no doubt she was entirely loyal to Al. How would she react to having the magic removed from her? Would she still work on their marriage as Shayna and Elly were doing with me?

 

And what was the deal with Elly’s throw? She’d taken me down easier than if I were a kindergartner. I thought she was warming up to me, only for me to end up on my back, and not in a good way.

 

“Damn, you are stubborn!” I heard the demon curse. I did my best to ignore her, working on how to get out of this situation.

 

I didn’t think we were in purgatory. This place didn’t have the same feel, though Charlotte stated she couldn’t read my mind here. Was this a dream? If so, I should be able to exert some control.

 

Fixing the image of myself clothed and standing upright while Charlotte squatted in an iron cage, I tried to make it a reality.

 

“That won’t work,” Charlotte informed me with a sigh. “I am the one in control of my mens mundi. I guess I should let you up, though.”

 

I found myself back on my feet and the gag removed from my mouth without further warning. I opened my eyes and saw the demonic woman lounging on a plush white, heart-shaped cushion. She wore a dark blue, see-through negligee that contrasted with her deep red skin. Despite her relaxed posture, her blue-green eyes regarded me with caution. Her two sets of horns—one curling back from her temples and the other above those eyes from her forehead and curling back—blended in with her jet-black hair. If not for her black lips and cloven feet, I’d think she looked exotic.

 

Tearing my eyes away from the creature before me, I looked for an exit. I needed to get out of here, wake up, or do anything to escape that thing. Thick silken ribbons hung down from the ceiling, and I ran to my right, brushing them out of my way as I moved. I didn’t go far before I stepped out into a clearing, only to feel my heart plummet.

 

Charlotte still rested there, now to my left. Somehow I’d gotten turned around while running through the hanging silks.

 

Turning my back on the demoness, I again ran into the obscuring silks. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop in time when I came into the opening again, and this time I tripped over the cushion, sprawling out across the evil woman.

 

“Well, I’m glad to see you’re finally willing to join me,” Charlotte laughed softly. It sounded so weird coming from her. I would expect a cackle or a terrible sound by her wicked appearance, but it was a pleasant laugh to listen to.

 

Or rather, it would be if it weren’t at my expense.

 

I scrambled away from her, looking around but not seeing an exit. I was trapped.

 

“Let me out of here,” I demanded, turning back to face the monster. “Let me go.”

 

She met my glare without flinching. Then, just as I was sure she would ignore me, she spoke. “I will, but not yet. We need to discuss some things, and I see now I was going about it all the wrong way.”

 

“You think?!” I snapped, my patience near the breaking point. What had she hoped to gain by raping me?

 

“I really was trying to give you pleasure, you know,” Charlotte said with a shake of her head. “It was my hope that after I let you fill each of my holes with your cum, you’d be more amenable to listening to me. I know what you think of every creature that isn’t human, and I hoped to get you past that. Unfortunately, I didn’t consider your hatred for us or your incredible willpower. Don’t worry; I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t eat you… Unless you ask me nicely.” She added that last part with a lascivious smile that left nothing to the imagination.

 

“What kind of logic states that raping a man would endear them to you?” I demanded, not moving any closer to her. I debated putting my back to the hanging silks, but they weren’t solid enough to have behind me. And who knew what might come out of there?

 

“I didn’t rape you!” I saw anger in her eyes for the first time as she declared. “I did my best to seduce you, but as you’ll note, we didn’t have sex of any kind. Instead, I was waiting for you to acquiesce. Had you been willing, I would have shown you pleasures that can’t be experienced in the real world. Hell, I still will, if you want, after we finish talking.”

 

“That’s a technicality,” I argued back. “You had me naked and molested me against my will. How was that supposed to help?”

 

Charlette let out another hefty sigh that did beautiful things to her bosom. No, I need to stay focused!

 

“I already told you. After a man has fucked a woman, he tends to be more inclined to listen to them.” Her eyes narrowed as she regarded me with a frown. Yet, even with that expression, she was attractive. “You know, you are only the second man I have ever failed to seduce? Though I’ll admit, I put a lot more effort into you. What is it about your family that allows you to resist my charms?”

 

“You did seduce me,” I grudgingly admitted. “Or was my performance so bad in the hotel that you already forgot?”

 

I saw the corner of her dark lips quirk up as she gave me a wry grin. “I think that was less about me seducing you and more about the situation. You’d just watched your ex get gunned down and were looking for an escape. I happened to be the one there.”

 

“Why were you there?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. I was still wary of her, but she hadn’t made any threatening gestures. I knew I was under her control in this… what did she call it? Mens mundi? That sounded Latin, but I didn’t know what it meant.

 

She chuckled and actually looked a little embarrassed. “I thought I already told you. I’ve been watching over you for years. Your father directed me to protect you, and I took that role very seriously. I was there after you were released from that juvenile detention center. I watched you grow up into a fine young man. That night at the club when Sheldon Lance tricked your girlfriend, and so many other times, I was there, watching over you.”

 

“You sound like a stalker,” I said, stepping away from her.

 

“Oh, you don’t know the half of it.” Charlotte’s cheeks were definitely a darker shade of red now. “I know I mentioned that your blurse was my fault? Well, that was me almost every ladies’ night.”

 

“Wait, what are you saying?” I asked, feeling a pit form in my stomach. “Did you sleep with every one of my friends? Even that guy that Joey left with?”

 

She let out her musical chuckle again as she shook her head. “It all depends on your point of view. The night your gay friend Joey left with someone, that wasn’t me, but one of my employees. I had other tasks to see to that night. I was pretty sure you weren’t gay, but I’d failed to seduce you every other night I went.”

 

“So, you did sleep with all of my friends?” I wasn’t bothered by the fact that I’d screwed a woman that all of my friends were with. No, I hated thinking that all my friends had fucked a freak.

 

“Not quite,” Charlotte hedged. “Oh, don’t give me that look. I’ll explain. After we got to the hotel and made out for a bit, they fell asleep, and I brought them here. We’d fool around, but it was all in our minds.”

 

“So, you mind-fucked all my friends?” I growled, feeling my anger rising.

 

“Well, that’s one way to look at it,” Charlotte chuckled as she spoke. I noticed her lazily teasing her left nipple through the thin cloth with one talon. The way the little nub hardened and twitched was almost hypnotic. “But I didn’t make them do anything they didn’t want to. Like with you, consent is king.”

 

“If that was the case, you’d let me go,” I told her, forcing myself to meet her dark eyes. Did she even realize what she was doing? “You also wouldn’t have tied me up at the start. I mean, safewords are there for a reas—would you stop that!” She’d moved the cloth aside and started pinching and pulling that nipple. It was seriously distracting.

 

The demoness looked confused for a moment before looking at where I was glaring. Then a lascivious grin crossed her black lips. “No, I don’t think I will,” Charlotte informed me as she started doing the same to her other nipple. “I’m a succubus, remember? If you’re not going to do this for me, then I see no reason I shouldn’t take care of it myself. It’s not like you’re any stranger to self-gratification.”

 

I felt my cheeks burn as I doubled down on my glare. Charlotte appeared to be getting some perverse pleasure from my disgust as she bit her bottom lip and pulled harder on her nipples. “You really are a stalker! How many times have you spied on me? Are you so depraved that you got your kicks watching me masturbate all through puberty?”

 

For some weird reason, my accusation made her burst out laughing. It took her a moment before she could get herself under control and answer me. “I’ve never actually seen you do it. I half expected you to deny it like most men, but it’s a scarce thing when someone—man or woman—doesn’t do it every once in a while. And as for the perverse comment, do I need to remind you again? I. Am. A. Succubus!”

 

Her response broke through my anger, and I found myself chuckling, despite everything. Why would I expect anything less from her? Notwithstanding her demonic appearance and openness, I saw the personality behind it. Against my best efforts, I began seeing her as a person instead of the monstrous freak I knew she was.

 

I hated her even more because of it.

 

*    *    *    *

 

1072 A.D.

 

Ardin bit back a curse as he stumbled again. His naked back was raw from both the sun and the lashings.

 

A slaver yelled something, and Ardin hustled to create slack between him and the slave chained up in front of him. He might not know the words, but he understood the intent. “Hurry up, or get whipped again.”

 

His legs felt heavier than the biggest catch of fish he’d ever hauled in. His lips were cracked and bleeding from dehydration. His wrists and ankles also bled from the metal manacles and chains. The chain at his legs was too short to run, plus it was connected to the man’s wrists behind him. The chain connecting his wrists to the half-naked woman in front was just long enough to ensure Ardin smelled her sweat and other odors.

 

Ardin did his best not to look at her. None of them were offered much decency. They weren’t even allowed to stop for bodily functions. At the end of each day, they were too tired to do anything but collapse and dread the future. Each day started and ended the same. Wake up to unintelligible yelling, be handed a bowl of something that tasted like dirty water and had the consistency of runny mud. Then march until sunset, where they were fed the same gruel and fell asleep wherever they were. March too slow? Get whipped. Talk? Get whipped. Do anything other than walk at the same pace as the person in front, and feel the lash.

 

He blamed himself for his situation. Surely God was displeased with him for choosing to run away instead of fighting to protect the merchant. The arrow that’d struck his shoulder had been removed, and the wound patched up. It was the only care the slavers showed for any of their captives. Wounds were cleaned every night. Ardin knew it wasn’t because they cared for his wellbeing, but they wanted to get the highest price for their catch.

 

One of the other guards survived the attack and marched behind Ardin. The man tried speaking to him that first day but gave up between being whipped and Ardin not understanding the language. He didn’t see the merchant, or even his wagon, after waking up already chained.

 

Ardin lost track of the days as they marched. Each one blended into the next, and even his dreams were filled with endless marches. Every morning, Ardin prayed for forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption. At the same time, he asked for a blessing on the food to keep him through the day. With each step, he asked for the strength to take the next. His pain and suffering were justified because he had failed. Failed his wife, his unborn children, the merchant, and every lashing reinforced that he’d failed his God.

 

He didn’t know how he’d failed God, but being whipped and enslaved by heathens gave him the certainty of God’s righteous wrath.

 

None of the pain and anguish his captors brought upon him compared to them taking the necklace Venita gave him on their wedding day. Losing that symbol of her love hurt worse than anything else. He deserved the punishments for his failings, but losing that tore his heart in half. It was gone when he’d awoken after the attack.

 

Ardin became so wrapped up in his prayers and lamentations that he overlooked when the road beneath his feet changed to cobbled stone. Only when it became wooden steps, and he tripped into the woman in front of him, he realized they were in a town. He apologized for touching another practically naked woman, though she didn’t understand his words. It was one more sin to beg forgiveness for.

 

Looking at the sky, Ardin saw that it was well before evening. The slavers’ leader yelled to a growing crowd, and only then did he notice they were on a raised wooden platform. Even unable to understand the language, he knew what was happening. Perhaps if he were lucky, someone kinder would purchase him.

 

The leader walked down the line one by one, pointing to his captives, occasionally having them pose for the crowd. Ardin noted that the more the prisoner posed and showed off, the happier the group became. The woman before him sold to an older man after it was revealed that she was lactating. Ardin hoped the woman’s kids were okay but was also reminded that his own children would grow up without him if Venita’s fears of attackers didn’t come true.

 

The more time he spent in this world, the greater he worried his fears were well-founded. These pagans paid lip service to the one true God, but he saw how they treated their fellow man. The way they prayed to idols and didn’t follow through with the proper rights and rituals gave away their falsehoods.

 

Then it was Ardin’s turn, and he posed and did as instructed. He hoped that if his buyer were happy, he could work free and find the fruit Venita claimed would save their family. Even if he had to return, he would do so knowing his family was safe.

 

He would do whatever it took to save and protect his family. So when the slaver told him to drop the remains of his pants, even with his cheeks burning in shame, Ardin complied.

 

He didn’t expect the reaction he got. The crowd grew agitated as every inch of his dark skin was scrutinized. Men and women called out, waving in the air until the slaver pointed at the most enormous woman Ardin ever saw. The woman clapped and giggled as Ardin was lead over to where she sat. He couldn’t help but stare as he took in the weird sight. She sat in a sturdy chair, filling it with her corpulence. A pale-haired woman fanned his new owner, despite the weather being a little cool to Ardin. Another light-skinned man slowly fed her some fruit he didn’t recognize, placing the small round objects directly into her mouth.

 

Then he got the biggest shock of all. “Oh, my new little pet,” the woman said with a thick accent but still understandable. “You are going to be so very fun to devour.”

 

Ardin would have run if his knees hadn’t given out at her words. This giant woman was going to eat him!

 

====================

From the Author

====================

Bobby's life gets more interesting, while Ardin's gets tougher. For those that are concerned about a story with the main character being a Paladonic Knight (a traditional bad guy), all I'll say is that the Knights are still the bad guys. I'm working to make them more than just a 2-dimensional baddy. 

And as for Ardin... Well, let's just say that his world is going to become very different in the coming chapters.

Bobby

Shayna

Elly

Ardin

Charlotte