The Succubae Seduction 2: The Twins, Chapter 26
Shelly deals with her new role as a mother, losing Sonia’s
affection, and chasing after Jessica.
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Chapter 26
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Air Plans
Shelly stood and
wobbled slightly as her feet touched on the cold rock floor. It was her first
time out of bed since giving birth, and the act was more difficult than she
thought it should be. Even after receiving healing from Alloria, her inside
still ached, her legs and abdomen felt like she’d completed a muscle failure
workout, and her emotions were in turmoil.
“That’s it,” Sonia
intoned next to her as she held Shelly’s arm to help support her. “Now take a
step… Yes… Now the other foot…”
Shelly wanted to
shove the woman away but also appreciated her presence. The android was sending
mixed signals, and Shelly didn’t know what to think. Was Sonia toying with her?
Why was she still around and being so helpful if she wanted to end their
relationship? Did she believe Shelly couldn’t remember to walk? How could she
hold her arm so delicately, and yet offer such support?
Too many questions
without answers.
Rain rested in the
Myrmidon’s arms, sleeping peacefully. It still felt strange to Shelly that the cumulative
ant queens making up her new nanny weren’t an enemy. Her form was a little
different than the standard Myrmidon, with a larger thorax and many more
colors, which helped. But after growing up knowing that all Myrmidons were out
to get her family, and after what’d happened down in that lair…
Her thoughts must
have summoned the baby’s awareness. Rain shifted and started to fuss. As if on
cue, Shelly’s breasts began aching, and her bra became damp. She felt disgusting!
These were the things she’d never heard about growing up. She’d thought pushing
the baby out would be the end of it, but there was so much more following, that
she’d never even suspected.
“Bring her to me,”
Shelly ordered the nanny with a sigh.
“Rest, Queen’s
Mother, and I will bring the Queen,” the Myrmidon replied.
Shelly ground her
teeth as Sonia helped her back to the bed. She’d requested to be called by her
name multiple times, but the large ant creature only stared as if her words
were incomprehensible.
As soon as she laid
back and a blanket placed across her legs, the nanny stood and carried the tiny
child over. Shelly freed her right breast and then had to stifle a moan as Rain
latched onto her stiff nipple. There wasn’t any sexual pleasure from the
action, but the sense of relief, coupled with the euphoria and calm from Rain’s
bite, made it hard to be angry with the child.
“They have entered the
main world,” Gaia said as she formed up out of the floor. The Pillar of Earth
gave the Nanny a stern look before continuing. “I’ve been unable to verify the
reports about Jessica near the Pillar of Air’s domain. My abilities there are
weaker since Lysa’s element is opposite mine.”
“Has anyone warned
Lysa?” Shelly asked and switched Rain to the other breast. Sweet warmth
radiated from that nipple as the baby’s mandibles poked into her flesh, and the
pressure began to recede. Shelly told herself for the hundredth time that she
was going to get rid of this child… Just as soon as she could ween it from her
milk.
“I’ve sent emissaries
to both her lands and Lucifer’s demesne,” Gaia said and leaned against one
wall. It was the most relaxed Shelly had ever seen the woman, or the most worn
out. “I have also tried to summon her, but there is no response.”
“You don’t think…”
Shelly couldn’t even get the words out. If Jessica was after killing Lysa and
already succeeded… the thought didn’t bear thinking.
“No,” Gaia gave her a
comforting look before continuing. “If there were one less Pillar in this
world, I would have felt it. Your half-sister tends to be a little flighty, and
doesn’t always respond when called.”
Shelly looked at the mighty
pillar for a moment, wondering if she’d just made a pun. Gaia didn’t smile,
though, and Shelly dismissed it. “How soon before we can set out?”
“You can barely
walk,” Sonia cut in, annoyance thick in her voice. “You’re in no condition to
go anywhere, and especially not considering the baby.”
Shelly wanted to snap
at the woman and tell her that she could do as she pleased but paused instead.
Sonia was looking out for her. Shelly had promised to be different, and she was
going to do it, no matter that the android couldn’t seem to make up her mind. Did
Sonia want to be with her? Or was she taunting her?
“Our Queen and her
mother will be well protected,” the Myrmidon interrupted. “With our assistance,
we can ensure our Queen’s Mother will be up to the journey.”
“Why would you allow
her to take your queen on a mission that is dangerous at all?” Sonia turned and
faced the tall ant-creature. Shelly realized that she needed to give the
monster a name, and decided that Nanny fit as well as any other.
“We understand the
threat that Jessica poses,” Nanny replied. “While we will not fight in your
causes, we cannot ignore the danger to our queen, should Jessica succeed. Also,
our queen desires her mother’s presence. We obey our queen.”
“So, you won’t fight
with us, but will fight to protect your queen,” Sonia summed up Nanny’s stance.
“And what would happen if you determined that we were a threat?”
There was no
hesitation in the response. “Then we would destroy you.” The tone filled with
grim certainty. “But worry not. While we cannot read your mind, we can tell you
are no threat to our queen.”
“Ha! And where were
you when I shot your old queen right between the eyes? I think you might find
me harder to kill than you think,” Sonia said, her voice growing heated.
“We were on a mission
for my the previous queen. On her death, we were overcome with madness, and unable
to think for ourselves. We have already analyzed your systems,” Nanny said as
though discussing the color of the sky. “It would take us less time to
disconnect your main processors from your power sources than it took us to make
this statement. And before you relax, we are aware of your secondary and
tertiary systems. You are well built, and designed to hold up well, but are no
match for us.” She turned and faced Shelly and added as though she hadn’t just
threatened the android, “Our queen is full. If you wish it, we will hold her.
However, you should know that she is very content being held by the Queen’s
Mother.”
Shelly hated the
warmth that filled her at hearing those words. She wanted to hand Rain over to
spite the child. Every time she looked into Rain’s eyes, memories of King
Aecus’s skin filled her mind. Every time she changed her diaper, she recalled
of her rapist’s duality of gender. And yet, every time she fed Rain, she was
filled with a desire to protect this fragile life. Every time Rain fussed, she
felt a pull to relieve her discomfort. She felt dirty and defiled, but also
something more. Like it or not, she was a mother to this being… At least, for
now.
Giving birth changed
something in her, and she wasn’t sure if it was for the better or not, but she
wasn’t going to run from it. Did that mean she wasn’t going to run from being a
mother to this child as well? Could she live with Rain and raise her to be a
better person than Rain’s father? Would the ants let her? More questions, and
still no answers.
“If you two women are
done comparing penises,” Gaia broke into Shelly’s thoughts, “then there are
more important matters to discuss. Shelly, had I more energy—or your father was
still here—I could restore you to full strength. Unfortunately, I believe that
you hold the best possibility of stopping Jessica due to your connection to her.
If your ant companion can assist in this way, then I recommend you let her.”
“But—” Sonia cut in. Gaia
waved her to be quiet.
“You will need to
protect her as well,” Gaia informed the android. “You will need to be her
grounding rod when she faces Jessica.”
Was that another
pun? Shelly wondered but remained silent. She wanted
to protest that she knew right from wrong, but doubt crept in. What would she
do once she finally confronted Jessica?
“I’m tired of being
the ground she walks all over,” Sonia said, and Shelly winced, knowing she
deserved that comment. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to help save both
worlds.”
“Being someone’s
ground is not such a bad thing. You give them support and a place from which to
grow.” This time Shelly was sure the Pillar of Earth was intentionally making
references to her element despite her stern expression. “Your rocs await you,
once you’re ready,” Gaia informed them. Before any further discussion, Gaia
melted into the wall she leaned against and was gone.
Shelly looked from
Sonia to Nanny and back again. Now that she was actually about to leave, she
noted her weakness and knew she couldn’t walk to where the giant birds awaited
them. Nanny said she could help, but what could she do that Gaia couldn’t? Or
was it that Gaia was too drained to do much?
Nanny turned and
faced Sonia as she pointed to Rain. “If you will hold our Queen for a moment, we
will assist the Queen’s Mother.”
“Her name is Shelly,”
Sonia grimaced, but walked up to Shelly and reached for the baby.
Shelly handed Rain
over, then secured her breast back in her bra. The pressure was gone, but she
knew her body was already rebuilding the milk to prepare for the next feeding.
She tried to give Sonia an appreciative smile for her words, but the android
refused to look at her. Instead, Sonia started to “coo” and “ahh” at Rain, showing
a surprisingly soft side.
“How will you—oomph!”
Shelly started to ask, but the Myrmidon moved with lightning speed. Before she
could grasp what was happening, Shelly felt pressure against her lips. It took
her a moment to realize that Nanny was kissing her. It felt weird, and not at
all pleasant. She could feel the myriad ants that made up the Myrmidon’s body
slide and move against her lips and cheeks as her mandibles held her head
steady. She wanted to gag and retch, but before she could, a cold liquid flowed
into her shocked and open mouth.
“Hey, now!” Sonia
screeched, but Shelly couldn’t see her past the multi-hued being in front of
her. “Why can’t I move?”
Shelly tried to spit
the fluid out, but her throat reflexively opened, and she swallowed. Heat
suffused her chest, despite the coolness of the liquid flowing into her. That
heat soon spread to her extremities, and for a moment, she felt lightheaded.
The world started to dim and darken around her. She tried to panic and failed.
The warmth filling her felt so relaxing. The liquid pouring down her throat was
delicious and refreshing.
It took her a moment
to realize that the reason everything went dark was her closed eyes. Memories
of what Aecus did to her surfaced, and this time she managed to act. Her eyes
snapped open, and with a herculean effort of will, she lifted her arms and
pushed Nanny away. Her limbs were lead weights, but she managed to break the
lip-lock. Nanny’s mandibles scraped along her jaw and cheeks as the creature moved
away, but thankfully it didn’t hurt. Viscous fluid flowed for just a moment
longer, leaking down Shelly’s chin and soaking her shirt before Nanny closed
her mouth.
“What did… you do to
me?” Shelly gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. She wanted to shout at
the creature but didn’t have the strength. She glanced over to Sonia and saw
her lips moving, but no sound came out. The android looked panicked and
terrified, but she didn’t move from her spot by the wall. In her arms rested
Rain, eyes closed and breathing softly.
“We have given your body
what it needs to recover,” Nanny said. “Much as a bee’s vomit is healthy for
you, what we can produce is even more so.”
Bee vomit? Oh, honey!
“You had to kiss me
to do it?” Shelly tried to ask with heat, but her eyes drooped as a profound
lethargy crawled across her. “You couldn’t have… just given… me a… drink…” she
trailed off as her eyes closed entirely, and she lost her train of thought.
“This was the most
expedient way,” Nanny said, unperturbed. “Besides, we’re not so alien that we
don’t understand that you would have an issue drinking our saliva…”
If she said anything
more, it was lost to Shelly as she fell asleep.
She woke with a
start, sitting upright and throwing her blanket off. Fear coursed through her
heart as she looked around the room. Nanny stood a few paces away, and Sonia
held Rain in her arms, standing unmoving against the wall.
“How long was I out?”
she demanded as she got off the bed and looked around for some clothing. The
rocs were waiting for them, and they needed to get to the Pillar of Air’s
domain to find Jessica. How could Nanny knock her out like that? Anger soon
replaced her concern as she waited for an answer.
“Less than a minute,”
Nanny said. “Just enough for your body to get some accelerated rest.”
Less than a
minute? She wondered in awe. She felt as though she’d
awoken from a great night’s sleep. When was the last time she felt so rested?
With another shock, she realized that she was on her feet and felt no pain,
even after having given birth to Rain only hours before. Her legs remained
steady beneath her, and even her core muscles felt strong.
“What the fuck!”
Sonia suddenly shouted, then looked around with shock. “I can speak again! What
did you do to me, you insect filled sack of—” her voice cut off with an
electric pop.
“You talk too much,”
Nanny said. She walked over and took Rain from the android’s unmoving arms. “We
are tired of your prattle, and you are disturbing our queen’s rest.”
“Release her,” Shelly
ordered as outrage filled Sonia’s eyes. “Whatever you’ve done to her, stop it.
We need to work together, and this is a terrible start.”
“As the Queen’s
Mother commands,” Nanny intoned and bowed. A second later, Sonia lurched and
fell against the wall.
With a scream of
rage, Sonia launched herself at Nanny, but Shelly snapped, “Sonia, enough!”
She wasn’t fast
enough, but Nanny was. The large myrmidon separated into her separate ants sufficient
to avoid the attack, all while cradling Rain. Sonia swung her fists but missed
as the swarm of ants that made up Nanny flowed around the attacks.
“Nanny, Sonia, stop
this right now,” Shelly shouted. Both turned to look at her and pointed at the
other, but she gave neither a chance to speak. “I don’t care who started it,”
she told them. “Nanny, you need to stop slowing Sonia’s movements and get
whatever bugs you have in her system out. Sonia, I appreciate you worrying
about her actions, but we need to work together if we’re to stop Jessica.”
Nanny bowed to
Shelly, holding Rain close to her chest. Sonia ground her teeth, and for a
moment, Shelly thought she was going to argue. After a tense few seconds, Sonia
turned and headed for the door.
“I’ll be just
outside, waiting for you to get dressed,” the android said in crisp tones.
“Your clothes were cleaned earlier and are on that chair by your bed.”
Shelly turned, and
sure enough, she found a brown button-up shirt, denim jeans, and appropriate
undergarments folded and ready. She stripped off her gown without considering
Nanny’s presence and dressed as fast as she could. Internally, she marveled at
how great she felt. She didn’t care too much about money, but if she managed to
bottle Nanny’s rejuvenating spit, she could help fund an army big enough to
destroy the Paladonic Knights.
Glancing over to
where the large monster cradled the baby, rocking her gently, she dismissed the
thought. Shelly might be the Queen’s Mother, but that didn’t mean she had any actual
authority. Nanny only cared about Rain and ensuring she was raised to
understand her role.
Shelly couldn’t
imagine a better protector than Nanny, either. Not after that little
demonstration a moment ago. She knew what kind of a warrior Sonia was, but
she’d seemed like a child fighting a world-renowned martial artist going up
against Nanny.
“You called us
Nanny,” the Myrmidon said, not as a question, but a statement.
“I have to call you
something,” she replied, pulling her shirt over her head. All she had left was
her shoes, and she’d be ready to go.
“As a collective, we
don’t have a name, but we have a title,” she said as Rain started to fuss.
Nanny leaned in close to Rain and coo’d for a moment, tenderly touching Rain’s
cheeks until she calmed down. “It translates to Queen’s Queen of Queens, though
it sounds more poetic in our language.”
“So, you want me to
call you Triple Q?” Shelly asked as she sat to start donning her shoes. She
thought she sounded a bit like her brother, and that made her smile. Hopefully,
he wasn’t having too hard a time dealing with Shlee’s rejection and was most of
the way to wherever they needed to go to stop the Paladonic Knights. Her smile
turned sour as a feeling of dread washed over her.
With a shrug, she
brushed thoughts of Sheldon aside. The Paladonic Knights were dangerous, but
the most he and their dad would have to deal with was politics. They were
probably safer than she was going to be in a little bit.
“Since you cannot
pronounce my true title, and it sounds atrocious in your language, Nanny will
suffice,” said the ant being.
“Glad that’s
settled,” Shelly said and walked up to Nanny. She met the swirling orbs that
were intended to be eyes and put steel into her voice. “Don’t ever attack or
control Sonia again, unless it is to save Rain or myself. I understand what
your mission is here, and I appreciate any assistance you offer us, but Sonia
is a trusted ally. You are only a current ally.”
The Myrmidon didn’t
respond but merely looked back at her.
Does she see
through where her eyes appear, or is that just an affectation? Since her body consisted of thousands, if not millions, of ant queens,
shouldn’t she be able to see from all over her body?
Shelly reached for
Rain, and the Myrmidon handed her over. She looked at her baby for a moment,
wondering about taking her with them. The intellectual part of her brain said
she shouldn’t care about this little life. She hadn’t truly wanted her, and
only agreed to give birth to her to keep the ecology working in both worlds. She’d
completed her part of that bargain. Did the fact that she was born, mean they
were safe, and ants across the worlds were doing what they were supposed to? Or
would Rain have to grow and develop into her powers? And what skills would she
possess, being the daughter of Aecus and herself?
Once more, Shelly
shook her head, trying to dispel all the questions she didn’t have answers for
or any ideas on how to get those answers.
“With the Queen’s
birth, stability comes to our minds,” Nanny said, reading her thoughts. “After
our previous queen’s murder at your trusted ally’s hand, we went insane with no
purpose and no drive. We were lost. Now that your daughter is born, we live to
serve her and are whole once more. Though she is young, and her mind is not yet
fully formed, we understand her desires. She doesn’t understand the
circumstances of her conception, but you are important to her. Therefore, you
are important to us.”
Shelly paused as she
reached for the door to leave. Did Nanny tell her that she has no will of her
own? Was her daughter the only thing keeping the Myrmidon, and all ants for
that matter, sane? What would happen to her if Shelly gave her away as she’d initially
planned?
Damn the
questions! “Thank you,” she said because she didn’t
know what else to say.
She finished opening
her door and stepped out. Sonia stood, waiting for her with arms crossed. The
android grimaced at her for a split moment, then her features softened. “I
heard what you told that thing,” she said, somehow combining both gratitude and
annoyance in her tone. “I can defend myself, but I appreciate you talking to
it.”
Shelly wondered if
the other woman could defend herself against the Myrmidon Queen. Nanny had the
upper hand in that last altercation, but she was wise enough not to mention
that.
She weighed her words
for a long moment before responding. “Despite what you may think or feel, I
still care about you. I don’t like seeing you suffer. I know I’ve mistreated
you, and I don’t expect you to take me back, but I’m a better person for having
had you with me. I intend to continue being a better person, also.”
Sonia regarded her
for a while before giving a firm nod. “You seem to be healthier. Whatever that
thing did to you seems to agree. I’ve never seen anyone recover or be so
energized after a thirty-seven-second nap. We should get moving if we want to
catch up with your other ex.”
Those last words
stabbed deep into Shelly’s heart. The old her might have turned and hidden
away, crying. But she wasn’t going to be that person anymore. No more
running! Of course, she had to wonder if she’d truly been that awful to
Sonia, to deserve such hostility.
Nanny stepped into
the hallway, still cradling Rain. Shelly moved to her, reaching for her baby.
Rain sensed her mother, opening her eyes and giving a soft burble before reaching
for her.
Shelly felt her
breasts start to leak a little as she held Rain close to her chest. How could
she be ready to feed again after having fed Rain a bit ago? Without saying a
word, the two turned and followed after Sonia. Must be a side effect of the
accelerated healing.
For just a moment,
Shelly was able to imagine that there was peace around her until they turned
into Gaia’s antechamber. Two giant rocs crowded the balcony that led out into
open air. The massive birds turned at their entrance, and pandemonium ensued.
Both birds tried to
enter the smaller room at once, screeching as they attempted to reach Shelly.
No, they were after
Nanny! Shelly forgot that these rocs had fought and killed Myrmidons before. The
ant creatures were a tasty snack to the birds that were big enough to carry
whole elephants.
Nanny tried to tell
her something, but Shelly couldn’t hear over the cacophony of the birds. The
rocs were slowly getting closer, though the room was far too small for one,
much less both avians to enter. And they were destroying the place in their
attempt.
Shelly turned to tell Nanny that she should
probably sit this one out. But the creature was gone, and with her, Rain. For a
moment, Shelly panicked. Her baby was gone. She was defenseless and so fragile!
How did Nanny take her from Shelly without her noticing?
It took the rocs a
few more seconds to realize that their quarry escaped. With plenty of squawks
and no small amount of additional damage to the room, the birds backed out. A
few massive feathers littered amongst the broken furniture and overturned
detritus that was once a well-organized room. Shelly knew the birds rather
well, and she couldn’t help but think that they were proud of themselves,
despite having missed their prey. They must think they’d scared away an enemy,
rather than someone who was currently on their side.
“It looks like the
coward fled,” Sonia said, seeming quite happy with Nanny’s retreat, though
she’d had nothing to do with it. “At least it took your child with it. We’re
better off not having to worry about it while we try to track down Jessica.”
Shelly looked at the
other woman with a bit of suspicion, as she tried to force herself to calm down.
She knew that the android resented the child, and remembered the way she’d
coldly put a bullet into Aecus. But at the same time, Sonia made sense. They
were better off not taking the tiny baby with them.
Why, then, did she
feel so bereft without her child around?
“I won’t hurt it,”
Sonia said, seeing into Shelly’s emotions. “My mission is to protect you, and I
can see that you are bonding to it, despite everything. If I harmed it, it
would hurt you. I’ll protect it the same way I’ll protect you.”
“It has a
name,” Shelly reminded her. “Yet you can’t even say her name.”
Sonia grimaced but
nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Every time I look at her, I’m reminded of how
you looked when we stormed in to rescue you. But my statement earlier stands. Despite
our recent issues, and despite what Aecus did to you, I don’t hold Rain
responsible. I’ve done some terrible things in the name of national security,
or to accomplish my missions, but even I’m not monster enough to harm an
innocent child.”
Shelly thought the
apology was too quick, but then she remembered the speed at which Sonia could
compute information. And she used Rain’s name without any malice. It wasn’t
much, but it showed progress.
Shelly considered her
child, still a little surprised at her maternal instincts. Why did she care so
much about a child that only yesterday she didn’t want? Rain was forced upon
her. Sure, she was integral to the ecosystems of both worlds, but Shelly was
ready to shunt her off before she was born.
Then she remembered
the feel of Rain in her arms. Remembered feeding the infant, and knowing that
she was innocent of the circumstances of her conception. Shelly hated Aecus and
what that monster did to her. But Rain… Rain wasn’t Aecus. Wouldn’t be raised
to be like Aecus.
“Let’s just go,” she
said, instead of responding to Sonia. Nanny would take care of Rain while she
went to face Jessica. Part of her felt guilty for abandoning her responsibility,
outweighed by her knowledge of the importance of stopping Jessica.
Sometimes it was hard
doing what was needed, rather than what was wanted. Like giving birth to the
child of rape so that the world could live… Or stopping her ex-girlfriend from
destroying their universe.
She looked back as
she finished climbing onto her roc, and saw Nanny cradling Rain deeper within Gaia’s
home. Take care of her, she thought to the telepathic creature. I
expect her to be healthy and strong when I get back. She couldn’t be sure
but thought she saw the Myrmidon nod as the roc leaped from the ledge.
Shelly’s stomach
flipped over as the massive bird plummeted. Its wings caught the air after only
a second, and they were soon heading towards the Pillar of Fire’s domain. They
needed to skirt around Darkness’s area.
Shelly held herself
close to the bird’s neck as they dropped towards the ground. They’d flown over
the border between Fire and Air twice, but saw nothing out of the ordinary from
above. She hated to admit it, but that meant they would have to look for clues
while grounded.
On the shared border
between Light, Fire, and Air, Shelly dismounted and stretched her legs.
“So, this is your
half-sister’s domain?” Sonia asked. They were in Angela’s portion of this
world, and while there was a little bit of ground in Lysa’s, it was a turbulent
area. Stray gusts of wind whipped around them, helping to cool the sweat that
beaded Shelly’s brow.
Sonia walked to the
edge of the ground and looked down, shaking her head. Then she looked into the
distance and gave a low whistle. Her hair whipped erratically, blowing first
one way, then another.
Shelly understood the
sentiment. Of all the areas in this world, The Pillar of Air’s demesne was the
most alien. The wind always blew, and there was very little ground. Lysa once
told her that if she were to jump from the ledge, she would fall forever.
However, in the distance, floating islands of various sizes bobbed in the
unending sky. Birds, griffons, harpies, and many other flying creatures could
be seen around those islands or flying in between floating land. She hadn’t
seen it for herself, but she’d heard ghosts tended to haunt the islands near
where Darkness’s influence pierced Lysa’s control.
“Any ideas on how
we’re supposed to track down your sister?” Sonia asked, her voice raised above
the wind.
“She’s not my
sister!” Shelly snapped, more heat in her tone than she intended. Only when she
looked to Sonia did she realize that the android hadn’t meant it.
“I know, but you know
what I mean,” Sonia stated. “She’s your father’s girlfriend’s daughter. Or
something like that. Unless she can fly, I don’t know what she’d be doing here,
though.”
Shelly wanted to
argue further about Jessica but decided this wasn’t the time nor the place.
Chances were, Sonia was trying to get under her skin, and knew that the other
woman was the best way to do so. She took a steadying breath and looked around.
“I’m sure someone of
your superior intellect, and with your processing power could come up with a
solution much quicker than I,” Shelly said, deciding to do a little digging of
her own.
Instead of getting
offended, or even defensive, Sonia chuckled. “Well, since your brother got me
fired, and I got demoted to babysitting, my abilities are reduced,” she said,
laughter thick in her voice. “But I’m sure someone who is infallible could
certainly point us in the right direction.”
Shelly ground her
teeth, trying to keep her emotions in check. Was Sonia trying to tease her or
piss her off? If the former, she wasn’t in the mood. If the latter… Well, she
wasn’t in the mood for that either.
Shelly dropped down
close to the ground, looking around. While marred by plenty of footprints, none
of them looked human. She tried to think of what Jessica’s plan could be. The
other woman was trying to disrupt reality by killing Pillars. She’d failed against
Gaia. Not many people or creatures could kill a Pillar, except for Firsts and
Generators. Did Lysa still fall under that protection, since she wasn’t a
First? She took the Mantle of Air after Fujin’s murder over two decades ago.
Only Light, Dark, and Earth were originals. Would Lysa’s death—heaven forbid it
to occur—actually be enough to accomplish Jessica’s goal? Or would it take the
death of an original Pillar?
Standing back up,
Shelly shook her head. Still too many questions with no answers in sight.
“I think our best
option is to walk the border between Fire and Air and see what we find,” Shelly
said as she stood and looked along that delineation. “Hopefully, we’ll see
something along the way.”
For some reason,
Sonia looked disappointed with that but didn’t say anything. Shelly dismissed
the rocs to go frolic in their home territory and started walking, keeping an
eye out for anything that stood out.
The two women remained silent for most of the trek. Multiple times
Shelly would think of something to say, some way to apologize, or to defend her
actions, but every time she looked at the other woman, she decided to remain
silent. She liked Sonia and even cared about her. But she didn’t think she
could ever truly love her. Not that Sonia didn’t deserve love, but that Shelly
wasn’t the one who could do her justice.
It was better that she let the other woman move on. Hadn’t Shelly done
enough damage? Sonia possessed a soul now, and even though it came from Shelly,
the android acted nothing like her. And despite her new attitude, Shelly felt
like the woman deserved to find happiness.
Without any warning or indication, Sonia started running. Shelly took
off after her.
“Did you see something?” she asked, but Sonia waved her to be quiet. A
little further and Shelly heard what sounded like someone yelling for help,
carried on the wind. The ground was flat except where it dropped off sharply at
the border, but she couldn’t see anything or anyone ahead.
Sweat dripped from her brow when she reached the spot where she could
hear the person, and her heart plummeted when she realized it was coming from
over the ledge. Sonia beat her there and was already looking over. Joining her,
she was shocked at who she saw.
“Schrödinger?” Shelly asked of the cat-man. “What
are you doing here?”
The man was wedged
into a crack, far down the side of the drop-off. His hands, a cross between
cats’ paws and human hands, were bloody as he held on for dear life.
“You’re… You’re Lyden
Snow’s daughter, right?” He looked up at her, recognition dawning on him.
“Wait! Don’t look away from me! I think I can climb up while like this, but I
need you to keep looking.”
Shelly barely stopped
herself from looking at Sonia to see what she made of the situation. She
remembered that as long as someone watched him, he was in that were-cat form.
But if he was unobserved, he was fully human.
The last time she’d
seen this man was when they visited him in his hidden underground town. Her
family fled that town when Schrödinger disappeared, suspecting that he’d gone
to do something… To betray them?
Now that she thought
about it, their flight from that underground floating island didn’t make a lot
of sense. She remembered being woken up by Jessica and then fleeing in a rush
early the next morning.
She also remembered
turning herself into a swimsuit and hugging every curve of Jessica’s lithe body.
Shaking her head, she
tried to focus on the man slowly climbing up the baked rock cliff. Why was he
here? Was he an agent of Jessica’s? Had she used her power on him that night
and given him orders? If so, was he still under her control?
“Be careful,” Shelly
whispered right into Sonia’s ear. “He may be working with Jessica.”
She saw the woman nod
next to her but didn’t say anything in response.
As Schrödinger climbed up over the lip, both women
backed away but kept their eyes locked on him. He had whiskers, dark black fur
on his head and cheeks, and golden eyes. He also looked much the worse for wear
as he lay on the ground panting. Shelly noted that he was completely naked, and
very human in the genitals department.
“I don’t suppose either of you two has a cigarette on you by chance?”
Erwin said with a hopeful glance, his Germanic accent light. “No? Well, no
matter. I guess since that bitch sent you, she still has a use for me after
all, then?”
This time Shelly looked at Sonia, trying to see if the other woman had a
clue what Schrödinger was saying.
“Who are you?” Sonia
asked.
Before the man could
answer, Shelly stepped between them. “Sorry, Sonia is new to working for
Jessica,” she said, thinking fast. That had to be who Schrödinger was talking
about when he referenced ‘the bitch.’
“She lets you use her
actual name?” he asked her, one eyebrow cocked. Before Shelly could think of an
answer, he shook his head. “Oh, that’s right. You two were pretty cozy. Figures
she’d be nice to you.”
Sonia must have
caught on to the ruse as she spoke. “We were told to meet her here, and update
her on our last assignment, but we seem to have lost her. Any idea where she
went?”
Erwin looked at them
funny, then slowly got to his feet and sniffed the air. “You don’t smell
right,” he said to Sonia. “And if you can’t sense where she is right now, that
means you’re not under her control… This means you don’t work for her, and
you’re trying to get me to tell you where she is.”
Shelly tensed and
prepared to transform into a sword or a weapon of some type for Sonia to use.
“Please, relax,” Schrödinger
chuckled. “I’d be more than happy to tell you where she is, and I’m going in
the opposite direction. That bitch ordered me to climb down there and see if
there was a bottom. She left me to die. I might not be able to ignore any
orders from her, but I already knew there was no bottom.”
“Then where is she?”
Shelly asked, not letting her guard drop altogether.
“When that cunt
discovered that she couldn’t navigate the Pillar of Air’s lands, she went after
the Pillar of Light,” Schrödinger spoke as though he were talking about a crazy
person. He pointed back the way they’d come and a little to the right. “She’s
almost on the edge of where I can sense her, but if you go that way, you’ll be
able to find her. A warning, though. Don’t let her touch you, or she can take
control of you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find the deepest,
darkest hole I can find, and get myself completely wasted.”
“Come with us,” Sonia
asked before the man could leave. “Help us stop her.”
“Did you miss the
part where I said I had to follow any orders she gives?” he demanded, baring
his sharp fangs and arching his back much like a cat might. “I can’t stop her.
Even if I somehow snuck up and pounced on her, she ordered me never to do her
harm. I have no choice but to run and hide.”
The man turned and
headed deeper into Fire’s lands.
“She’s going after
the Pillar of Light,” Sonia said with concern. “According to records, when the
original Pillar of Fire was killed, both worlds almost went into an ice age.
Only Angela taking over stopped that from happening. What would happen if the
Pillar of Light is killed, and no one can step in to replace her?”
The Pillar of
Light?!? Shelly thought with dread. She was the
original First that created the space of order that they survived in… She
literally created the universe! Shelly didn’t want to think about what would
happen if Jessica managed to kill her.
As much as she hated
the idea of going back into the Pillar of Light’s area of influence, she knew
she needed to. Perhaps she’d run back into Amenadiel, and find a way to pay him
back for what he’d done to her.
That was something
she wouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt over.
*
* * *
Jessica cursed as she
peered over a large boulder. The massive rock was more gray than brown, and
like everything else in this realm, it looked washed out. Three angels appeared
to be having tea out in the middle of nowhere, and directly in her path. She
could sense the presence of a powerful being up ahead that she knew to be her
target.
Who has tea in an
ugly, white-washed place like this? she wondered as
she tried to figure out a way past them.
If it were only one
angel, it’d be no problem. She could trap it inside her other space, and then
take control of it. But doing so always sapped her of some strength. She
couldn’t do three at once. Especially not three as powerfull as she sensed
these beings were.
With a soft groan,
she knew she’d be going around this trio. With how wide open this area was this
close to her mother’s lands, that meant a long detour.
The other one inside
her mind pushed her to go on. It wanted freedom, and Jessica wanted the same
thing. She was tired of the nameless thing’s incessant drive to destroy the
divide between the two worlds. She wanted to be rid of it. Maybe then she could
lead a healthy life and be happy.
Maybe she could even
find Shelly, and show her that what she was doing was for the better. She’d
seen the hate that existed on Earth for those from this side of the veil. A hatred
that was able to be fanned and goaded because there was a separation. Only by forcing
the two sides to live together could they find common ground.
Or so the thing
inside her insisted. All she had to do was look at all the different races that
lived and thrived in this world to see that it was all true. They could live in
peace, despite their multitude of differences. If regular humans were forced to
see that, and not able to turn a blind eye, then such hatred could be
eradicated.
Some humans were good,
like her father, Lyden. He might not be entirely human, but it was evident that
he didn’t care about race. He loved her mother and had other wives, some human
and some not. He was a good man, full of love and understanding. And once she
was done showing what she could do by creating a better, unified world, she would
present herself as his daughter.
She pictured him
taking her in his arms and holding her tight. He’d wash away all those years of
torment that her mother subjected her to. All that loneliness would go away.
She’d have a real family.
Carefully, Jessica moved
to remain out of sight. Angling to the right, she could avoid going any closer
to the Pillar of Darkness’s domain. She kept her focus on where she sensed the
Pillar of Light, making sure it didn’t move.
One more kill, the one inside her promised. One more, and we will both be free.
Jessica thrilled at
the thought. She was so close to her goal. If everything went well, she’d be
free of the nameless one by the end of the day.
Of course, it was
always daytime in this land. Her internal companion hated this world because
she couldn’t take charge at midnight. But bad things happened when the nameless
one took over.
Would the world be a
better place once both worlds were combined, and in the process separating Jessica
from the entity? Something didn’t seem right with that logic…
“What are you doing
here?”
Jessica jumped,
shocked by the sudden, deep voice. She spun, ready to fight whatever denizen of
this realm caught her. Instead, she felt her jaw go slack at the spectacle that
greeted her.
To say that the angel
looked divine would have been redundant, and yet Jessica couldn’t think of a
better term to describe him. Golden locks draped about his head, reflecting the
light from his bright halo. His blue eyes shone vividly from a chiseled face
that spoke of confidence and knowledge. His brilliant white wings swept through
the air in a lazy rhythm as though his willpower and not them, kept him
floating a few feet from the ground. He wore only a strip of white cloth that
gave him the barest sense of modesty. His well-muscled and dark tanned body
shone with his inner light, making the rest of the world seem even more drab
than usual.
“I…” Jessica tried to
think but struggled. He is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Her
heart hammered as she admired his physique. His flawless form and piercing eyes
held her captivated.
I want him! her inner voice demanded. He will be a powerful ally for our cause.
That other voice
broke Jessica from her daze. With a shake, she shed herself of the fog clouding
her mind. She bowed low before the man and tried to put all of the respect she
could into her voice as her mind raced to create a plan.
“I have come seeking
aid, knowledge, and guidance.” She held her hands out and forward in
supplication while keeping her eyes locked on where his shadow darkened the
ground. “Would you be willing to help one as low as I?” Her words sounded
foolish and trite in her ears, but she hoped they would do the trick. Beings as
powerful as this one tended to be conceited. Complimenting him should appeal to
his narcissism. There was no way that a creature as perfect as he could be
humble.
“You walk these
lands, but feel no guilt,” the angel spoke. His voice washed over her, sending
thrills down her spine. He was powerful! “What advice would you seek from
Amenadiel? I sense disquiet in your heart, but strength in your resolve. How
strange.”
She watched as his
shadow moved closer, but not close enough. All she needed was touch, and he
would be hers.
“These are the lands
of the Pillar of Light,” she spoke up, adding a note of pleading to her voice.
“Also known as God, or Allah, or the creator, depending on the religion. I want
to know which religion is correct, so that I may return to him in the
afterlife.”
“This again?” the
angel intoned with annoyance. “None are correct. All religions made by humankind
are wrong and filled with greed. Even the kindest of religions twist the facts
to suit their desires. They seek to become rich or control others. If it is a religion
you seek, then begone. My mistress is tired of this world, and will see no
one.”
Mistress?
Jessica saw the
shadow start to move away. In a panic, she stood and faced the glorious man,
her hands still outstretched. “Please, mighty angel! I… I have sinned and need
to repent.”
Amenadiel stopped but
didn’t turn back to face her. “Repenting requires guilt, and you have none,” he
said. His wings beat as he started to move away again.
Didn’t she have
guilt? How could he say that? She regretted many things. She felt guilty over
how Shelly found out about her. About the deaths she had to cause to bring
about the peace she desired. How could he say she felt no guilt? Was there a difference
between guilt and regret?
“That’s why I seek
guidance and knowledge,” she pleaded. “I don’t feel guilt for my actions, but
have been told that I should. Please, help me to be better!”
The angel stopped and
turned to face her. His blue eyes were serious as he regarded her. For a moment,
Jessica thought she went too far, but then his beatific face split into a smile,
and he floated closer to her.
“Knowledge can be a
great thing in the right hands,” he said, his hands reaching out to clasp hers.
Closer…. Just a
little closer… She plastered her most endearing smile
on her face as she waited for him to come into range.
In a flash of
movement, he reached behind his back. A bright sword appeared in his grasp as
he brought the blade around to chop her in half. “Your hands do not appear to
be the right hands,” he informed her as she dove forward.
Instead of cutting
her, she felt the pommel strike her back as she moved inside his guard. Her
shoulder collided with his bare chest, and she grinned triumphantly. At the
speed of thought, she expended her power.
“What…?” Amenadiel
demanded as he strained to fight her.
With a grunt of
surprise, Jessica doubled her willpower. She’d never had to fight to force
someone into her extra-dimensional space. This angel was far more potent than
anything she’d gone up against before.
“What are you?” he
demanded as he brought his weapon back down on her again.
Pain lanced through
her ribs as she felt them crack under the blow. Instead of pulling back or
giving up, she wrapped her arms around his waist. She held no weapons of her
own as she hugged him tight and threw everything she had into stuffing him away.
If she failed, she knew her death would soon follow.
“Unhand me, witch!”
Amenadiel demanded, striking her again. If he chose to turn that blade around,
she’d be a goner.
She had no choice but
to succeed now. Either she forced him into her other space and took control, or
she died. She felt herself weakening, though, as her breaths came shorter and
shorter. Sweat dripped from her head and ran channels down her spine, joining
with blood as it flowed from her new wounds. He was too strong. His willpower
too much. Everything was going to end here, and the peace she wanted to bring
to the world would never come.
She would never see
Shelly forgive her for what she’d done.
Thoughts of her
half-sister re-energized her. With another grunt of pain as the pommel snapped
her spine, Jessica turned her head into the angel’s chest and bit as hard as
she could. Despite his strength, her teeth sank in, and her mouth filled with
his holy blood. She’d hoped that this would be enough to distract him and let
her willpower shift him into her other space.
As darkness swallowed
her, she knew despair.
Jessica’s eyes opened
slowly. She couldn’t feel anything below her waist, and everything above was
pain and agony.
Pain meant she was
alive.
“Remind me not to do
that again,” she told herself, or the other voice inside her. A cough forced
its way up from her damaged lungs, causing a whole new level of torment.
Weakly, she wiped at her mouth and found blood. “That’s… not a good sign.”
She mentally ran
through who she still held in her pocket dimension. Like a carousel of images,
they appeared before her mind’s eye. A goblin girl she’d befriended years ago.
One ogre who was dumber than she felt for challenging an angel. Two centaurs,
one male and one female. A hideous old harpy. And shining brighter than all of
them, the angel Amenadiel.
The centaur couple
could bandage wounds, but they had no magic for accelerated healing. She hadn’t
brought out the goblin girl in years. She was terrified of Jessica, and she
couldn’t stand to see that fear in a face that once belonged to her first
friend. The ogre was out for obvious reasons. And the harpy would end up
poisoning her with its filthy talons if it tried to help her.
She hesitated,
focusing on Amenadiel. The angel was more potent than she’d imagined. With him
in her space, she could sense that power. A force that he could use to heal
her, if she were smart, and acted fast.
She spent precious
seconds thinking of her commands. If she got this wrong, he’d kill her before
she could stop him.
With a resigned sigh
that hurt way too much, Jessica reached into her mind, into that spot she felt
between her eyes and yet not a part of this existence, and pulled out the
angel.
“Stop!” she ordered
first and then gave her commands as fast as possible, before he recovered. She
didn’t have to tell him to obey her, as something about her ability wove that
into their very being when she captured him. “Cause me no harm through action
or inaction. Do not leave my presence without my permission.” She managed to
get all of that out with one stunted breath before a coughing fit overtook her.
When she could manage to draw in oxygen without horrendous pain, she saw him
glaring down at her, sword in hand but not attacking. She wondered what was
going through his mind as he was unable to act against her will. “Defend my
life with your own, and heal… me.” She gasped out the last of her commands,
hoping she hadn’t missed anything.
His face twisted in
rage as his muscles knotted in pain from fighting her commands. “I cannot heal
what I feel no compassion for,” he informed her. “I cannot do as you command. I
despise you!” He spat on the ground close to her.
“Care about me and my
health,” she gasped as she felt darkness start to creep in along the edges of
her vision. “Feel compassion for me as though I am your closest friend and
confidant.”
Darkness swallowed
her vision, but she managed to remain conscious through the pain. His hands
were gentle as he bent over her. Warmth spread through her, and her vision
returned to see that his hands glowed as his visage showed concern. Feeling
returned to her lower half and her breathing eased.
Confusion filled his
gaze as he backed away from her. “A moment ago, I hated you,” he said, rubbing
his palm against his temple. “Now, you are more important to me than my own
life. What spell have you cast upon me, witch… friend?”
Jessica sat up and
looked down at herself. She was a wreck. Her clothes were torn and bloodied,
but her body felt whole and unharmed. She regarded her latest slave for a
moment, ignoring his question. She’d never given an emotional command before
and hadn’t been sure it would work. Feeling her ribs through a tear in her
shirt, she was glad that it did.
“You will continue to
follow all previous commands,” she told him, giving the last command that she
had learned long ago was crucial, “but you will also be able to act of your own
will so long as it doesn’t conflict with any current or future commands.” Whatever
strength he had to resist her power before was gone.
She’d taken a kobold
once, and after giving him several commands, he became nothing but a mindless
drone until she gave him that one important order to act on his own while
following all other commands. Since then, she’d made sure to use it whenever
dealing with any creature that had intelligence.
I want him, her inner voice demanded.
He’s already ours, Jessica replied, shaking her head.
No! I want him! it demanded.
Understanding struck
her, and she sighed. She knew the unnamed one had a powerful sex drive that she
couldn’t understand. Somehow it felt things through her, but only whenever she
had sex. It couldn’t sense her everyday life or experiences.
With a glance at the
angel, she couldn’t deny that under normal circumstances, she would desire him
as well.
Looking around, this
was neither the time nor the place to indulge. We should wait until after we
kill the Pillar of Light.
That other entity
wasn’t having it, though. No! Now!
“I can see you are
thinking, but can’t hear your thoughts,” Amenadiel stated with a frown.
“Is there somewhere
we can go and be alone?” Jessica asked with a sigh. She knew from experience
that the demands would continue until she gave in.
“My home is not far,”
Amenadiel said with an arched golden eyebrow.
Jessica indicated for
him to lead on. Instead of floating before her as a guide, he picked her up in
his arms and lifted into the air.
“It will be much
quicker this way,” he apologized to her. Before she could protest, there was a
flash of light, and he was setting her down on her feet.
Looking around, she
saw a field of dull yellow flowers. A small sleeping mat lay in a tiny clearing
nearby. No one else appeared to be around them.
“This is your home?”
she asked, confused.
“I have simple
tastes, and I find this area beautiful,” he told her.
She walked over to
the small area cleared for sleeping and sat down. Glancing at the angel, she
had to admit that he was at least pleasing to the eyes, though she felt nothing
for him now that he was within her power.
One thing she
understood well about herself was what could attract her to others. Her slaves
held no interest to her. Shelly and Sheldon were never within her power, and
she desired them, though Shelly was the better looking of the two. However, when she took someone or something as a slave,
they lost almost all appeal to her. Even though she could control them with
impunity. Perhaps it was because of that. There was no mystery. No challenge.
No butterflies in her stomach like that first time in the faerie’s hot springs
with Shelly.
With her inner voice demanding she get on with
it, she reached down and took off the remains of her shirt. Interested or not,
she would get through this to appease the voice and get on with her real reason
for being here in this ugly land.
“Do you need more
healing?” Amenadiel asked with concern.
It felt weird to her
that someone who recently tried to kill her was now worried about her health.
She would have to remember to give emotional commands from now on. How much easier
would it have been to deal with Schrödinger if he were emotionally attached to
her? She regretted sending him to his death, but he’d gotten on her nerves for
the last time. As far as she knew, death was the only way to free someone of
her control. Telling them or willing them to be free did nothing.
“I need a different
type of healing,” she said, trying to sound more interested than she felt. It
wasn’t that the prospect of intercourse with him was unappealing, but that
she’d prefer to get on with her mission and play afterward. She removed her bra
and started working on her pants.
“I don’t understand,”
he said, actually looking innocent. “I know you don’t feel guilt, so you don’t
need me to remove that from you. What other types of healing are there?”
Jessica looked at him
for a moment in dismay. He couldn’t be that dense. “I want you to fuck me,” she
told him, being as blunt as she could.
“I…” he looked at her
in shock and shook his head. “I can’t! Even if I wanted to, it’s not possible.
The type of healing you desire… to fornicate… to copulate… It’s not… I mean,
you are my friend, but I have never… and would never sully you or myself
like that.”
Jessica had to stop
herself from laughing. One of the most beautiful beings she’d ever seen, and he
was a virgin. From the way he talked, he wasn’t gay, but completely
uninterested in sex. She wondered if it was an angel thing or something about
living in this bleak landscape that caused him to be this way.
“That’s not who you
are anymore,” she told him before the unnamed one could start nagging her
again. She finished pulling off her pants and panties, then turned and spread
her legs before him. Reaching down with one hand, she spread her labia and gave
him a wide smile. “You want to come over here and lick my pussy. You desire my
body for sexual gratification. You want to please me in every way that I want.
Amenadiel, you want to fuck me after you’ve given me at least one orgasm with
your mouth.”
She saw her commands
take effect in the way his loincloth tented up before him. It appeared that his
bodily perfection extended down to his manhood if the way his cock shoved aside
the cloth and came into view was any indication. Firm, long, thick, and with healthy
veins thrummed with its power. He might not have ever used it before, but it
sure looked like it as ready to be used.
Even though his body
registered her commands, his face looked confused. “You’re right. I do want to
use you for sexual gratification, but I’m not sure how?”
Jessica worked hard
to keep her face from showing her annoyance. How could a being that supposedly
oversaw sins and could read guilt not know what to do?
“Start by coming over
here,” she crooked a finger at him, giving his stiff cock a hungry stare.
“Kneel between my legs and kiss my inner thighs.”
She luxuriated in the
power she held over him, even if it didn’t make him appealing. His eyes locked
onto their target even as he licked his lips and did as told. His face was
clean-shaven and smooth as it brushed along her inner thigh. His mouth was warm
and firm as he turned his head from one leg, kissing softly, to the other.
Despite her earlier
lack of desire, she could feel herself heating up as his hot breath passed over
her sex. It’d been so long since the last time she’d received any satisfaction.
Who knew that all it required was forcing someone to care? Being desired added
a whole new level to this that she’d missed before by only making someone fuck
her.
“Good,” she purred to
him, resting back on her elbows and letting her head fall back. “Now, kiss your
way slowly up each leg until you reach my pussy… Yes, just like that. No, don’t
just kiss my lower lips. Use your tongue. Not like that… Lick along the edges.
Yes, good. Now, gently suck in my labia, and use your tongue to… Oh, yeah. Just
like… Oh! Oh!”
Jessica’s legs
started to tremble as the angel ate her out with gusto. He used his tongue to significant
effect, attacking her clit and labia at alternating rates, before slurping up
her increasing juices. She brought her right hand up, leaving her weight on her
left elbow, and dug her fingers into his bright hair, under his halo. She could
feel herself closing in on that first requested orgasm and held on tight as it
exploded behind her navel while his mouth sucked hard on her clit.
When her vision
cleared, and her mind returned, she used the hand holding him to pull his head
away from her sensitized cunt. He seemed reluctant, which was right in a
partner, but she wanted more than his tongue could provide.
“That was good,” she
told him, a genuine smile gracing her lips. “But now it’s time to get to the
actual fucking.”
Before he had a
chance to ask, or make any other dumb statements, she pulled his chiseled face
to hers, kissing him deeply. She could taste herself on his lips, nice and
tangy. She fell back and pulled him with her. Reaching between them, she
gripped his thick rod at the base and rubbed his tip against her soaking slit.
His bulbous nob felt deliciously wicked as it slipped up and down between her
lips. She waited until the thick tip slid easily along her channel from his
precum and her fluids before bringing up her legs and pulling him tighter to
her with her calves.
He was the one to
break the kiss—which she had to admit that despite his lucky skill at
cunnilingus, he was a sloppy kisser—as his turgid flesh slipped between her
folds. They both moaned in unison as he stretched her tight hole. He was much
bigger than Erwin Schrödinger, though far less experienced. And now that she
knew her abilities could control wants and desires, she regretted leaving him
behind. Hopefully, he’d live, and she could make him want her.
For now, she’d have
to settle for Amenadiel’s unskilled thrusts. She used her legs to try and set
his pace, but he was much stronger than her, and her commands ensured he was
quite eager to please. Even so, she couldn’t deny that he felt good, filling
her up and stretching her nicely.
I want his child the inner voice demanded. Make him give us a child. It will be
strong and carry our essence.
“No,” Jessica gasped
as Amenadiel hit a particularly sweet spot in her. He stopped and looked at
her, worried, but she groaned and used her legs to encourage him to continue. He
was all too happy to do so and was soon plowing back into her with a new zeal.
If he weren’t careful, he’d cum before…
His muscles locked up
a moment before she felt him twitching inside her. At the same time, she felt
the warmth of his ejaculate as he swelled and came before she could.
Damn virgins, she thought with annoyance.
Why didn’t you get
pregnant? demanded the inner conscious.
Because getting
pregnant by someone I don’t know and don’t care about is not in my best
interest, she told the voice in her head. And
because we are so close to being separated, and I would be the one left with
the child, not you. Don’t ask it of me again.
“That was the best
feeling ever,” Amenadiel said, trying to kiss her.
Annoyed more than
ever, and frustrated that she’d only gotten off once, she shoved him off her.
He didn’t get the
hint as he grinned at her like a love-sick fool. “When can we do that again?”
Jessica almost sent
him into her alternate space, but ground her teeth and held back. He might not
be the brightest, but hopefully, he could lead her to the light.
“After we talk with
your Pillar,” she said and patted his cheek with a false smile. “Take me to
them, and I promise to reward you appropriately.”
====================
From the Author
====================
Wow! Finally got another chapter out. Amazing how life can change. I hope you all had a great holiday season, and I look forward to reading your comments. As a heads up, the next chapter is a non-erotic one, as things are heading towards the conclusion of this book. There aren't many more chapters left until book 2 ends, and I get started on book 3!
Wow! Finally got another chapter out. Amazing how life can change. I hope you all had a great holiday season, and I look forward to reading your comments. As a heads up, the next chapter is a non-erotic one, as things are heading towards the conclusion of this book. There aren't many more chapters left until book 2 ends, and I get started on book 3!
 |
| Jessica hurt |
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| Amenadiel |
The Succubae Seduction 2: The Twins, Chapter 25
The twins must go their separate ways in order to stop both
the Paladonic Knights and Jessica.
= = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Chapter 25
= = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Murphey’s Law
Eldon paced the hallway, his girlfriend and new wife watching him. They’d
changed out of the wedding clothes and into more comfortable apparel while
Shelly was carted off to this delivery room. His twin sister was screaming in
agony. What were they doing to her? Couldn’t someone relieve her pain? Why were
their parents sitting there like this was normal? No one should ever have to
suffer that much! Shelly was a strong woman and could handle a lot, but she
sounded like she was dying in there.
And then she went silent.
That seemed even more ominous after the agonized screams. Was Shelly
okay? Did something happen with the pregnancy? Why wouldn’t anyone tell them
what was going on?
“Sheldon,” his mom addressed him, “for the last time, sit down. You’re
making everyone else nervous.”
“How can you just sit there, mom?” he shot back as he continued to walk
the corridor. “I’ve never heard her scream in that much pain before. Shouldn’t
Gaia, or the doctor, or someone do something to help her?”
“Women can take a lot of pain,” Sheila said, her voice somehow calm. “Your
sister is a strong woman, and—” She cut off as the door opened, and the short
little goblin doctor walked out.
The doctor had on what was once a white smock and apron but was now
covered in various fluids that made Eldon sick, knowing where they must have
come from.
As if to belie the words she’d just spoken, Sheila stood and rushed
towards the goblin woman. “Is she okay? How did it go? Why won’t you say
anything?”
“Slave!” Lyden’s voice cut her short. “Let the doctor speak.”
For the first time in Eldon’s memory, it looked like Sheila Lance was
going to argue back with her master. But after a moment, she nodded with a
glare and turned back to wait.
“The birthing went well enough, and the mother is resting,” she said.
She had to look up at everybody as she spoke. Eldon didn’t know many goblins,
but this one seemed short, even for one of her race. “You’ll be able to go in
and see her in a moment. She is currently feeding the child. It is a healthy
baby.”
Eldon didn’t care two wits about the baby but was glad that his twin
sister was okay.
“A baby… what?” Lyden asked.
He’d gotten to his feet and stood behind his slave, holding her in his arms.
The doctor didn’t get the chance to answer, though, as Areth zipped out
of the room, grinning from ear-to-ear. No one had seen her enter the delivery room.
“Well, it definitely is part of your family,” she said with a smile.
For some reason, she glanced at Bridget. “It’s both a boy and a girl.”
“Twins?” Sheila and Lyden spoke at once.
Twins?! Sheldon thought with a bit of shock. No wonder Shelly was in so much
pain. Except, the way the doctor had spoken, it didn’t sound like there was
more than one baby. Could it be like Brock and Bridget? Two genders switching
with one body?
“Nope!” Areth chuckled. The disgruntled doctor turned and walked back
into the delivery room, ignoring the gleeful fairy as she muttered under her
breath. “It’s both, but not like her.” this was said as she pointed at Bridget.
“It’s male and female at the same time. Really cute baby, and I should know
what cute is! By the way, that metal lady in there is really cranky!”
Eldon assumed that she was referring to Sonia as the metal lady, and
didn’t blame her for being upset with the fairy. Areth took some getting used
to and was definitely an acquired taste.
Eldon moved to enter the room, but of all people, Areth zipped up to
block him. She even grew to a normal size when he tried to brush her away.
“Your sister is in no condition to accept visitors,” the fairy intoned,
sounding more like Sonia than herself. Something has been off about the golden
pixie since her resurrection. She seemed more serious and less playful, though,
by any other standards, she was still very annoying.
Eldon opened his mouth to argue with her and demand the little
pipsqueak let him through to see his sister, but a slender hand on his arm
calmed him down.
“Love,” Mandy’s voice said behind him, “let’s give her some time to recover.
Meanwhile, we have our own celebrating to do?”
He would have turned and argued with her as well, but the way she asked
that as a question, and the way her sweet voice cut through his emotions to
remind him how much she meant to him, calmed him down.
He turned to face his wife—his
wife!—and gave her his best smile. “You’re right,” he said, grabbing a pair
of her hands in his own. “We should…” He looked over her shoulder at Shlee, who
started shaking her head. “You and I should go celebrate. I can’t believe I’m
lucky enough to be married to such a wonderful woman.”
It was true, too, and not just because he couldn’t lie in her presence.
He loved her and found it more than a bit exciting to know that she was his
wife.
“My dear husband,” she grinned at him, showing off her white teeth. Two
of her arms slipped around his neck while the other two moved to his hips. “I
plan on seeing if I can wear you out.” Her cheeks colored slightly as she
looked around at their family, realizing that her own ability had backfired on
her.
“What do you two think you’re going to do?” Alloria demanded, looking
haughty and upset, her hands on her hips and her eyebrows creating a deep
furrow between them as she glared at the newlyweds.
For a split second, Eldon thought they’d made a mistake, and he was
being inappropriate in front of his family but shook it off. “Being married!”
he told her with his cheesiest grin. Without waiting for any kind of a
rebuttal, he scooped up his bride and carried her down the hallway.
He noticed Alloria grimace at them as he carried his blushing bride away,
but also saw the gleam in her eyes.
Gaia had prepared an exclusive suite for the newlyweds, and it was to
this room that he brought Mandy. The entire walk, she’d covered his face with
kisses, and spoke whispers of what she was going to do to him once they were
alone. She had him thoroughly aroused by the time he reached their door. It was
almost a little weird, having the ability to grow hard again, instead of being
permanently stiff, and he enjoyed it.
He kicked the door closed behind him. Mandy surprised him as she
wriggled free from his arms and pressed her lips to his. His back hit the door
as their kiss intensified. Two of her hands pressed against his shoulders,
while her other set worked at his pants.
He groaned as his manhood became free, and her strong hands caressed
his twisted length. His arms wrapped around her, pulled her firm body tight
against him. Her arms at his shoulders wrapped around his neck as their tongues
met.
A small portion of his mind worried that he’d struggle to perform. This
was his first time since giving up his permanent body to restore Areth, and he
no longer had the perma-boner. But it was only a small portion, as much of his
blood was supplying oxygen to his second brain.
He moved to pick Mandy back up and carry her to their luxurious bed,
but she shook her head and pushed back from him. She met his questioning look
with a devilish grin. Placing her upper hands against his shoulders again, she
lowered her body until she was kneeling before him. One of her knees rested between
his legs, right on his pants, so he pulled his legs out.
She grinned up at him, licking her lips before leaning forward and
nuzzling his shaft. He brought his right hand down and caressed her dirty
blonde hair. She purred for a moment longer, then opened up to let her tongue
out to trace along the curves of his shaft.
It was Eldon’s turn to moan, enjoying the sweet feeling of her talented
tongue. A moment later, his breath caught as she opened wider and swallowed the
head between her lips. He felt her skilled mouth work his tip, moving along the
sensitive rim and eliciting even more moans from him.
Too soon, however, she stopped and pulled back. Eldon was about to
complain, but it turned into a yelp when her four arms moved to pick him up and
carry him to the bed. He couldn’t
help but chuckle as she literally threw him onto the lush comforter and gave
him a hungry look.
“Don’t think for a minute that just because I’m your wife, I’m going to
become some docile cow, ready to make you a sandwich at a moment’s notice,” she
said as she crawled onto the bed with him.
The mattress must have been made out of clouds and angel feathers; it
was so soft, and yet firm enough to support them.
“The day I consider you docile, have my head examined,” he replied with
a broad grin. Then he glanced at his crotch and added, “Both heads. Besides, if
I’d wanted a soft wife, pliable and weak, I would have stayed far away from
you. I prefer my women—no, my partners—to be capable and smart. With you, I
just happened to get lucky enough to get good looks, sense of humor, level
headed, and a talented lover added to the mix.”
“Oh, you know how to sweet talk a woman,” she cooed.
“Sweet talk, nothing,” he argued back. “I'm just honest—Oh!” He cut off
as she took him back into her mouth.
Never being a selfish lover, he adjusted himself so that he could move
underneath her. She gave an appreciative moan as he brought his lips to her
nether-set and licked along her folds. He had to concentrate on pleasing her,
trying to ignore the bliss she was giving him, lest he cum too soon. He hadn’t
had sex on his mind with his sister giving birth, but now that they were in the
middle of foreplay, it was all-consuming.
He concentrated on her clit, using every skill he knew to entice her towards
her first orgasm. He sucked on her labia, used the tip of his tongue to swirl
around her clit, or shove it into her hole, enjoying her taste. It became a
race to see who would cum first, and he was determined to be the second across
that line.
But the way she was moaning around his thick shaft, and her method of
alternating her rhythm of bobbing, and the skill with which she incorporated
two hands on his length, one on his scrotum, and the last tracing lightly along
his inner thighs drove him ever closer.
She was the first to tense up and start shuddering, though. Eldon was
rewarded with a guttural moan from her as she pulled her lips from him and rode her orgasm, shaking atop him. He doubled down on his attentions, trying to make
her climax last until she finally had to roll off him.
He turned and pounced on top of her, waiting for her to meet his gaze
before he spoke. “I hope you know that just because you’re my wife, I don’t
intend to slack off on making you as happy as I can, as often as I can.”
“I’m such a lucky woman,” she panted before pulling him down into a
kiss. “Now, fuck your wife until she can’t think straight,” she ordered when
they came up for breath. She emphasized her command by placing two hands on his
hips and pulling them towards her.
His angle was wrong on the first attempt, and he ended up bumping hard
against her magic button, making her shudder before he could realign. This
time, when he pressed forward, he felt her velvety lips kiss his tip, then part
to allow him entrance. She was as tight as she always was, and they groaned in unison
as they became one. One heart. One soul. One love.
He set a steady rhythm, propping himself on one arm as he gazed into
his wife’s soft brown eyes. He marveled at how she could look so sweet and yet
so seductive as she bit her bottom lip. Or at how much it turned him on as her
eyes fluttered every time he hit bottom.
Soon her hands were encouraging him to increase his pace. He dropped
his head to suckle on one of her stiff nipples, arching his back to get more
force into each thrust.
He was once again climbing towards his own end, and from the way she
was meeting his thrusts with her hips, gripping his arms and waist, and making
soft panting noises, he knew she was close also.
Then she gripped him, stopping him from moving altogether, and spoke.
“I want to have a kid, Eldon. Get me pregnant?”
It took a moment for her words to sink in. She wanted to get pregnant?
Now? Wasn’t there already enough going on in their lives?
Or perhaps, that was reason enough to procreate. Eldon couldn’t deny
that the thought appealed to him. Just thinking about pumping her full of his
potent seed, placing a child within her belly turned him on. In fact, if
anything, he felt himself getting harder within her tight canal.
He heard her talking, trying to convince him of why she should get
pregnant, but he ignored her. Not out of malice, or anything negative, but
because he couldn’t think of words to voice the welling of love and devotion
that welled up in his chest. Instead, he returned to kissing her and moving inside
her.
The small break had given him a respite from cumming. He pulled out of his
wondrous wife and rolled her onto her stomach. Rear lifted up as he aimed to
re-enter. As he did so, he brought one hand under her to cup one full breast,
thumbing her turgid nipple and leaned in to whisper into her ear.
His hips set a steady, forceful rhythm as he plunged into her again and
again. His stiff cock drove against the front of her vaginal canal as he spoke
the words he knew she wanted to hear.
“You want to carry our child?” he asked, his voice low and pitched for
her ears alone. “You want me to pump you full of my seed? Cum inside you and
place a child into you?” She managed to nod as she mewled her pleasure. He
didn’t know if his words were affecting her as much as they were him, but he
could feel her tightening her slick walls as he provoked her. “I can’t wait to
see you carrying my child. Our child. The thought of you pregnant makes my cock
harden even more. You feel that? Feel how hard I am at the thought of our child
in your belly? I’m close, my brilliant wife. I’m going to fill you with my
seed, and… and…” He trailed off as his mind flipped off. He was about to do as they
both wanted.
“Oh, fuck!” Mandy gasped as she came once again. Her body managed to
somehow become limp and rigid at the same time. Her insides squeezed him hard,
and he couldn’t hold back any longer.
As he fired off his ejaculate into her
welcoming uterus, he concentrated on making them as potent as he could. He
wanted to get her pregnant. He wanted to have something to show to the world
that he was alive. And no matter what dangers they may shortly face, he wanted
to know that his legacy would carry on.
* *
* *
Gaia met them as they rejoined the others, a broad smile gracing her
dark lips. Without waiting for permission, she glided up to Mandy and placed
her hands on the four-armed woman’s belly.
“Best to ensure that things start out safe from the beginning,” she
said, closing her eyes and concentrating.
Dread struck Eldon at those words. He hadn’t even considered the
dangers of having a mixed-breed child. Considering that both Mandy and he were
mixed-breed, did that make it more dangerous, or did that mitigate them? What would
he do if Gaia determined that their child would be a danger? It was what
happened to his late stepmom’s—Becky’s—children. And why his dad and only
remaining human wife never had children after the first couple attempts.
He looked at his new bride and saw the same fears reflected there. Fear
that only grew as Gaia’s hands roamed across her abdomen and the Pillar of
Earth frowned and continued to concentrate. Sweat beaded on the powerful
woman’s brow as she continued to work.
No one dared speak, and Eldon realized that everyone was watching them.
His father was holding his mother, fear and worry in their gazes. Shlee looked
like she wanted to approach them, but didn’t dare. And Alloria looked angrier
than he’d ever seen her.
“Wow,” Gaia said, breaking the tension and wiping her brow with the back
of her hand. “It’s a good thing I was here before any of your sperm reached the
egg!”
Eldon opened his mouth to speak but realized that his throat was dry,
and he only managed to croak.
It was Lyden who managed to speak first. “So, you were able to make
sure the child will be okay?”
“Yes,” Gaia said, and there was a definite slump to her shoulders as
she spoke. “I had to kill off over half of his semen, as they were incompatible
with her egg, but all the remaining should provide viable offspring.”
“Will it be a boy or a girl?” Eldon finally found his voice.
“Don’t be an idiot,” Gaia snapped at him. “Didn’t you hear me say the
sperm hasn’t reached the egg yet? Now, Lyden, I promised to be more considerate
to you and your wives, but that drained a lot of strength from me. Considering
that I just did your family a huge favor, would you mind—”
Lyden coughing cut her short. Eldon noted the way his mom frowned, but
she pushed her master forward. “Get her charged up,” Sheila Lance said. “But
don’t enjoy it too much.”
Eldon understood what was being asked of his father, but chose to
ignore it.
“Thank you, Gaia,” Mandy gushed, grabbing the other woman by both
hands. “How can we ever repay you?”
“You can get out of my way so I can get my recharge,” Gaia snapped.
Apparently, when she was this tired, she was ornery. “And you can ensure that
my job doesn’t get any harder, and take care of Jessica when you get the
chance.”
Before anyone could say anything more, the Pillar of Earth grabbed
Lyden in one hand, and Sheila in the other, dragging them from the hallway.
“Has anyone gotten to see or talk to Shelly yet?” Eldon asked, glancing
at the door leading to his sister’s room.
“She’s asleep right now,” Megan said. Eldon did a double-take, having
not seen her. Though how he could miss the redhead sitting there, he didn’t
know. She wore a new white blouse, and a tight pair of denim jeans, and was…
Why was she here?
“What are you still doing here?” he asked, trying to sound curious,
rather than annoyed that she was still around. Didn’t she realize that he
wasn’t really interested in her?
“You’re about as tactful as Areth is when she’s trying to seduce our
father,” Mei said. She leaned against one wall, arms folded under her breasts,
shaking her head. Her horns knocked against that wall as she looked up and
around, a wry twist to her lips. “Speaking of which, where did she go?”
“She chased after your dad,” Shlee said, sniffing the air. “That little
pixie looked quite excited to join in their fun.”
Eldon shook his head, annoyed. He was glad that Areth was back, but
he’d forgotten how much trouble she could cause. And the conversation had gone
away from his original question about his sister.
“So, Shelly is doing okay?” he pressed, more worried about her than
anything else.
Shlee came up to him, sensing or smelling his concern, and gave him a mighty
hug. He took a moment before he returned the embrace. While intellectually, he
understood why she’d turned down his marriage proposal, he still felt rejected.
She’d done her best to alleviate that, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. He
still loved her and knew he had no right to press his emotions onto her, and so
tried to be as supportive as he could.
“Your sister and the baby are both doing fine,” the werewolf informed
him. “The doctor let your mom and dad in, and no one can seem to stop Areth
from doing as she pleases, but the rest of us have waited out here.”
He didn’t care much about the baby. Maybe that made him callous, but
the thing was the offspring of King Aecus and the product of rape. As long as
Shelly was okay, that’s all that mattered.
The tiny goblin doctor poked her head out and stared at him. “Shelly is
awake and asking to see her family. Where are your parents, young man?”
“Um…” he said, trying to come up with an answer before shaking his head
again. Shlee pulled back from him and interlaced her fingers with his as Mandy
did the same on his other side. “They’re a little occupied,” he told the doctor
and started towards the door.
The goblin stopped him. He could have blown past the small creature,
but he had enough respect for her profession to remain outside. “I said ‘her
family.’ You may see her, Sheldon Lance, but the others must wait outside.”
With a grimace, Eldon gave both his women a quick kiss, then let them
go to see his sister.
Shelly’s eyes were dark, and her hair was still stringy from her
exertions, but she smiled as he walked in. The smile quickly fell, though.
“I’m sorry I ruined your wedding,” she said, holding a hand out to him.
He ignored the hand and leaned in to hug her gently. Despite being
careful, she still grunted as his arms moved about her neck. She patted his
back, then pulled away.
“I’m just glad you’re okay,” he told her. Movement on the other side of
the bed caught his attention, and he realized that the baby was right there.
Part of him was curious to look at the little monster, but he ignored it.
“Mandy and I both understand that this wasn’t your choice.”
She gave him a lopsided smile before saying, “True, but I still wish
she would have waited a little bit longer. That was so embarrassing, having my
water break in front of everyone like that.”
Looked at his sister again, marveling at her mood. “I have to say,
you’re in better spirits than I would have expected.”
She chuckled for a moment, then met his gaze. “I’m exhausted, and in a
fair bit of pain, but things will get better. No more running for me. I’m going
to be a better person from now on. If not for me, then for her.”
“For… her?” Eldon asked, confused. He looked around and noticed that
Sonia wasn’t around. The android had all but been Shelly’s shadow, and it
seemed weird that she was absent.”
“For Rain,” Shelly said and glanced at the bundle next to the bed. A
determined look crossed her face, and Sheldon knew his sister wasn’t talking
about the weather.
“Rain?” he asked, as a cold hand ran shivers down his spine. “You sound
like you decided to keep it.”
Shelly regarded him for a long moment before answering. “Rain. Short
for Rainbow, because of her skin. And she is a she, not an it. Like I said, I’m
not going to run anymore. I’m going to take care of her and make sure she is
raised right. She won’t be evil like her father. I’ll make sure of that.”
To Eldon’s ears, it almost sounded like she was trying to convince
herself of that, as much as him. He didn’t know how to respond. Could he be
that big of a person? Could he care for a child that was conceived out of such
hatred and violence?
He walked over to the bundle and pulled back the fold of the cloth
covering it. He barely stifled a gasp as he stared down at the creature. Red,
blue, pink, yellow, black, white… He stopped paying attention to what the
colors were but understood where Rain’s name originated from. Solid swirls of
every color filled the infant’s eyes. There was no pupil that he could see and
no whites. Just a mass of swirling colors. Shelly had insisted that it was a
she, but he recalled Areth’s pronouncement earlier that it was a hermaphrodite.
Its tiny fist pressed against its little mouth. It made small, sucking
noises. It looked so fragile, lying there.
It also looked innocent.
Anger rose up in him as he continued to stare at the newborn. How dare
it cause his sister so much pain. How dare it look so carefree and without
guilt for its father’s actions! Despite its alien appearance, despite the evil
creature that had raped and molested his sister, the little baby lay there
without a care in the world. It wasn’t right.
“Sheldon!” his sister’s voice broke through the red haze that was
starting to fill his vision. He looked at her, surprised at the heat in her
voice. “I’ve been calling your name. Look!” She pointed to the window, and
Eldon turned to see what she indicated.
Ants. Ants of every size, shape, and color. Some he recognized, but
most he didn’t, covered the window frame, and moved about to allow more to come
in.
He moved to place himself between them and his sister, inadvertently
also placing himself as protecting the baby.
“I don’t think they mean us any harm,” Shelly spoke in a softer voice.
“How can you be sure?” he asked. Ants were always the enemy. Since they
were children, they were taught to kill any ant they saw on sight. Any ant
could be a spy for King Aecus…
Except Aecus was dead, and this infant behind him was supposed to be
their new ruler. Were they here to take the child away?
Despite Shelly’s words, he held his ground. If they wanted the baby, he
would hand it over, and good riddance. Shelly acted like she was okay raising
it, but she would be better off without this constant reminder of what was done
to her.
His tension grew as the ants moved to the floor, then climbed one upon
another, forming into a humanoid shape. It towered over him, there were so many
different ants. Its head, with its protruding, multi-colored mandibles, bowed
as it pressed against the ceiling.
“We come in peace,” the giant myrmidon said. Its voice was distinctly
feminine. He’d rarely ever faced one of these, but he’d never heard of a female
myrmidon. If it breathed out fire at him, there was nothing he’d be able to do
to protect his sister. The monster was just too giant. “We have come to pay
homage to our new queen.”
“Who are you?” Shelly asked, her voice sounding calmer than Eldon felt.
“We are the queens of all the queens,” the creature said. “There is one
of us for every type of ant in each world.”
“Have you come to avenge your last king… um, queen?” Eldon asked.
The thing regarded him for the briefest of moments before turning to
face Shelly.
“We mean you no harm, Queen’s Mother.” That sounded as much as a title
as anything Eldon had ever heard. “We are aware of the feud between Queen Aecus
and your father, but there is no feud between us. Our only concern is for our
new queen.”
Eldon relaxed, but Shelly’s voice rose an octave as she spoke. “You’re
not taking my baby!”
Eldon turned to her in shock. He had no idea that she was so adamant
about the child.
“Please, be at ease, Queen’s Mother,” the ant being said, and bowed
low. “We would not separate the newborn from its mother. We are not monsters.
We have come only to pay homage, and to offer our services as a nanny.”
“Nanny?” Eldon and Shelly asked at the same time.
Again, the creature barely even noticed Eldon’s presence, as it spoke
to Shelly. “Our queen will need guidance as she grows to understand our ways.
And while we are sure that the Pillar of Earth and the family of the mighty
Lyden Snow are very capable, we would prefer to have one of our own around to
protect our new queen.”
Eldon’s first thought was to reject its offer, but he stopped himself.
This wasn’t his decision to make. And he knew that Myrmidon’s were fierce and mighty
warriors. Having them on their side would be a great benefit to their cause.
The large mass of roiling ants finally turned and faced him. “No,
brother to the Queen’s Mother. We will not fight for your cause unless
commanded to by our queen. We will, however, ensure that she is kept safe, no
matter the danger.”
Why does it seem like most females can read minds? Eldon wondered to himself. He also wondered if it was all queen ants
or only some that could see into his thoughts. If she was still digging through
his mind, she didn’t respond to his musings.
The baby started to fuss, and before anyone could react, the giant
ant-creature scooped it up and handed it to Shelly. She looked as shocked as
Eldon felt, but she recovered faster than he did.
She pulled aside a flap in her blouse, and he caught a quick glimpse of
nipple before the baby latched onto it. He also noticed what looked like welts,
and didn’t miss the way Shelly grimaced at first.
“She has small pinchers,” she responded to his concerned look. “She
also tends to be a little aggressive when she first starts but calms as soon as
the milk starts flowing. Now, do you mind giving me some privacy as I feed my
little Rain?”
He glanced at the sizeable shimmering creature in the room with them,
unsure if he should leave, or just turn his back.
“Shoo,” Shelly insisted, using one hand to wave him away. “If she meant
us any harm, I’m sure we’d already be dead.”
He didn’t necessarily agree with that statement, but he wasn’t in the
mood to argue. He also had to admit that part of his issue was his ego, and not
wanting to admit that this thing might be able to take him out quickly.
“Do you want me to send Sonia in if I see her?” he asked before
slipping back out.
The way she grimaced told him volumes more than her words did. “No, I’m
good.”
Apparently, Sonia and Shelly were having issues. Knowing that he was
the last person to try and offer her relationship advice, he left the room.
“How was she?” Shlee asked as she stepped up to him, Mandy right
behind. The two women were holding hands, and despite everything, that made him
feel warm inside. Knowing that his wife and girlfriend were still close
reminded him that he was acting selfishly for feeling rejected by the werewolf.
She had her reasons, and he understood them. She hadn’t rejected him, but
rather the idea of marriage at this time. After what that prick vampire did to
her, he should be grateful that she stayed with him, instead of shutting her
heart down altogether.
“She’s…” he trailed off, trying to figure out how to explain the Queen
Myrmidon. “She has a new companion.”
“That’s a weird way to describe a baby,” Megan said.
“Not the baby,” he corrected her, giving her a frown. Why was that
woman still here? “The ant queens have all come to honor the baby as their new
ruler.” He spent the next few minutes describing the queen and recounting the
conversation.
“I’m going to hunt,” Mei said, pulling away from the wall. “Let me know
when it’s time to leave for the other world.”
“You’re coming with us?” he asked his half-sister. As far as he knew,
she rarely ever left this world. Only to act as protection when they were
expecting violence. He thought it would be just him, his dad, and Shlee going
on the diplomatic mission to try and stop whatever legislation the Paladonic
Knights were trying to enact. She didn’t answer before rounding a corner.
“As am I,” Megan cut into the conversation again.
He turned with a sigh to ask her why, but Mei spoke before he could.
“After your last encounter with the American government and the Paladonic
Knights, I decided I needed to be around to protect Dad.”
Eldon remembered that night with a shudder. That was the night the
P.K.’s bombed the Whitehouse, and that Becky died. He took it as a slight that
his half-sibling didn’t think he could protect their father, but then he
recalled that his body was no longer permanent. He could be killed, and every
bit of help he had should be welcomed.
Except for Megan. He turned back to the redhead and tried to look calm
as he asked, “And why are you coming along? Shouldn’t you be getting back to
your ranch, or whatever?”
Elbows from both sides poked into him, making him grunt, but he ignored
them, keeping his eyes on the other woman.
To his surprise, she smiled at him. “Curiosity? Boredom? Maybe I just
want to spend some more time with a man who is rude, but blunt. Or maybe I
think that I can help make a difference in the world in a way that I never
could in Texas. Or maybe a hot, half-dragon/half-human woman with a shred of
courtesy invited me along to help.” She stepped up close to him, her face
inches away from his, her chocolate brown eyes challenging as she stared at
him. “Or perhaps I want to see if you’re worth the time to get another taste of
my pussy.”
He stared at her, wondering if she realized what she’d just said. He
was used to people speaking more than they meant to when Mandy was around. She
met his gaze, not flinching.
“Huh,” she said after the moment started to grow uncomfortable. She
turned to look at Mandy, and then Shlee as she asked, “Does he often go quiet
when challenged like that? I at least expected him to come back with a snide
remark when I commented on my pussy.”
Shlee was the first to burst out laughing, soon followed by the rest in
the room, excepting Eldon. He couldn’t understand this woman. At first, she
acted like a stalker, but then challenged him as though he wasn’t good enough
for her.
Why couldn’t she get the hint that he wasn’t looking for another woman?
He loved Shlee and Mandy, and they were enough for him. Sure, he still had
feelings for Gloria, but she’d rejected him.
And besides all that, he was working to save the entire freaking
universe from Jessica destroying it! He didn’t have time to consider convincing
her of anything.
“Do what you want,” he finally told her. “I now know you can look after
yourself, and I don’t think you’ll be slowing us down. Just…” he trailed off as
her smile grew wider. With a shake of his head, he left his thoughts unsaid. He
was about to ask her to leave him alone, but if she were going to be watching
his back, he decided it was best not to do so. Besides, she might take it as a
return challenge, and chase him even harder.
“Glad to see you’re paying attention,” Megan said, then surprised him
by stepping up and giving his cheek a soft peck.
Of all the brazen… Right in front of Eldon’s girlfriend and new wife!
He didn’t feel guilty for the other woman’s actions, but it still felt weird to
him.
“He’s finally learning,” Mandy said and kissed his other cheek.
“Marriage seems to agree with him,” Shlee grinned and kissed a spot
lower than Megan had.
Women are nuts! he thought. All of them!
“No, Mr. Lance,” the Myrmidon said from the other room, “we just think
a little differently than men do.”
He realized that he was surrounded by only women, and they were all
giving him an odd look. Before he had a chance to respond, or even think up a
response, Gaia formed up out of the ground, looking a lot better than she had
when she left. His dad and mom came down the hall a bit later, looking
disheveled with Areth humming happily after.
“Good. You’re all here,” Gaia said as Sheila tried to fix her master’s
rumpled hair. Eldon did his best not to think about what they’d obviously been
doing.
“What’s going on?” Mandy asked.
“It’s time for those heading to Earth to leave,” Gaia said without any
further preamble. “It’s been over two months since you were last in that world,
and the Paladonic Knights haven’t wasted any time. If you’re going to reach the
summit in time, you need to leave sooner rather than later.”
Eldon realized that he hadn’t taken any time to prepare. He wasn’t confident
what awaited them, though he had to admit that he was a little trepidatious
about seeing the President of the United States again. Hopefully, she wouldn’t
be looking for a tryst with him. Unbidden, his eyes went to Megan, and then his
dad. How did he manage so many women in his life?
“I summoned my car earlier, just in case,” Lyden said. “It should be
here by now.”
Eldon had forgotten that the Orange Bubble was in this world. It would
make traveling a lot quicker.
“I also have news,” came the Myrmidon’s voice as it entered the
hallway. Of course, Lyden took one look at the giant, multi-hued ant creature
and started looking for a weapon that wasn’t there. He stepped in front of
Sheila at the same time Areth began gathering water between her palms.
“Whoa!” Eldon stepped between them before any actual violence could
break out. “She’s on our side. Well, on the baby’s side at any rate. Dad, Mom, meet
the new… um… nanny for Rainbow.”
“Rainbow?” He heard Mandy ask behind him. It occurred to him that few
had seen the new baby, or knew much about it.
“Oh, poo!” Areth grumped as she dropped her hands. She giggled a moment
later as the water that she’d gathered fell on Lyden’s head, soaking him. “Ha!
I think you’re wetter now than you were after Gaia and I—”
“Not now, Areth,” Lyden growled. The fairy closed her mouth, but it is
evident that she continued to laugh.
At the very least, her antics defused the tension in the room.
“You said you had news?” Eldon turned to ask the creature. Despite his
words, it still felt odd to calmly converse with a being that not long ago was
a mortal enemy.
“Yes,” the thing nodded her head. “Some flying ants have spotted
Jessica in the Pillar of Air’s domain. They are uncertain of her intentions,
but from what we’ve gathered from your minds, she might be after the Pillar of Air.
Though we do not know how she would attack her.”
“She’s after Lysa?” Lyden growled. “We have to stop her!”
“No,” Gaia said. Even though her voice was calm and level, it cut Lyden
off and drew all attention to her. “Others will go and protect your daughter,
but you must go to the summit and defeat the Paladonic Knight’s plans.”
Lyden looked around, ready to argue until his eyes landed on Eldon.
“Eldon can go in my place. He can change into my form and pretend to be me.”
“Again, no,” Gaia rebuffed him. “While your son is a capable man, he
does not have your wisdom, nor your time and experience as an ambassador. It
must be you. Eldon is too much of a hothead.”
Eldon heard Megan and Areth snicker at that, but ignored them.
Mei returned then, gnawing on the remains of some small, furry animal.
She swallowed what was in her mouth before speaking. “Lysa and I are good
friends,” she said. “Mom and my siblings will go to protect her, Dad. We’re the
best suited to do so in Lysa’s Air domain.
Eldon had to agree with her. He’d visited there a couple times when he
was younger, and the Pillar of Air’s demesne was no place for land-bound
creatures.
“Keep her safe,” Lyden stepped up and pulled his daughter by Blue into a
hug. The draconic woman seemed uncomfortable by public affection.
“Wait!” Shelly called from her room. “I’m coming with you.”
“Like hell, you are!” Sheila shouted, surprising everyone with her
vehemence. “You just gave birth! You’re in no shape to…” She trailed off as
Shelly limped out of the room, fully clothed. She was pale and had to lean
against the doorway to remain upright.
Eldon saw the steely determination in her eyes and knew she was
impossible to argue with when she had that look.
“But what about Rain?” Sheila asked, knowing that look as well. “You
can’t just leave her.” Apparently, Shelly had told their parents that she was
keeping the baby. He still didn’t understand her reasoning for changing her
mind, but he also didn’t like the idea of his sister going to face off against
Jessica.
“Rain needs her mother,” Eldon reinforced their mother’s argument.
Logic rarely worked when Shelly grew stubborn, but perhaps her emotional
attachment to the little one would sway her.
“We can accompany her with our new queen, and keep them both safe,” the
Myrmidon announced.
Eldon tried to come up with another argument, but all eyes turned as a
new voice spoke up.
“I agree with your family, Shelly, but if you insist on this
foolishness, then I will go as well.” No one had seen or heard Sonia enter the
hallway, but from her stance, she wasn’t willing to accept any further
arguments, one way or another.
“No more running,” Eldon heard his sister mutter, before nodding and
giving the android an appreciative smile. Once again, he wondered what was
going on between the two, and once again, he decided to keep his nose out of
it.
“Well, I still don’t like it,” Lyden said. “If you think for one minute
that I’m going to—” He was cut off as Gaia waved her hand and the ground lifted
to swallow him whole. Before anyone could react, Eldon felt the ground beneath
his feet soften, then rise up and swallow him in darkness.
It only lasted for a couple seconds before the cocoon of earth fell
away, and he found himself outside. He looked around in time to see an egg-shaped
mound each fall away from Megan, Shlee, and Mei. The Orange Bubble was right
there with them, purring softly as though happy to see its master after a long
absence. The ancient orange Volkswagen Beetle possessed a portion of the Pillar
of Fire’s soul from before she took on the mantle of Fire’s power and was
sentient in its own way. Angela was a succubus at the time, which allowed the
car to use illusion and evasion magics, as well as incredible speed.
“I guess that’s one way to lose an argument,” Lyden groused as he
regarded his car. Shelly wasn’t with them. He glanced around and then jumped
back as the passenger door opened on its own.
Brooke stepped out, dressed in a dark, tight-fitting outfit. The
mermaid had two shimmering blue blades at her hips and looked for all the world
like she was ready for battle.
With a groan, Eldon realized that all the women with them were
redheads. At least Areth was left behind. Her antics would only cause issues on
their delicate mission.
“Brock and Oberon are waiting inside,” Brooke said and held the door
for them to enter.
“Brock?” Megan asked. “Isn’t he the large merman with the huge
mechanical legs? How are we all going to fit inside that little car?”
Eldon grinned and ignored her. She’d learn.
Sure enough, the woman gasped as she ducked to enter the doorway and saw
the dimensionally larger space inside.
Shlee started gabbing about some ancient television show and explaining
how it was bigger on the inside.
Eldon thought about going into the back where there was a large bed but
saw his father and Brooke reaching it first. Brock stood to the far side by the
fountain, able to stand up entirely within the car, with Oberon sitting on his
shoulder, snoozing. For such a little creature, he sure could snore!
He heard his father complaining to his mermaid wife about his treatment
by Gaia and decided that he wanted to be in the front. The windshield showed a significantly
distorted view of the world and pulled the curtain across it as he got into the
driver’s seat. He wouldn’t be doing any driving; the car would take them to
their destination on its own.
“Can we talk?” Shlee asked just as he let his head fall back and eyes
close. He wasn’t particularly tired but didn’t know when the next chance they’d
get to rest would be.
He looked at his lover and smiled. “I will always have time for you,”
he told her and meant it.
The smile that lit her blue eyes warmed him up inside. He knew their
relationship wasn’t perfect, but he still loved her.
“We really haven’t had a chance to talk since you asked me to… or since
the wedding, and I wanted to make sure we’re okay.” He could hear the worry in
her voice, and it tore at his heart. “I could smell your concern earlier when I
hugged you, and I can see the pain in your eyes sometimes when you look at me.”
He reached out at took her hands in his. “I love you, Shlee. I’ll be
honest and admit that it felt like you were rejecting me when you turned me
down, but Mandy helped me see how selfish I was being. I didn’t consider your
feelings or what you went through when I asked you to marry me. Hell, your last
fiancée tried to kill us! I will wait for you to be ready. And if it never
happens, then so be it. My parents aren’t married, and they’re happy together.
It was an impulsive gesture on my part, and—oomph.”
He cut off as Shlee leaned in and kissed him. Her tongue snaked around
his lips, never trying to enter, but teasing for a moment before she pulled
back.
“You were starting to babble,” she accused him, but with a wolfish
grin. “But thank you, Eldon. I do love you, and I wish Mandy were here so there
could be no doubt. I—”
This time he cut her short with a quick kiss. “I don’t need my wife to
tell me that you love me,” he said with a smirk as he pulled away. “I can see
it in the way you smile when our eyes meet. In the way your voice changes
slightly when you talk to me versus others. And in the actions you take. You’re
here with us now, instead of mourning your loss. You’re coming with us when I
know your heart is still broken over Dimitri’s betrayal. You’re a strong woman,
with a great heart, Shlee, and I love you dearly. I wish I could take your pain
away, but since I can’t, I hope you know that I’m here for you if you need me.”
She met his grin with one of her own, before dodging her head forward
and giving his cheek a quick lick. “I was afraid you were going to start
rambling again,” she said. Then before he could come up with a response, she
dipped back in and pressed her firm lips to his. This time her tongue came out to
play, slipping between his teeth and dancing happily with his.
“Ooh,” Oberon’s voice cut in above their heads. “Can we start another
orgy in here? That’d be a great way to pass the time!”
“Knock it off, dear,” Brock commanded from further back in the car as
Shlee and Eldon pulled away. “I already told you, there weren’t going to be any
orgies during this trip.”
Eldon grimaced as he recalled the fuzzy memories from the
mind-controlled group-sex that Oberon was referring to. That hadn’t been their
decision, and he was more than happy to never have another.
Just as he opened his mouth to let Oberon know which hole he could
shove that suggestion into, the Orange Bubble lurched.
“What the…” Lyden announced from the back as the magical car jerked
again.
Shlee sprawled into his lap, and Eldon struggled to help her get
upright when the car flipped onto its driver’s side, and a horrendous screech
sounded next to him.
“What happened?” Eldon asked as Shlee and he disentangled from each
other. The car had come to a stop, but his head rang from a blow he took in the
process.
“I don’t know,” his father said, concern thick in his voice. “The
Orange Bubble is almost always smooth to ride in, unless… What’s that?”
Eldon rubbed at his ears, trying to will away the ringing, but it was
Shlee who answered as the car shook again.
“It sounds like explosions. Can we be under attack?” She had a small
cut on her left cheek, but it appeared to be minor. The way her left arm hung
limply at her side, however, was another matter.
“You’re hurt,” Eldon worried over her, but she shrugged him off. He
watched as her arm righted itself, and Lyden answered her question. She was a
fast healer, which he should have recalled from her being a werewolf, but his
head was fuzzy.
“The car is magical. It’s not supposed to be detectable by any ordinary
means when traveling. It’s why I never had to worry about speeding tickets, or
the paparazzi when I’m traveling around on Earth.”
Eldon felt at his head, noting a tender but large lump in the back. He
must have struck it hard against the windows when they crashed. As he looked
around, he found the interior of the car was lit from daylight outside, but dim
otherwise. The Orange Bubble’s interior lights were dark.
“Brock?” Brooke called out, then shouted, “Brock!” She sounded dazed,
but panic soon filled her voice. “Lyden, he’s not breathing!”
“Whoa…” Oberon’s voice wobbled as much as Eldon’s head as he tried to
stand. “What a bad trip. Brock? Bridgette?” There was a pause, and Eldon saw
the small fairy king stumble around. One of his wings was broken, hanging oddly
from his back, and the other had a terrible tear in it. Then he spotted his
lover. “Oh, fuck! Lover!” He leaped into the air and landed next to Brock’s
prone body.
Brock’s mechanical legs were tipped over. The water that usually rested
in the bowl that he swam in soaked the carpet beneath. Eldon knew he needed
constant water, though he also knew it wasn’t required for him to breathe.
Pounding sounded from outside the car, on the door that was directly
over Eldon’s head. The voice that yelled in was full of authority and sent
chills down Eldon’s spine.
“By order of the righteous and human society of the Paladonic Knights,
we order you to come out and face justice, foul abomination, and betrayer of
humanity, Lyden Snow.”
Eldon turned to look at his father, color draining from their faces as
they recognized that voice.
“I thought only men were part of the Paladonic Knights,” Megan said as
blood dripped from a cut on her chin.
====================
From the Author
====================
I know how much you all love cliff-hangers... Especially at the glacial pace at which I post... But I really didn't want to give this one away. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a couple chapters to find out how this ends.
I know how much you all love cliff-hangers... Especially at the glacial pace at which I post... But I really didn't want to give this one away. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait a couple chapters to find out how this ends.
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| Eldon |
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| Mandy |
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