by Jada Cox
“Large is pretty big, do you think you’ll be able to eat all that?”
“No problem at all,” I say, and the woman smiles and walks away. As she does, the door opens, and a gorgeous woman with caramel skin and ringlets of brunette hair flowing down her back in waves steps into the small tavern, her hair rippling from the breeze of the closing door. She jumps a little as Faustino and Kalino burst into raucous laughter over some joke, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she looks over at our table. I watch from the corner of my eye as Yelena waves excitedly at the woman. I glance down at Yelena before looking up at the woman, who is waving back at her.
Carrie approaches her and leads the woman to a table across from us. The visitor glances up at me, looking down suddenly when we make eye contact. I feel my mouth quirk into a frown, trying to determine why Yelena was showing me visions of this gorgeous creature before. I glance down at my daughter, who winks at me and begins coloring on a piece of paper provided by Kalino. I watch as the woman shakes her head at something Carrie said, my frown deepening with my curiosity. As the woman lifts her menu, Carrie and a couple of other people bring out our five pizzas, placing them carefully on the table, their edges hanging off the edge of the table. We each grab a few pieces of the pizza and begin eating, enjoying the gooey cheese. Yelena giggles as she stretches hot cheese to her face.
I look up as the caramel-skinned beauty laughs at something Carrie said and admire her while she’s distracted talking to the older woman, tuning out the excited chatter of my brothers. Her hair cascades down her back in cinnamon-colored waves, tumbling down past my visible range. I swallow hard, grab another piece of pizza, and continue to appreciate the woman’s exceptional beauty. Her full, pouty, cupid’s bow lips curve into a warm smile as she continues her conversation with Carrie. When the older woman departs, the object of my obsession glances at our table again. As our gazes collide, I see her swallow nervously, and I admire her sparkling hazel eyes. As I stare into her almond-shaped eyes, electric tingles race up and down my spine and time creeps to a halt. All sound around me fades until I can hear nothing beyond the beating of my heart and the woman’s rapid breathing. I feel my beast rise to the surface, making himself known. The woman looks away, breaking the zinging sensation. Sound and time return to normal.
I eat a couple more pieces of the delicious pizza, enjoying the joking chatter of my brothers while pondering the strange woman who caused such a stimulating reaction within me. Yelena taps my hand, smiling strangely.
“What is it, love?” I ask her tenderly.
“I’m sleepy, Papá. Can I lie down?” I smile at her and nod my head, patting my leg to indicate that she should use it as a pillow. She lies down and snuggles her head onto my leg, sticking her right thumb into her mouth and chewing gently. I smile at my little light and stroke her hair fondly until her tiny snores filter out from beneath the table.
The musky scent of desire hits me, jerking my body and making my nostrils flare. I look at the hazel-eyed beauty in time to see her lick her lips and swallow. I grin at her, fully intending to make her acquaintance. I want to discover if she tastes as good as she smells. My dragon races to the surface once more, showing himself in my eyes. The woman gasps again, her cheeks flushing as I look at her. The moment is broken when Carrie steps between us and places a smaller version of the Margherita pizza at our table before the woman.
Kalino claps loudly, startling Yelena awake, and I frown at him disapprovingly. “Time to go, boys, I’ve already handled the bill. We should get our little princess back so she can rest!” I nod my head in agreement, sliding out of the booth with Yelena at my heels. As we pass the table with the beauty, Yelena mumbles something that I can’t make out before waving happily at the woman.
We arrive back at the estate, pulling into the overgrown driveway as the sun sets on the horizon. I lift a sleeping Yelena from my lap and carry her inside, up to her room, and tuck her into bed. I kiss her forehead and leave the room, keeping the door slightly cracked.
I venture through the halls, stopping at various broken windows and inspecting the waterlogged patches of roof, then head towards the kitchen to grab a drink of water, passing Kalino on the way.
“Hey, big G, how’s it going? Why the glum face?” he asks.
I look at him and sigh, continuing past him in my quest for a drink. He follows me silently, waiting for a response.
“I don’t know how we’re going to fix all of this,” I gesture around us at the broken windows we just passed, “and still keep Yelena comfortable. I’m good with my hands, with hammers and nails, and swords and shields, but the little things that children need …” I shake my head. “I’m no good with those. I can barely cook. I’ve never cleaned anything that wasn’t intended to kill a day in my life. I’ve never taught a child to read, or write, or shift, or learn to control their powers. I’m a soldier, not a nanny.” I huff out a breath at Kalino’s light chuckle.
“You act as if you’re doing everything alone. We’re all here to help you. And besides, I’m sure we could hire a caretaker to look after little Lena,” he says, smiling gently at my frustration.
I blow out a breath as we enter the kitchen, leaning on the counter and crossing my arms in frustration. “We definitely need to do something. None of us are equipped to raise a child. I love Yelena, she’s my world, and the last thing I want to do is screw her up and become as bad as I am.”
Kalino nods sympathetically. “We’ll figure something out, G. For now, we need to focus on making this place fully functional and getting the communicators up and running. Once we find Emiliano, we will have Ella to help with our little princess.”
I look at Kalino curiously. “When did you become so wise, little brother? Last time I checked, you were a whelp who was struggling to fly, and now you’re planning rescues and cultural integrations like a commander.”
He shrugs, his cheeks darkening in embarrassment. “I didn’t think you should shoulder the burden alone. You’ve done enough of that.”
I smile appreciatively and nod, turning to fill a glass with filtered water from the food preservation container. Kalino reaches around me and opens one of the two doors of the unit.
“I forgot to get more food. We’ve got enough to break our fast in the morning, but nothing beyond that.”
I nod in response, taking a sip of water. “You and I can take Faustino to his employer and afterward stop for supplies to fill the preservation unit.” I frown at Kalino’s laugh. “What?”
“They call it a refrigerator, here,” Kalino chuckles. “If you call it a preservation unit around the humans, you’re likely to get tossed into confinement.”
I smirk. I’m going to have to remember that. As I finish my water, Vittorio and Adelmo venture into the kitchen, reaching into an upper cabinet and pulling out a glass bottle of amber liquid. They pull down five cups, but I hold up my hand before they fill the fifth.
“I’ll pass. In fact, I think I’ll go to my room and get some sleep.”
My brothers nod, and I make my way out of the kitchen, on the way passing Faustino, who pats me on the back as I leave.
Once in my room, I close the door and kick off my clothes, stripping off the restrictive fabric favored by the humans. I long for my leather breaches and scale armor. The restrictive fabric, referred to as jeans by Faustino and Kalino, is considered normal and comfortable wear on Earth, but it restricts my movements and rips when I shift, unlike my native Nethuns garments, which were enchanted to withstand the shift. Once I’ve shed all of the uncomfortable layers, I head towards the bathroom attached to my room.
I turn on the tap, allowing the water to heat prior to entering the large glass stall. As the water flows down my back, loosening my tense muscles, I lean my right forearm upon the wall, reaching down with a bar of soap to cleanse myself. I close my eyes as I rinse off the soap, my shaft twitching at the memory of caramel skin and luscious lips. I groan and run my hand over the tip of my rod, stroking my
thumb back and forth over the opening as I picture the gorgeous woman in my mind. She smiles seductively at me, tracing a line down my chest and stomach, tangling her hand in the hairs surrounding my manhood. My breathing speeds up as she brings her lips to my hip, kissing a burning path down. She opens her mouth and sucks the head of my erection, swirling her tongue around the tip. I groan in agony at the mental image, stroking myself harder and faster. Molten desire flows through me as the vision of the gorgeous woman looks up into my eyes. I growl as my dragon comes to the front, my eyes flashing and teeth elongating into fangs as I stroke faster, releasing my load furiously onto the wall of the shower.
I open my eyes, growling at myself for betraying Yamira with visions of another. I cleanse the wall and wash again before stepping out of the shower and angrily stomping to my bed, water dripping down my back from my wet hair. I throw the covers back and collapse into bed, falling into a deep slumber, plagued with visions of hazel eyes and caramel skin.
Chapter 5 - Rosana
Back in my motel room, I take another steaming shower, brush my hair and teeth, and climb into bed, sighing in contentment as my tense muscles unclench for the first time in what seems like years. As I drift off, my mind shows me images of the raven-haired man. He’s in a shower with white, tiled walls, leaning against the wall. My mouth dries as I gaze at his perfect form, the steam obscuring my sight and making me bolder than usual. My dream self steps into the shower and touches his back, stroking a line down and cupping his firm backside. I lick my lips in anticipation as we lock eyes over his shoulder. His hand strokes his firm shaft vigorously as I watch. I position my back against the wall in front of him as I trace a line down his chest and stomach, tangling my hand in the hairs surrounding his erect form. I swirl my fingers around the base of his shaft, cupping his perfectly formed jewels and licking my lips seductively. His breath catches, and I grin, dipping my head as I fall to my knees, kissing a path from his hip to the tip of his glistening manhood. I take the head of his penis between my lips, sucking gently on the dewy tip. I swirl my tongue in circles, enjoying the taste of him. As I take him deeper, stroking my hands up and down the base of his shaft and cupping his firm sac, I stare up into his quicksilver eyes, enjoying as they flash from icy blue to molten silver. He grins, flashing inhuman fangs, causing liquid to pool between my thighs. The sight of his strength elicits a groan, and I take him into the back of my throat, sucking and fondling him furiously. He groans as his shaft begins to pulse, releasing his intoxicating taste into my mouth. I release him and begin to stand, tracing my way up his body—BEEP BEEP BEEP.
I groan, looking for the source of the sound. I reach my hand over to the nightstand and turn off the standard-issue motel alarm. I’m panting heavily, the space between my thighs damp with unquenched desire. I lick my lips, the phantom of the raven-haired angel’s taste on my lips. I slowly trace my hand down my body, tweaking my nipples and cupping my full breasts with a groan. I slide my hand down, teasing my folds with a finger and rubbing my sensitive nub with my thumb. My legs fall apart as I arch my back, my fingers seeking deeper entry into my core. The jerking shaft of the stranger flashes behind my closed eyes. I pump my fingers in and out of my soaking folds, bringing myself to the edge of oblivion. I gasp as I tumble over the edge, whimpering at the force of my orgasm, and pull my glistening fingers out, staring in awe at the moisture coating them.
I throw back the covers and cross to the bathroom on trembling legs, preparing to take another shower.
After cleansing myself, I sit down on the bed, trying to get a clear head. I’m far away from Fort Lauderdale, and if I’m honest, I’m tired of running and hiding. The chances that Samael will find me here are slim. Plus, I’m getting seriously low on cash. It’s time to take action.
I gather my things and head to the front desk after tossing my bag into my car on the way, just in case I need to make a quick exit.
“Morning, dear,” greets the enthusiastic Mr. Higgins from behind his front-desk perch. “Can I help you with anything?”
I clear my throat, smiling at the weathered old man. “I was actually wondering if you know of any place around here that might be hiring.”
He strokes his chin, eyes twinkling. “Can’t say that I do, dear. Do you plan on staying here?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m thinking of maybe staying a few weeks, if I can find a way to generate some income,” I respond, shrugging my shoulders.
He nods thoughtfully. “Perhaps try down by ‘The Market.’ There are a little grocer and a hardware store there. They might have some odd jobs that you could pick up for cash if that suits you.”
I nod gratefully, thanking the kind old man as I exit the lobby, crossing to my car, and hopping in.
I pull into the parking lot of the strip mall, smiling a little at the off-kilter sign that dubs the location ‘The Market.’ I park in front of the grocer, creatively named ‘Groceries for All.’ I smooth down my hair, checking my teeth, and plaster on a welcoming smile. A ding announces my presence upon entering the grocer, and I head towards the single register while smiling at the half-awake teenager manning the counter. He looks up and swallows nervously before squeaking out a hello. I smile at the kid’s nervousness.
“Hi, I was wondering if your manager is in?” I ask, kindly.
He swallows several times before getting the nerve to speak. “Is something wrong, miss?”
I stifle a laugh, not wanting to embarrass the already shaking kid. “No, nothing’s wrong. I was just hoping that you might have an open position. I’m looking for work for a few weeks.” He swallows again and nods, holding up a finger at me to wait as he crosses to a door behind the counter. I hear whispers for a few seconds before a small woman with honey-colored hair and chocolate brown eyes exits the room. She holds out her hand, which I take in a firm shake, careful not to squeeze too hard.
“Jimmy tells me you’re lookin’ fer work?” I nod as the woman drops my hand, eyeing me carefully as if sizing me up. “I wish I could help you, lass, but we’re not a big operation around here. You might be able to find some odd jobs at the gas station or maybe the hardware store, but honestly, the menfolk around here don’t usually hire women for those types of jobs.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” I can’t help but feel a little resigned.
“Unfortunately, small towns like this are still a bit backward,” she laughs.
I smile and grab a candy bar, paying with a few crumpled-up dollar bills before stepping out into the humid morning air. As I leave the store, the wall of heat slams me in the face, despite the early hour. I wipe the budding sweat from my forehead, the humid environment reminding me of home. Just when I’m trying to decide on my next move, a loud rumbling startles me. My mouth dries out, and my heart begins to pound furiously as the roar gets louder. I back up towards the side of the building as ten motorcycles pull into the tiny parking lot, revving their engines as they park. The riders park and pull off their helmets, causing dread to pool in my stomach as ten rough, male faces begin looking around the parking lot. I slink behind the edge of the building and watch.
An Escalade pulls into the lot, parking in front of the grocer. Two of the men that I saw at Carol’s Place step out, crossing towards ‘Groceries for All.’ One of the bikers says something to the smaller man, who shakes his head and waves them off. The biker nods in response before walking over to my car and peeking through the windows. The raven-haired man frowns at the biker as he enters the grocer with the smaller man. I shiver in fear as the lead biker turns his back toward me, revealing the familiar visage of Charlie, The Outlaws’ mascot. The sickening face of a grinning skull with two crossed pistols stares back at me tauntingly. I swallow nervously, backing further into the alley, careful not to make any noise to alert them to my presence. I turn my back on the entrance of the alley, whimpering when I see the brick wall blocking my path. I jiggle the handles on the two doors there, tears trickling down my face when neither budges.
/> I carefully creep towards the edge of the alley, letting out a yelp when a grinning face jumps around the corner. Three of the bikers walk toward me until my back is against the brick wall at the back of the alley. Their grins make my stomach sink, dread curling within the depths of my heart.
“It’s time for you to go home, girlie,” says the biker on the right, his gap-toothed grin menacing in the low light of the alley. I push myself further back against the wall, my heart slamming against my ribs, as the three men come close.
“I don’t see why Sammy had so much trouble with her,” says the one on the left. “She’s just a timid little thing. Hardly worth all of this effort.”
“No loose ends, Mac,” replies the leader and looks me in the eye. “Just save yourself the trouble and come quietly.”
I whimper at the cruelty in his voice. “J-just let me go,” I say timidly. The biker on the right laughs menacingly. “Please.”
The three men are almost close enough to touch. I tense my shoulders slightly, bending my knees as if cowering. As the leader approaches, I dart around him and dip around his two goons, sprinting past them and out of the alley towards my car.
“GET HER!” the leader screeches, the sound sending chills down my spine as I struggle with my keys, trying to unlock the door of my car with shaking hands. I drop the keys, cursing my clumsiness. The bikers surround me, and I panic when I feel a hand landing on my shoulder. I glance back to find the one called Mac shaking his head at me, his harsh grip bruising my shoulder. I whimper as he turns me around, slamming my back against my car, causing the windows to shake violently. I struggle with his grip as the other bikers close rank around me.
“What d’you reckon I should do, Johnny?” Mac asks, looking towards the leader.
