He parted my folds, his tongue dipping in like a hummingbird samples a flower’s nectar. I arched against him, sounds of euphoria falling from my lips. Blood thundered in my ears. My breathing grew more erratic, and I clenched the blanket until my fingers protested in pain. I thought I’d go mad if he didn’t make love to me soon.
Solomon rolled on top of me, and I parted my legs, desperate for him to enter me, the head of his cock nestled at my opening. Still I strained against him, needing him to plunge into me, to send me to the heavens where I could dance with the stars.
“Easy, my vixen,” he whispered, looking down at me. “What’s your rush?”
“I want you,” I gasped.
He smiled and pushed into my body. I adjusted to his girth and length, pacing my breathing, relaxing so I could accommodate him.
“Ruby,” he settled against me, his warmth melding with mine, “I don’t know how or why, but somehow I know you. Somehow we’ve been together before.” He began thrusting, slowly at first then his pace quickened, and I met his every stroke. “I know I’ve been with you once upon a time.”
The one thing I’d learned from Azazel was how to show the past to Solomon. I allowed him to ride me, taking me to that pinnacle I coveted. Grasping both sides of his face, I drew his head down to me and kissed him, using my power to open his mind.
The images flowed from me and into him, forcing his past memories to rise to the surface of his consciousness. Solomon stiffened, his psyche protesting at first, but I bucked my hips, our breathing more labored. He relaxed, enjoying the euphoric sensations, and let his past lives wash through us.
Finally, I released his lips, and he stared down at me, his expression stunned.
“We’re together now and that’s all that matters,” I stated.
He began thrusting again, and our pleasured sounds changed in crescendo, each exhalation filled with emotion and desire so intense it overwhelmed me. My hands couldn’t touch enough of Solomon. His body, hard, pliant, and silky, created an emotional elixir that intoxicated me. He buried his face in my neck, mumbling endearments, his breath hot as his hips pummeled me.
His cock slid in and out, leaving me bereft, then filling me again until I thought I’d burst only to withdraw so that I felt I’d die without it inside me again. Our bodies grew slick with sweat, and the spring tightening deep within me coiled until I thought I’d go mad.
“Let me have you,” he panted.
Those words shoved me over the edge. The rhythmic pulsing of my inner walls began gently at first, but as he pushed into me and withdrew only to spear my body again, the contractions swept through me. I cried out, the sound foreign, startling but so liberating.
Snapping my legs around his, I rode wave after wave of sensation. I clung to Solomon, fearful I’d exploded into a shower of splinters. Still I moaned and shrieked my release. Just when I didn’t think I could handle any more, his seed, hot and welcome, bathed my insides. Solomon thrust so fast and hard he scooted me off the blanket and onto the sand, his shouts of release loud and victorious.
He milked the last of his strength into me and collapsed. I lay quietly beneath him, bathing in our aftershocks. At each one, he sucked in startled, pleasured gasps.
Moments later, he withdrew and spooned in behind me.
We lay that way for a long time and watched the sunrise. Finally, we rose, dressed, and gathered the blanket to return to Alice’s apartment. Once back in our room, we stripped out of our clothes and climbed into bed.
As I dozed off, I snuggled into Solomon’s embrace, relishing the home I’d found in his arms.
****
Hours later, sunshine spilled across the carpet and splashed the comforter with warmth. I crawled out of bed and looked at the clock.
“Mmph,” Solomon mumbled as he kicked the sheets back. “What time is it?”
“Almost two o’clock.”
“Damn.” He sat up on the side of the bed.
“Well,” I glanced around for some clothes, “we probably would’ve had more sleep if you hadn’t insisted on sex on the beach.”
He rolled to my side of the mattress and bit me on the ass. Squealing, I danced away from him and swatted him with a shirt.
“Who insisted on sex on the beach?” He wore an enticing smile.
For a moment I just grinned at him, admiring his strong, handsome features, and how the sunshine lit his platinum hair as if it was spun silver.
“Keep looking at me like that and I’ll spread those gorgeous thighs of yours again,” he rumbled.
Flustered, I rummaged in my suitcase, dressed in a clean pair of shorts and a top, and stepped into my foam sandals.
“I love your legs,” Solomon said. “They go all the way up to your ass.”
Laughing, I said, “They’d better. Otherwise I’d look really weird.” He reached for me, but I dodged his advances. Giggles assailed me as I rushed to the door. The feeling of being loved and being able to return that love had me nearly floating across the floor. “I’m going to check on Maureen and then see if there’s any dinner.”
“I’ll be there in a few.” He stood up, naked.
Momentarily distracted, I thought better of it and ducked through the door.
The extra beds had been deflated, folded, and put away as well as the blankets, sheets, and extra pillows. The aroma of something spicy drifted to me, followed by laughter and muffled conversation. Rumbling erupted in my stomach, but instead of following my nose, I moved to Maureen’s bedroom door.
I opened it and peeked in.
My jaw dropped.
With sunshine crawling across the sheets, Wayne spooned Maureen, his arm draped over her upturned hip. He raised his head and offered me a sheepish grin.
“Morning—or should I say afternoon?” he said.
“Uh, hi.” I started to back out of the room, but Maureen stirred.
“Ruby? Is it afternoon?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m hungry,” she muttered.
“I smell food,” I said. “See you in a few.” I shut the door.
Maureen and Wayne? No way.
But hadn’t I seen their instant attraction to one another that day at Loretta’s café? And she’d taken him into the shower with her last night too.
Not sure what to think of those two, I headed for the kitchen.
We enjoyed the late afternoon hours gathered around the kitchen’s isle counter, eating the amazing Mexican dishes and finger foods Alice had prepared. We polished off a pitcher of homemade lemonade and topped it all off with a sugary, fried Mexican treat that melted in my mouth.
“Hey,” said Anthony, “did Alice show you today’s morning paper?” He retrieved it from a shelf by the toaster. Snapping it open, he read, “Freak Ocean Storm Pounds Southernmost Tip of the U.S. Friday Night. Shortly after midnight, a freak storm suddenly blew in and pummeled the southern edge of Key West. Residents reported broken palms, devastated shrubbery and gardens, slats ripped from privacy fences, and missing roofing tiles...”
He continued to read, but my mind drifted elsewhere. Had the coven’s chants disguised the battle? Had they prevented locals from seeing or hearing the truth?
“YOU LEARN FAST, RUBY. WHY UPSET EVERYONE AND CAUSE MASS HYSTERIA?”
My gaze flew up to meet Alice’s.
As Anthony switched from the article to reading a new movie release aloud to everyone, my attention drifted to Maureen. She caught my gaze and smiled.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Didn’t you have someone you wanted to see in Florida City?” I asked her.
Alarmed, Wayne shot her a worried look.
She patted his hand and answered, “I decided last night that life’s too short, so I plan to visit my son when we head back up the state.”
“Good.” I tugged on a lock of Anthony’s unruly hair.
My son smiled up at me, a bright pinpoint of light shining in his eyes. He slipped his arm around my waist. Touched, I blin
ked away tears and kissed the top of his head.
“I think it’s one of the best decisions you’ll every make,” I managed to whisper.
“Give your son a call before we leave,” said Solomon. “We can head back to the motel this evening. It’s only a three-hour drive. We’ll be back in Florida City by eight p.m.”
“Well, if that’s the case, I should start packing our stuff.” With my belly full, and the warm camaraderie boosting my mood, I headed for the bedroom.
Moments later, as I finished gathering my belongings and Solomon’s stuff, Maureen stepped into the room.
“What’s up?” I asked.
Worry settled in Maureen’s eyes. “Are we going to remain friends?” she asked.
Surprised, I straightened, putting the suitcases and my makeup kit on the foot of the bed. “Of course. What brought that on?”
“You’re the only true friend I’ve ever had.” She blinked rapidly, and her lower lip wobbled.
Oh, hell. Not more waterworks. I’ll lose it for sure.
“I don’t want to lose you.” A fat tear rolled down her cheek.
“Aw, jeez,” I groaned. “Don’t start crying. You’ll sniff and lose too many brain cells.”
She burst out laughing. “Now that’s the Ruby I know.”
“Sit.” I pointed to the bed.
As I sat next to her, I thought of Cindy Sansberg and Jody Kefferstine. They’d taught me friendship wasn’t just about having people like you or finding acceptance. It was caring about others, supporting them, being there for them and knowing their faults were just as much a part of them as their good points. Cindy and Jody might have been cruel to me, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I was just thankful that Maureen had weathered the barbs of my defense mechanism. Few people ever experienced a friendship like the one I had with Maureen.
“I’m sorry for the times I was so mean,” I said, my voice cracking.
“Hey, I already said I understood, so it’s okay.”
I gulped down the knot in my throat and nodded. “You do realize we’ve been friends for ages, right? Every time we’ve been reborn, we’ve found one another again.”
She reached for a box of tissues on the nightstand. “I just wanted to be sure you hadn’t changed your mind about me.”
“You’re coming to stay with me and Solomon until you decide what you want to do, aren’t you?”
She gaped at me. “Are you serious?”
“Hey, anyone who follows me through the centuries is family.” I offered her a lopsided grin.
“I’ve been thinking about...” She blushed and looked away.
“About what?”
“Well, about going to college and getting a degree, maybe in law.” She peeked over at me, gauging my reaction. “I’m still young, so eight years of college doesn’t sound too bad—and Lula would be so proud of me.”
“And you like to learn.”
She smiled. “Yeah, that too.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Maureen hugged me so hard she forced a burp out of me. She giggled and rose to cross the carpet.
“I better go pack too.” Still laughing, she left the room.
After I checked our lodgings for anything I might’ve missed, I picked up my purse and suitcase to take them to the living room.
“Come on, boy,” I said to Shunka.
He followed me out into the little hall and down to the next room. The moment I set foot in the living area, a feeling of evil nudged my consciousness.
Something’s not right.
Next to me, Shunka growled low and menacing.
“Is Maureen in the bedroom packing?” Wayne suddenly asked from across the room.
I gasped and stumbled back a couple steps. “Uh, yeah.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He strode through the apartment. “I’ll go help her pack everything up.” He closed the bedroom door behind him.
“Yeah,” I muttered. “I bet you will.”
Still unsettled, I glanced around the living area. The broadsword glimmered over the mantle, all the hardwood floors shone in the late afternoon sunshine streaming in through the upstairs windows, and every shiny surface, including the glass-top coffee table, winked in the light.
“What’s wrong?” Solomon asked as he exited the kitchen.
I shook my head. “I don’t know. Something just doesn’t seem right.”
“Nerves?”
“Maybe.”
“Well, let’s get the rest of our stuff.” He kissed me softly on the mouth. “If we stay any longer, we might as well bunk with Alice another night and I don’t want to feel as though we’re imposing.”
I followed him into our room. “I know. Especially after last night. Not every person has to call a coven together to help you fight rogue angels gone wild.” I laughed. “That sounds like a kinky sex tape.”
His laughter rolled through the bedroom. He grabbed our suitcases, and I picked up my cosmetics kit.
As we passed Maureen’s door, moans and grunts drifted out.
“Oh, for God’s sake,” I grumbled. “Not again.”
“Hey, I’d be doing the same with you if given the chance,” he quipped.
We placed our belongings on the landing by the stairs and returned to the living room.
“Is that everything?” asked Alice. “You’re more than welcome to stay another night. I’ve enjoyed everyone’s company so much.”
A quick glance at our stuff convinced me we had everything. “Yes, that’s it.”
We waited for Maureen’s door to open. Anthony made small talk with Alice about his visions and discussed learning witchcraft too. Maureen’s squeals forced color into Anthony’s cheeks. The more she shrieked, the louder he talked.
Frustrated, I stalked to the bedroom door and pounded on it with my fist. “For God’s sake, Wayne! Fire in the hole, and let’s hit the road!”
Anthony turned as red as a stop sign and made a mad dash for the kitchen where he busied himself pouring a glass of water. Solomon laughed so hard he had to lean against the couch for support, and Alice bit her lower lip, trying not to smile as she looked everywhere except at me.
One thing that would never change would be my smart-aleck mouth.
Minutes later, the door opened, and a chagrinned Wayne stepped out carrying Maureen’s backpack and his duffel. She emerged from the room with her clothes askew and her hair in disarray. I started to shoot off my mouth again but thought better of it.
“Come on, Shunka,” I said. “We better get go—”
I stopped dead still in the center of the living room. I glanced around. The coffee table sat behind me, all the furniture was as it should be, and all the items in the room were in their proper places. The others, including Solomon, were halfway into the kitchen.
The dog growled.
Everyone halted at the sound.
“What’s wrong with Shunka?” asked Maureen.
“Something’s wrong,” I stated as a shiver ran through me and the hair on my body stood at attention.
Alice moved back into the living area. She closed her eyes, tipped her head back, and stood quietly for a few seconds before saying, “I feel it too. Since you’ve all been preparing to leave, I didn’t notice it before.”
Shunka growled louder, his hackles up. He padded forward one, two, three steps, and then stopped, ears perked forward, gaze trained on the big multi-paned window at the far end of the living area.
I turned in that direction.
The window imploded. Something huge and red burst through the glass. It hit me square in the chest, propelling me backward. A cold, hard surface connected with my backside, and the sound of shattering glass bombarded my ears. For a moment I saw stars but shook off the sensation, realizing I’d smashed into Alice’s coffee table. Worse, I found myself looking up into the eyes of a dragon.
That redheaded biker bitch!
“Ah, so you do know who I am,” she snarled through da
gger teeth. Her eyes flashed yellow, and her serpentine pupils widened to let in more light, “How smug of you to think that the Sons of God are defeated so easily.”
Her breath smelled of brimstone, and I gagged.
“I managed to reach the shoreline where I hid until things quieted. Now I will do what Azazel was too weak to do, and I shall rule Earth instead of him.”
Claws gripped my shoulders. She tightened her hold on me and grinned as I winced at the pain. Blood trickled into my armpits and over my upper arms.
The babbling and yells of Solomon and the others fell on my half-deaf ears. Blood roared through my system, but still disoriented, my senses seesawing, I had trouble summoning my power. Something warm leaked into my eyes. The aroma of damp pennies penetrated my nostrils, and dizziness swept over me.
“We can be whatever we want to be, whoever we want to be,” said the rogue angel.
Still holding me down, her body began to morph. The red, pebbled hide of the dragon-creature twisted and shifted into the smooth, dark skin of a raven-haired man with a neatly trimmed beard and mustache.
“I’ll claim you,” he said, “then you and your power will be mine, and should Azazel ever return, he will bow to me!”
The malevolent angel glanced at my body, and my clothes disappeared.
Movement behind him snared my attention. Solomon put his fingers to his lips and took the broadsword down from its brackets above the mantle. As he raised the weapon to his side, I saw him as the warrior king he’d been a thousand years ago, his cloak billowing behind him, and a turquoise-studded, silver circlet around his head holding his snowy hair back. I blinked, and Solomon swung the heavy blade sideways.
The sword cleaved the angel’s head from his shoulders. Hot blood spurted over me and bathed the glass shards and hardwood floor. I sputtered and coughed as the body flopped to the side, and the head flipped over the couch, landing on its cushions.
“Quickly!” Alice cried and ran for the kitchen with Wayne and Maureen on her heels. Rattling, thuds, and clinking followed.
The Sorcerer King and the Fire Queen Page 31
