Beyond the Garden

by S. Y. Thompson

  “Dana, none of this has been simple.”

  “That’s not what I mean. Hear me out.” Lil agreed with a nod. “All my life I’ve refused to believe in religion. God, angels, and demons…it was all a little much. Now, I find out it’s all true. I’ll grant you that I’m not an expert on the subject, but I seriously doubt that the death of one person can change the course of the entire world.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “Tell me exactly what…Samael, is it? What did he say to you?”

  Lil responded immediately. “‘The path to that which you seek can be found in Gobekli. Made from the Tree of Life, your prize will steal your breath away. Be sure of your path, your goal will bring death.’”

  Dana repeated the words over and over in her head. She looked at them from every angle and with every possible meaning that she could detect. In the end, she had to disagree with Lil’s conclusion. “Lil, I don’t think he meant what you thought.”

  “What else could it be? Why the hellhound if not to prevent me from following through with ending this mortal coil?”

  “I don’t know,” Dana admitted, “but that prophecy could have more than one meaning.”

  Lil grew pensive, her eyes narrowed and focused on a point between her feet. Finally she muttered, “You’re right, unfortunately. These things rarely go as planned. I should know, I’ve been here often enough.”

  Dana didn’t know what she meant, but it was late and this discussion was getting them nowhere. “You’re exhausted. Why don’t I run you a bath and let you soak while I make you a snack? At least the swelling’s gone down in that arm.”

  “That sounds like a truly excellent idea. I’m covered in things best not mentioned and I’m starving.”

  “There you go. Two birds, one stone.”

  Dana stood and offered Lil a hand. For a second, Lil didn’t respond. Dana held her breath, sensing that such an uncomplicated gesture would prove a turning point. Blue eyes sought Dana’s gaze. At first cold and unreadable, Lil finally relented. Her gaze softened and Lil reached for her. Only their fingers touched, but that meek contact was more tangible than anything else around her. The heat and strength of Lil’s touch was more real than the breath in Dana’s lungs or the floor under her feet.

  Again, Dana experienced the sharp sting of longing in the pit of her stomach, just as she had that night across the campfire. Her eyes were drawn to Lil’s full, soft lips. She remembered the sensation of them against her own during the single kiss they’d shared. Had it really only been a few days ago? Dana could easily believe a lifetime had passed since she explored the Cupid’s bow with her tongue, tasted the sweetness of Lil’s breath in her mouth. Judging from the sultriness in her expression, Lil also felt the desire simmering between them.

  Dana cleared her throat and took a step back, encouraging Lil to stand. She quickly released Lil’s hand and turned her back, headed for the bathroom. Though the spell of attraction had yet to dissipate, Dana felt a shiver of doubt. After their previous kiss, Lil had stated she couldn’t get involved again, that it was too painful. Dana wanted Lil, more fiercely than she had ever craved anyone, but the fear of rejection overrode her hunger. Even if Lil responded to her advances, Dana didn’t believe she could stand it if Lil later blamed exhaustion for an emotional lapse in judgment.

  She was aware of Lil trailing behind and then standing with folded arms as Dana drew the bath. The tub was deep, promising a veritable nirvana of soaking time. Steam rose from the water, deliberately hot rather than merely warm. Dana wanted the temperature intense enough to unkink overused muscles. She thought Lil would approve that potency since she struck Dana as a woman of extremes. She would never do anything halfway.

  “Well,” Dana stood and basked silently in the combined heat of the steam and Lil’s body. “I’ll leave you to it while I make us something to eat.”

  “Us?” Lil asked softly with a hint of something Dana couldn’t identify in her tone.

  Dana shrugged. “I haven’t eaten either. Do you mind if I join you?”

  “On the contrary. I insist.”

  Dana shivered for an entirely different reason. Her face burned as she slid between Lil and the doorjamb, attempting not to touch her as she squeezed through the small space. On automatic pilot, she headed for the kitchen. A plate of fresh vegetables, cheeses and dip would be light enough for a late night snack, but not heavy enough to induce nightmares. By rote, Dana chopped and sliced, arranging the food in a ring on the plate and placing a bowl of dip in the center.

  Slowly, she came to the decision to try for Lil’s heart. She didn’t want just a sexual encounter. Dana had tried that in the past and it had never worked. Bringing Lil joy and pleasure became the single most important need as she worked. She wanted Lil to realize that death wasn’t the only purpose for living. She fervently hoped to show Lil that it was okay to love. Especially since Dana was pretty sure that she already loved Lil.

  With all of that in mind, Dana drew a bottle of Dom Perignon from the mini-fridge and popped the cork. Lil had ordered the wine from room service when they rented the room and Dana thought it would be the perfect thing to help Lil unwind. Two fluted glasses joined the tray of food. Dana tucked the icy bottle in the crook of her arm, hefted the tray and padded on stocking feet back into the bathroom. She hadn’t thought very far ahead of making a play for Lil’s affection and stopped abruptly when she walked in to see Lil naked in the tub.

  Of course she’d be naked, Dana thought. What else did one wear into the tub? She couldn’t help but notice Lil’s perfection. Somehow, she’d expected Lil’s body to be covered in scars. From all the stories she’d heard, it just seemed logical. Dana realized that Lil’s regenerative abilities would prevent such a possibility. Hard muscle flexed under the milky complexion. Prominent rib bones were visible beneath small, round breasts. Dana’s vision dipped lower, encountering the dark triangle at the apex of Lil’s thighs. Slowly, she looked up.

  Lil opened her eyes, seeming surprised to find Dana standing there watching her. To her credit, Lil didn’t comment on the visual inspection. Instead, she nodded toward the tray.

  “Are we celebrating something?”

  “Uh?” Dana shook her head, focusing her thoughts. “You mean the Champagne. Yes, we are definitely celebrating. You survived a werewolf attack…”

  “Hellhound.”

  “And that is always cause for celebration.”

  It was a lame excuse for the alcohol, but Dana went with it. She settled the tray on the vanity across the room and then strode over to stand looking down at Lil. For a moment, she was undecided how to begin. Then she made her decision.

  Dana squatted onto her knees and reached across Lil’s body to take the soap cake from the cubby. A washcloth floated in the tub and she reached for it without hesitation. Lil’s arched eyebrow proved no deterrent. If Lil wanted Dana to stop, she would have to say so. Dana soaped up the cloth and then said, “Lean forward. I’ll do your back.”

  Lil did as requested and Dana concentrated on washing her. At first she scrubbed vigorously, but slowed as the fear of rejection dissipated. She hadn’t been sure Lil would acquiesce, but now that she had, Dana intended to follow through with her plan. She wasn’t much of a seductress, but that wouldn’t keep her from trying.

  Dana gave up the appearance of bathing Lil. She dropped the rag and used both hands to massage Lil’s shoulders. At the first touch, Lil moaned. Dana gasped slightly at the sound and felt her nipples harden. She kept the pressure firm, working out the kinks without encouraging Lil to fall asleep. Slowly, she slipped downward, absorbing the sensation of Lil’s skin beneath her palms. When she reached Lil’s lower back she couldn’t go any farther without grasping intimate flesh. Dana began on the biceps closest to her.

  “That feels so good.”

  Dana hoped Lil couldn’t hear the way her heart skidded off her ribs. She moved all the way down Lil’s arm and included each finger. Dana couldn’t do more in the
ir current position without crossing an imaginary line. She didn’t think Lil was quite ready for that. Dana turned to gather the tray, but stopped and reached for a glass of the golden bubbly. She took a healthy swig to fortify her nerves. Then she put it back and grabbed the tray. By the time she spun around, Lil had lain back to watch. She seemed unconcerned by her nudity though Dana couldn’t read her emotions behind half-lidded eyes.

  “Here you go. A little wine will help you relax more.”

  Lil accepted the glass and took a small taste. “Dana, I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”

  “I thought you said you were hungry.” Dana pretended to have no idea what Lil meant. She reached for the platter and held it out.

  Lil ignored the food. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I’ve never been more certain of anything.”

  Dana took Lil’s glass with her free hand and returned everything to the tray. Lil didn’t resist, nor did she move to vacate the tub.

  “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why me? Is it just some thrill, sleeping with a child eater and temptress of men?”

  Dana smiled. “First off, I doubt you’ve ever eaten a child, but no, it’s not for the thrill.” Dana rose up onto her knees. “You sound angry, but I know you aren’t. I’ve seen the truth in your eyes.”

  “Oh really? What truth is that?”

  “That you want me as much as I want you.”

  “Dana, just because we want something that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.”

  Dana braced her hands on the porcelain. She leaned forward until she was only a breath away. “That’s your fear talking. I know you have commitment issues, but some things are worth living for, Lil.”

  “Oh really? Like what?”

  So close together, Dana felt the whispered words on her face. She licked her lips and inadvertently brushed Lil’s lower lip. Dana’s eyes closed from the exquisite taste. She almost forgot the question.

  “Love.”

  Consumed with need, Dana was no longer worried about rejection. She cupped Lil’s face between her palms and kissed her gently. At first a simple press of their lips, Dana sought to reacquaint herself with the soft velvety feel and habit-forming sweetness. Lil didn’t move beyond pursing her lips. Dana took it as an invitation, but wanted Lil to be as eager as she was. She didn’t know how to accomplish that except through speaking her heart.

  Dana pulled just far enough away to speak. “You see the eons you’ve lived as a curse, but you’re wrong. Time is a powerful wave that can crash down and engulf us. But that’s not a bad thing, Lil. This is not a bad thing. This is extraordinary, all by itself. You just have to be strong enough to see it.”

  Dana kissed Lil again, once on the lips and then each cheek. She moved to Lil’s ear and kissed the lobe. “The real question is: am I pressuring you into something, or do you want this too?”

  In response to the question, Lil’s arms rose from the now cold water. Dana went willingly when Lil reached for her. The kiss that followed wasn’t as tender as before. Lil separated Dana’s eager lips and the passion soon grew too fierce for their current location.

  Dana reached for a towel and wrapped it around Lil’s shoulders as she stood. Neither worried about draining the tub. They fell into bed in the first room of the suite they came to. It was Lil’s. Cocooned in Egyptian cotton, enveloped by Lil’s scent, Dana allowed Lil to remove her clothing. Lil’s naked weight pressed Dana into the mattress. Dana felt overwhelmed. She was far too aroused to distinguish all of the individual sensations hammering through her nerve endings. She lost track of time and space as Lil kissed and caressed her body. Dana stroked Lil’s back with her fingertips, skimming down over the rise of her hips. Her fingers came to rest in the crease between cheek and thigh.

  Sharp teeth nipped Dana’s neck, causing her to moan. As Lil loved her, Dana finally realized that heaven did exist. She was discovering it here in Lil’s arms. Dana let go of her ego, no longer concerned about being too heavy. Lil made her feel cherished, never hesitating to touch or explore. Dana gave herself over completely, eventually crying out her satisfaction as Lil relentlessly and repeatedly drove her to completion.

  Afterward, Dana returned the favor. She used her entire body, lips and tongue to try and convey the depths of her devotion. Lil had become everything to her in such a short time and this was the only way to express that truth. When Lil surrendered to her, groaning in orgasm, Dana wept grateful tears. She didn’t know what she had done in her life to deserve this gift, but she would embrace it for as long as Lil would have her. Even if that proved for only a single night. Dana knew she could live on the memory of this experience, every taste and every touch, forever.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lil stood atop the sun deck on the one hundred foot yacht. Standing out here with the sun reflecting off the Persian Gulf waters and the smell of the sea, Lil felt there were endless possibilities ahead. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this way and sensed that the unexpected relationship with Dana was at the heart of these new emotions. Lil wanted to explore the depths of those feelings, but realized she wasn’t being fair to Dana. Once she found the relic, her life would end and Dana would be alone. It was for the best. Eventually, Dana would discover that she belonged with someone more like herself, someone more positive. Someone who hadn’t seen so much…darkness.

  With her eyes closed, Lil concentrated on the feel of the sun on her face. Her inner vision had merged with Pravde’s. The snowy owl soared overhead and Lil could see for miles. Over the last week, Lil could be found here checking their surroundings and ensuring their safety. She felt more content now than she had in a very long time, years it seemed.

  “Everything all right?”

  Lil opened her eyes and focused on Dana. Her brow was furrowed in concern. “Perfectly fine. Nothing but empty water all around.”

  Dana glanced overhead as a flapping sound approached. Pravde barely missed touching her with her outstretched wings as she landed on Lil’s forearm.

  “That’s amazing. How exactly does that work?”

  “We have a special connection,” Lil explained. She stroked Pravde’s back as the owl preened. “I’d say it’s telepathic, but it goes much deeper than that.”

  “Can I pet her?”

  “Of course.”

  Lil remained still as Dana reached out. She sought to reassure Pravde through their link, but the owl never flinched. Lil reveled in the awe on Dana’s face as she touched the bird with only her fingertips.

  “She is an amazing creature. Is she always there when you call for her?”

  Lil had surprised herself recently by telling Dana everything about herself that she could think of. She loved the fact that Dana asked about the bird with curiosity rather than trepidation. “Always. She is a great friend.”

  “Well that’s clear,” Dana chuckled.

  Lil smiled in return.

  “Has she ever accepted another human being the way she does you?”

  Lil wondered if Dana was hoping to occupy a place in the bird’s heart. The very idea of such a wish touched her. Lil had to take a moment to clear the lump from her throat. “Believe me, I’d love nothing more but so far Pravde has shown no such inclination. Still, if anyone could change her ways, I think that person would be you.”

  “Can you call her when you’re injured?”

  Lil shook her head. “No, I’m afraid that when I’m hurt, all of my energies go into healing. I’m fine now, if that’s what troubles you.”

  “That’s good to know.” Dana’s tone had dropped to something incendiary, her gaze a smoky promise.

  Lil swallowed. “Why is that?”

  Dana moved a step closer and Lil felt a bead of nervous sweat trickle down her temple. “It’s good to know that you’re in perfect health. I intend to take advantage of that. Later.”

  Lil glanced around and noticed a couple of crewmembers strolling by on the lower decks. She and Dana
shared a room on the yacht, using the excuse of safety in numbers, but the crew wasn’t deaf. “Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Why? I can be quiet if you can?”

  Having spent a long and loving night with Dana before leaving Baghdad, Lil doubted that very much. Dana was an extremely thorough, albeit vocal, lover.

  “Somehow, I believe you are lying. Now if you’re through trying to tempt me, how about we plan our next dive.”

  Dana relented though the fire in her expression dimmed only slightly. “Fine, spoilsport. Let’s go into the salon. I could do with some tea while we go over the map.”

  Lil and Dana retired to the main deck’s comfortable sitting room. Wood paneling and plush carpeting gave the boat a luxurious feel, completed by the heavy, overstuffed furniture and cherry wood tables. They settled next to each other on the sofa to begin pouring over underwater scans of the region as well as maps outlining areas already explored.

  Utilizing dual-axis sonar scanning equipment, they had two- and three-dimensional images of the Gulf area they currently explored. Lil had printed a hardcopy since she preferred the feel of paper to staring at images on a computer screen. To date, they had explored sites between fifty and one hundred sixty feet. Nothing had panned out.

  “What if we moved farther south and west, maybe toward Kuwait?” Dana proposed.

  “I don’t know. It seems like the Garden should be in this area. Granted I was thrown out of there eons ago, but the memories haven’t faded all that much. A single river watered the garden. When it left the garden, it broke into four headwaters.”

  “I understand that,” Dana pressed, “but the waters are too shallow in the northern region to hide a huge garden.”

  “It just doesn’t make any sense.” Lil banged a fist on the table.

  “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll figure it out.”

  Her words were meant to be reassuring, but Lil didn’t miss the sadness in her eyes as Dana turned away. The idea of seeking death didn’t rest well with Dana, but Lil couldn’t lie to her. This was still her goal.