Beyond the Garden
Page 27
Samael stood and stepped toward her. “This is the last time we shall meet Lilith. Be well.”
He surprised Lil by hugging her. Lil had only found herself in Samael’s arms once before, when he rescued her from the pyre at Plymouth.
“You as well, Samael. Try to do as you’re told.”
He pulled away and smiled mischievously. “Where is the fun in that? What will you do now that you have obtained your objective?”
Lil looked to Dana and saw she had jolted everyone when she said, “Maine allows same-gender marriage these days. What do you say?”
Samael frowned. “Do you see where we are, Lilith? God still disapproves.”
“I don’t need the reminder, but I’d rather reside in perdition for an eternity than reside in heaven for denying my heart.”
“Aw,” Dana said, hugging Lil close. “You say the sweetest things.”
“Good for you,” Samael said with a wink.
Asherah didn’t seem quite as amused. She cleared her throat to interrupt the moment. “Lilith, since you lack your abilities, I think I should transport you and yours out of the Garden.”
“Are you saying we’ve worn out our welcome?”
“Indeed.”
“And the Haimia? Will they continue to pursue me once we leave?”
Asherah shook her head, causing sunlight to glint off of her earrings. “They no longer have a purpose and as long as you do not attempt to return, there is no need.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Lil called Pravde to her. She extended her arm as a perch, pleased when the owl refrained from squeezing too hard with her talons. As a mortal, it would be especially easy for Pravde to injure her. “And now, if you don’t mind?”
“I will miss you, Lillian Primus. Lilith the child killer no longer exists,” Asherah said in farewell.
****
Lil sat at the head of the table, watching her friends enjoy themselves. Everyone had made the flight in from different countries. The sound of English spoken with different accents as well as the laughter and the warmth inside the castle made her feel cozy and loved. Wine flowed and food was consumed. Once in a while someone threw a morsel at another in play.
“So you’re fine with the new arrangement?”
“I’m good, Lil, really,” Sophie answered. She took a bite from a chicken leg and spoke around a mouthful. “I don’t have to worry about living forever and you know, all I ever really wanted was a place to feel at home.”
“You’ll always be welcome here,” Dana responded, settling into Lil’s lap. “Now, you’ll have to excuse us for a minute. I need to talk to Lil.”
Dana grabbed Lil by the hand and led her into the study where she closed the door.
“Is something wrong?”
In response, Dana wound her arms around Lil’s neck and kissed her on the cheek. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just want to make sure you’re happy.”
“Ecstatic. My people are pleased with how things have worked out and no one died as soon as I lost my abilities. I will admit that at one hundred thirty-eight years old, Haruko isn’t too sure about the prospects for a normal love life. And what of you, my love? Looking forward to making your home here with me?”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, though I’ll have to find another job. I’m sure the Institute wouldn’t mind giving me a good reference.”
“You know you won’t ever have to work again if you don’t want to?”
Dana kissed her chin. “I know, but I’d never be happy with just sitting around. Speaking of which, I do have some ideas about staying occupied for the next little while.”
“Hmm, what did you have in mind?”
Lil kissed Dana’s neck and then opened her mouth to suck on the sensitive flesh. She felt Dana’s hum of pleasure and suspected things were taking an amorous turn. The idea appealed to her, but she couldn’t leave her guests languishing in the other room while they made love. Before she could voice that idea, Dana derailed her line of thinking.
“Well,” Dana said somewhat breathlessly. “I was thinking that we could start by exploring some of the hidden passageways in this castle.”
That wasn’t what Lil had expected. “Who said there are hidden passageways?”
“Darling, it’s a castle. There are always hidden passageways.”
“Later.”
Lil ended the discussion with a kiss. She should have known Dana wouldn’t just settle down for a life of domesticity. It was one of her best qualities. No matter what else happened, Lil would treasure every moment together.
About The Author
S. Y. Thompson resides in Tennessee with her menagerie of animals. She fills her days with writing, hiking and playing with her Yorkie and three cats.
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