Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

  His body slumps a little. I knew he'd pull away, thinking I wasn’t interested. I smile inside as I remember how he used to be when we first got together. This is the stance he'd take when he wanted to make out but wondered if the feeling was mutual. I’d known if I didn't act fast, he’d shut down and the moment would be lost. I need this, we need this. My desires are as raw as his. Of their own free will, my palm draw circles on his firm torso, my fingers barely tracing the grooves.

  I want to feel more of him, be consumed by him. I’m playing a dangerous game with my heart, but I can't help it. I’m addicted. From the way he’s responding, he might be a little addicted to me as well. Somewhere in my mind I remember him whispering he loved me, and I believe him. Some things you just know are true. Maybe it’s intuition or perhaps false hope. But in the moment, it feels so damn real, just like him being here with me now.

  At some point I must address the elephant in the room. What I did, making the furniture fly, spiraling above our heads, was new and a little frightening. I've never done anything like that before and I’m still processing being able to do such a thing.

  I've been so mad at him for so long, I couldn't think. At times, I couldn't see straight. All I could do was feel and give in to my rage. I know we need to discuss it but not now. I want to give into a different kind of feeling, a more urgent need. It’s the need a woman who’s starving for affection, has for the man she loves, yearning to be held in his arms and loved by him.

  He release me. I lick my tongue along the side of his neck, feeling the vibration of the vein in his throat as he swallows. I work my way up his neck across his jaw to the area I know he can't resist. Nibbling gently on his earlobe, I breathe into his ear. He reacts as I know he would. Effortlessly, he throw me back against the bed, his body pinning me there.

  He lifts my tank top over my head and kisses my wounded shoulder wrapped with bandages, then pauses.

  "Is your shoulder all right? Are you sure you want this, babe?"

  "My shoulder is fine. And as far as doing this goes, I definitely want it." I grind my hips up and into him, urging him on. His bulge pushes back in response. He presses his hips in farther. Spreading my legs, I dry hump his erection, getting off on his animal-like moans. The heat between us intensifies. My mind is a muddled haze of want, need, and lust.

  He gazes at my shoulder a little longer and moans, seeming to make up his mind, accepting this is happening. His lips find mine. I’m filled with burning passion, roaming over my mouth, my face, and my neck. Settling on my ripened buds straining against the material of my bra, he pushes the barrier to his desire over my breasts, freeing them, and sucks my nipple into his mouth.

  His tongue is flat at first, then the tip teases my nipple; his teeth lightly scrape the flesh around it. I ride my urgent need against the friction between us, escalating to a new height. He undoes the zipper to my jeans, and his fingers find their way through to my wet mound, slipping between the folds before gliding back over my sensitive bundle of nerves. It’s been so long, my body quivers and trembles beneath his touch, and I’m rocking to my first climax.

  In seconds, he removes all his clothes. We’re two sweating, gasping, groping bodies, merged at the hip as he rocks my world. He’s snug and hot inside me, thrusting back and forth, dipping deep and hard with every motion. I buck and grind against him using my thighs to crush him closer, inviting him deep inside. Before long, I manage to brush off the negative thoughts, hoping this moment won’t be a bittersweet memory, haunting me for all eternity.

  My insides clamp shut around him, molding him into me. I don’t ever want to let him go. I ride the wave of sensation after sensation gripping my being, sending sparks of sheer pleasure up and down my spine. Tingling all over, I scream my release as he comes too.

  He doesn’t withdraw but stays tucked inside me, wrapped in my arms and legs. His breath is coming as fast as mine, as we slowly come down from the most intense sex we’ve ever had. Fast, hungry, and raw, full of emotions. We’re saying with our bodies the words our mouths appear too afraid to voice out loud. Too, I can see it in his eyes. Neither one of us want to let go of this moment, but we must. There are things we have to discuss which I sense will change my life forever.

  SEVEN

  I WISH I could stay like this, snug and warm inside her, still semi-hard, her flesh massaging my shaft, making me want to do it over and over again. But I resist. Every second we don’t have to fight is a luxury. Our existence is in danger, and I’ve been selfish in satisfying my own needs for long enough. We have a mission to complete, and Winter’s a big part of what we need to do to win.

  It takes every ounce of willpower to slide from between her thighs and roll over beside her. I gather her to me, and she lays her head on my chest as my stomach knots.

  “I’m sorry, babe, but we need to get dressed. There’s work to do. And I promised you an explanation. There’s so much I have to tell you, and I’m struggling for a good place to start.”

  She gazes up at me and gives me a wry smile, sighs, then pushes off my chest and starts to put her clothes on. I delay putting on my own, so I can watch her dress.

  “Why don’t you start by telling me why you left me without a word of goodbye. I’d love to hear your explanation.” Her voice is bursting with sarcasm and hurt.

  I’d hoped our lovemaking would change her feelings about my past wrongdoings. Perhaps I was naïve, and our actions were a desperate need to satisfy our own cravings.

  Swallowing hard, I push past hesitancies. I owe her this and so much more. If we’re to move forward, we can’t have secrets.

  “I was recruited by Trinity at Paranormal Realms, the virtual reality company.”

  “That leggy brunette who looks as if she’s just stepped out the pages of Vogue. Is that the Trinity, you mean?”

  I nod, and her face hardens as she jerks up her jeans. I think it’s time for me to put my clothes on too. The look she gives me has me fearing castration, and by her hands.

  It’s best I cover up before she acts on her feelings.

  “I can see why it was an offer you couldn’t refuse.”

  “It wasn’t like that and besides, she has nothing on you.” It was the truth but maybe I should have kept the last part of that sentence to myself. Winter’s the only woman I see. And at times, I wished others couldn’t. I hated the looks men gave her when we were out together. It took a lot to remain in control and not allow my temper to get the better of me.

  “Save your flattery, Roman, and get on with it.” She’s aggravated, and I get it.

  “I apologize for making a comparison. But just to be clear, it’s true. Anyway, it’s linked to the rest of what I need to tell you. You might find it hard to believe, but people like us, you, me, Soraya, Caleb, and Rose—we have deep ties to this realm—the realm of the paranormal and supernatural. The things the other realm sees as fantasy really exist here. This place is our reality, and we’re a part of it. I’m speaking of the here, where we’re standing now. You’ve crossed over as well.”

  “Crossed over! As in I’m dead?” Her eyes widen, and her mouth hangs open a little.

  I chuckle and almost immediately wish I hadn’t. She narrows her gaze and purses her lips. If I want her to understand the urgency of what’s going on, I have to be serious which means having a better delivery.

  “Sorry, no. You’re alive. I meant cross over to the other realm, an alternate parallel universe, not so much the one for the dead. Although they do have their own realm and certain entities can pass through to ours. What I’m talking about is an existence that confirms entities other than humans exist. Were-people, vampires, wendigos, succubus, incubus, shifters, witches, and warlocks, and more—they’re real. You and I are proof of it. The stuff nightmares are made of are all here.”

  She backs up against the wall and slides down. Running her hands through her hair, she grabs a handful. The entire time, her gaze holds mine. Not wanting to push her, I wait for her response.
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  She frowns. “Are you shitting me?”

  “Soraya and Caleb have both changed before your eyes and you still need proof? Just think about it…your life, especially your childhood. Those ghosts you used to see, Winter, were real, everything you experienced then was real. You were just starting to come into your powers and were a conduit for this realm. Which brings me to my next bit of news. Rose suspects you’re a vessel. She says you’ve communicated with the dead. This makes you highly desirable to anyone wanting to cross over from different realms and even the world of the dead.”

  I pause in my story to pull my T-shirt over my head and to let what I’m saying sink in. She blinks a few times before resting her head against the wall and raising a questionable brow. I think she’s taking it all fairly well. At least she hasn’t run screaming from the room.

  “The malevolent beings have a tougher time passing through to the other realms. There are rules to keep them out, and they can only be invited in. So, they use children with an ancestry from this world, who don’t know any better, as a portal to what we call ‘the real world.’ That’s why Rose had your powers capped. You’re one of the most powerful, in a legend of legendary super witches from your ancestry born to the real world, in centuries.”

  “Well, if you’ve been traveling back and forth, what changed? Why were you recruited?” Fully dressed, I sit back down on the bed.

  “Paranormal Realms was created by an ancestor of this world, for the real-world beings to live out their fantasies. He was born with virtually no powers to affect anything; but had a strong desire to explore life beyond the realm. Through Paranormal Realms, and with a high IQ, he was able to create a way for both worlds to be explored without the two crossing over. Beings from each world considered the other a myth.

  “Those from the earth realm posed no real threat and would be able to enter the paranormal realm anytime, virtually. And those from the paranormal realm were allowed access to the earth’s realm through dreams or with temporary passes to carry out a necessary act. But they had to undergo a vigorous screening process.

  “Beings and humans born on opposite sides had to abide by the guidelines of that side. There are rules in place to assure things function properly and watchers who enforce this. Trinity, Rose, and now us, we’re a part of the enforcement efforts. We hunt down violators and return them to their proper place.”

  “You’re kidding me.” She looks slightly stunned.

  “Unfortunately, not. But the creator has gone missing. Or should I say, his essence has. Mortals and immortals alike are being trapped here against their will. So far, you’re the only one who may be able to go back and forth between worlds. We suspect you can. Rose is very confident in your abilities. However, if this is so, your gift might also be your curse. Winter, the bus attack was orchestrated.”

  I’m trying to get a take on what she’s thinking. She glances at me and turns away, pressing her fist to her mouth. The next time she looks up at me, her brows are furrowed, and I can tell she’s about to let me have it.

  “Are you telling me these beings are after me? That’s crazy. You’re all crazy. I was brought here on a hope. Nobody knows if I can do anything other than toss around some furniture. So, I’m here to bring you all back? What if I can’t? Then you just put my life at risk for no reason.”

  “No, babe. I would never allow that. Even if you end up stuck here, you’re better off. Vessels are being hunted down because they can cross over or be used as a portal. They were coming for you regardless, in this world or the one you’ve only known up until now. We need you to be prepared. And as much as we need you, you need us. Trust me, we’re going to get out of here, even if you can’t get us out.”

  I walk over and kneel in front of her. “You don’t have to be a part of anything. I promise, I’m going to take care of you. I’ll never allow anything to happen to you.”

  I touch her cheek and give her a weary smile. She’s listening, that’s the most important thing. I thought she’d be more resistant, but I’m glad she isn’t. We don’t have time to deal with a powerful angst witch, riddled with disbelief. Some of what she knew from the past must still be in there.

  “The fabric that keeps the worlds apart is fractured. Evil is being unleashed into both worlds. There’s a battle of good versus evil going on between those who want to maintain order, and those against it. The half-breeds who attacked your bus, they’re against our strives to coexist peacefully.”

  She trembles, and the color drains from her face. I reach for her hand, but she draws away and stands.

  She scratches her head and starts to pace the floor. I wish I could help her process it all, but I can’t.

  Standing off to the side, I give her some space. She stops in front of me and frowns.

  “This is all too much. What do you expect me to do? I’m just one person. I don’t know how to harness my powers. Until today I haven’t been able to do any of the things I did as a child. I’m useless and dangerous. I didn’t want to throw furniture at you. That happened on its own.”

  “Let’s not forget, you’re the one who put everything back. That was you controlling your abilities, Winter, so don’t sell yourself short. Like I said before, your powers are stronger here. With Rose’s help, you will learn to control it.”

  EIGHT

  MY HEAD FEELS as if it’s going to explode. How is it even possible that they expect me to save the worlds? If I have Roman right, I’m to stop two worlds from colliding, causing total devastation, here and in my world, by repairing a rip I’m not sure I even believe exists. I’m totally good with all this and there’s no pressure, right? Absolutely not.

  Roman mentioned Paranormal Realms. Maybe I’m still in their sterile building, trapped in my own head, until I see this virtual adventure through to the end. This definitely has Soraya’s name written all over it. Either way, real or not, I have tasks to perform if I’m ever to get out of this insanity. But, can I even trust myself to know the difference?

  Making love to Roman sure as hell felt real. I wish that was all I had to think about…us. If this is actually happening, it means Roman and I have a chance of being together again. But it also means everything else I’ve seen and been told, exists.

  I steal a glance at Roman. He believes this is legitimate and if he does, shouldn’t that be good enough for me? If he’s really stuck here, and I can get him out, I’m going to. Rose, Soraya, and even Caleb, I’ll help them all.

  So, Rose had Bellamy take my powers; it was a good thing. It gave me fifteen years of peace, of feeling like a normal kid. I didn’t miss the ghosts, red eyes, or other entities that haunted me. I was relieved they were gone.

  My mom and I had become closer and for the first time, we were a regular family, doing mother and daughter things. I guess I owe everyone who contributed to my fifteen years free of supernatural occurrences. According to Roman, they’ve all made sacrifices. Were those sacrifices made to keep me safe? Had their lives taken similar paths?

  I have more questions than answers. I need clarity. I need to know exactly what’s expected of me. What’s my role in this? I need the big picture, a road map, guide, or something. Perhaps I shouldn’t take it all so seriously, but the world ending is kind of a big deal.

  “Where are the others? Maybe they should come back inside and spell this all out for me. I doubt if I can help, but I’m willing to give it my best shot. I’m still not 100 percent certain what to make of everything you’ve said, but I can see you believe it, so does Soraya, and I believe in you two.”

  Roman looks relieved as if he had some doubt I’d help them. Doesn’t he know I’d do anything for him and Soraya? I wish I could say within reason, but I can’t because I’m not sure what’s reasonable. What I am certain of is my love. Roman’s next words confirm what I’m thinking.

  “You know if there was any other way, Winter, I wouldn’t have involved you. We’ve been here so long because I wouldn’t agree to you coming. Rose came to assess
the damage. When she didn’t return, I went after her. Caleb came looking for me, which is how he got here. Soraya received word from Trinity, who received a tip from Bellamy. She had a vision we were trapped somewhere but couldn’t see where until recently.”

  “Okay.” I’m still trying to wrap my brain around it all.

  “I’ll get the others. Rose will explain it better than me. To be honest, even though I’ve been here six months, I’m still coming to terms with everything. My mind has been preoccupied with what I left behind. Each day’s been a battle filled with regret. I asked myself if leaving you was the right thing to do? And I’m able to live with my actions because the answer is always yes. It was to protect you, and I’ll always choose your life over everything else. If I would have stayed, you would have been discovered. Trackers were on to us, and I wasn’t going to lead them to you.”

  He doesn’t wait for me to reply or ask him what he means. He’s out the door, calling for the others to join us. It kills me to know that while he was here risking his life, I was back home, judging him and wishing we had never met.

  Caleb is the first back in the room. He sniffs the air and looks at me with disgust. “He leaves you for half a year and all it takes is a smile and a few ‘babys’, and you lose the elastic in your panties. So much for loved him. Seems to me, the present tense is more accurate. You’re weak, Winter, and you’ll always be weak where Roman’s concerned.”

  Grunting some obscenities, he shakes his head and lets out a short, sarcastic laugh.

  I won’t allow his remark to get the better of me. I really would like to send him flying backward, with him landing on his ass, but I won’t. Words alone will be enough to get under his skin.

  “Yeah, well, I’m smart enough not to waste my time with the likes of you. Jealous much, Caleb?”