Paranormally Yours: A Boxed Set

by Alisha Basso

  He squeezed my hand, his was warm and dry. I peered into his eyes. They were steady and appeared to be rife with wisdom.

  “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. Perhaps you have heard I am called Gavyn, and I have traveled a great distance to see you. Long have my people told stories of the Madea. As a child, I grew up hearing of their majesty. No one believed the ring would ever appear, nor did we truly believe a real Madea would ever find it. I am so very pleased to discover that we were wrong.”

  “Your people? What are your people? I mean, who are your people?” I bit my lip, I was not very good at this, “I only ask because I have never seen anything quite like you before.” Jeez, I was messing this up. I sounded like a total idiot.

  He smiled. “We are an ancient race, some would say very wise as well, but despite our vast knowledge, we are dying out. Our women are few and our children tend to die young. Seth however, has promised to remedy that, with your help, of course.”

  He turned to Seth. I had to practically rip my eyes from his luscious lips to follow his gaze. Clearly, he was not supposed to speak about any part of their grand plan because Seth looked ready to vault over the table and ring Gavyn’s neck.

  Gavyn was unmoved by the veritable steam being emitted by my captor. He merely shrugged his shoulders. Turning back to me, he smiled. “Well, beautiful Grace, I hope you will join us again, as I would love to speak to you further. Right now, your Lord seems ready to crawl out of his skin.” Chuckling softly, he walked gracefully away.

  I caught my breath. If I stayed around Gavyn for any length of time, things could get bad fast. He was sensually mesmerizing. I had quite a time trying to face the next Council member in line. I felt like this might well take forever.

  An elderly looking man was next. He sort of floated toward me and I instinctively stood. His skin was pale, paler than Seth. He seemed bloodless.

  “Madea, I am Voltaire,” he announced. His voice sounded like ten thousand nails on a chalkboard. I threw my hands up over my ears and bent forward. It was awful! He reached for me, lifting my chin in his freezing hands as he peered into my eyes. I suddenly felt sick. My stomach rolled and I was about to lose it all over my nice yuppie couture. In an instant, I knew what he was. A demon! He was a real freaking demon! My breath came out in gasps as I tried in vain to get him out of my head. Then, thankfully, Seth appeared. He grabbed me by the arm and jerked me away. I broke eye contact with the demonic life form and felt instantly better.

  Seth turned my head, his nostrils flaring as he examined me closely. “Voltaire, you have abused my trust,” he said, as he ran his fingers along my jaw. “I specifically forbade any of you to use magic in any way. What did you do?”

  “Merely a small test, I just wanted to see if, in fact, a Madea does actually reside in her body. Forgive me, but I never take anyone at their word, especially when they are as power hungry as you.”

  The sound of so many words screeching from his mouth was absolute torture to my brain. I was holding my hands over my ears and squeezing my eyes tightly shut, trying to eradicate him from my senses just to make the sound go away.

  “How dare you insult me?” Seth said in a low voice. “I have already proven that Grace is a true Madea. I called for this meeting merely to verify that what I say is true. Now, after all I have done, you try to jeopardize her health, her sanity, not to mention my even temper to satisfy your selfish curiosity?”

  The other creatures were staring at Voltaire, their condemnation at his stunt becoming readily apparent.

  “The Madea is finished here,” Seth growled at the room. “We can continue these introductions at later date. For now, I think Grace has been put through enough.” He gently grasped my hand, and I was thankful for the contact. My head was still a little fuzzy. We approached the large doors. Opening them slowly, he led me to the outer room where Nadia sat.

  TWENTY FIVE

  When Arian saw me, she sprang out of the chair and skipped over to my side.

  “Grace, how happy I was to hear you would be spending time with me. We will have so much fun. I promise you will not get bored.”

  Seth pulled me slightly away from her. Then, stepping close to the hyper woman, he leaned in and whispered into her ear. Her eyes locked onto mine, and every once in a while, she would nod her head. She winked at me and I stifled a sigh.

  Releasing her, Seth pulled me close to his chest and held my chin in a gentle grip. His eyes scrutinized mine. “You will be alright with her,” he reassured. “She is aware of your restrictions and will not place you in any dangerous situations.” Then he leaned in, merely brushing his lips against mine. It was so tender. With a meaningful look at Arian, he strode back through the doors.

  My feelings were so mixed up. I hated Seth, really hated him. He was the reason my friends were in danger. He was the reason for this entire mess! But the part of me that was attracted to him always seemed to be in control. I wanted to lash out at him. Tell him to keep his hands off of me. But I couldn’t. Not only because he would punish me by hurting my friends, but because my body craved his touch. God, I wanted out of here. I had to get away from him. This was not a healthy situation.

  Arian was watching me.

  I shifted into my role and leaned into her. “What did he say to you?” I whispered.

  “He said to keep his people away from you and to stay by your side every moment.”

  “He was whispering for a lot longer than it would have taken to say just that,” I whispered back.

  She held my hand and pulled me to the elevator doors.

  “Good evening to you, Nadia,” Arian called out, as she pulled me along.

  “Good evening, ladies,” Nadia said, a frown on her face as she watched us go.

  Once the doors were closed and the elevator car was on its way, she began speaking again.

  “Well,” she continued, “he said to make sure you do not participate in any of my usual activities.” She was practically buzzing with anticipation. “Oh, Grace! I can’t tell you how excited I have been since we last spoke. I have not been able to think about bedding anyone until I have tasted Thorak. It’s been driving me mad.” Her words were breathy; she was truly excited. Yech!

  “Well, as I said, this has to be our secret. Seth can’t know about it or he’ll mop the floor with both of us. You haven’t mentioned it to anyone, have you?”

  She looked offended. “No, of course not. I know what Seth would do if we were found out, especially if he discovered your involvement. Not only would he have my head, I am sure he would also remove that part of Thorak I am most interested in. No. I will not risk it. It is far too dangerous to risk telling anyone.”

  “Er... Yeah. Now, you do realize you won’t be, ahem… mating with him tonight? We have to arrange everything first. Can we speak to him? See what he thinks?”

  “Oh, he will be all too willing. He knows I want to bed him. He has never taken a willing woman. I will be his first. He also knows that I am physically able to take him. Not many women are, certainly not a human woman. It is truly a sad situation.” She shook her head, “Thorak needs someone who can last, not perish with his first thrust. I am she.”

  I was having trouble controlling the physical repulsion on my face. As much as I needed Arian’s help, it was far from a pleasant experience being around her. She was so blasé in her discussion of death and twisted sex with disgusting monsters. Pretending to be her friend was not an easy task.

  “You’re lucky, being able to accommodate such a large… creature.” I looked away. Yeah, that wasn’t phony or anything.

  “Do not be envious. Perhaps I can find a way to allow you to participate. Seth said ‘no sex with another man’; he did not forbid you from being pleasured by a woman, or a troll for that matter.”

  She smiled, pleased that she might have discovered a loophole.

  “Um no, really, I told you what I wanted. I’m quite content watching; and besides, I am human. I wouldn’t be able to handle
any appendage of Thorak’s.”

  She gave my arm a gentle squeeze. Heaven help me!

  “Arian, I really don’t want to pull down any of Seth’s wrath. He is a vampire. Don’t you think he would be able to smell another being on me?” I had no idea if it were true. I was relying on my love of monster movies to fuel my defense. I hoped it worked.

  “Well, yes, I guess he would,” she looked puzzled. “Oh, I am so sorry, lovely Grace. Maybe later, once Seth has lost interest, you will be allowed to mate with whomever. We can only hope.”

  “Ah, yeah, hope.” I smiled weakly. She seemed to take it as a different sadness. Okay by me.

  The elevator stopped, the doors opened and I was immediately hit in the face with warm humid air and gardenias. We were in an underground terrarium! Trees and plants occupied the entire space. It was darker here, the tall trees and plants blocking out most of the light. The illusion of being outdoors was powerful! It was like a mini tropical rain forest without the bugs! I was in awe and my mouth hung open stupidly.

  I turned in a circle, trying to take all of it in at once. It was really quite amazing. Even the sprinklers that hung from the canopy were disguised in such a way that you wouldn’t notice them, unless you really looked.

  Arian sighed, grabbing my hand as if I were an annoying child. She led me through a narrow path, which ended at a pair of large iron gates.

  “This is where we will find Thorak. Seth keeps him occupied almost all of the time.” She stopped; I could see the wheels turning in her sick little mind. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed at my face. “Are you aware of what Thorak is doing behind those doors?” she asked me, a hint of scorn lacing her voice.

  I lowered my brows. “Why? Do you think Seth will be upset if I see what he is up to? Is it something awful? Should I hide?” Should I get an Oscar when all of this is over?

  As she studied me more intently, I thought the jig was up. Then she smiled brilliantly. “No, of course not. That would be beyond foolish, and Seth is no fool. No Grace, you should not hide. We will go to speak to him together.”

  She unbuttoned her shirt all the way. Her tiny red bra pushed her small breasts up. Then she unfastened her skirt and folded the flaps open to reveal her navel. She removed her stockings and placed her shoes on her bare feet.

  I watched, puzzled by her actions. “What in the heck are you doing?”

  “Remember what I said about him? He loves seeing a lot of flesh. It excites his hunger.”

  “Oh, yeah, how could I forget?” I said. Exciting hunger in that malformed atrocity was the very last thing I ever wanted to do.

  “Maybe you should take your top off too? Your breasts are quite alluring. He would have a hard time denying either of us anything, as well as interrogating you, if you appeared not to fear him. It would thrill him beyond belief.”

  “You know, Arian;” I began. “I think I should stay away. What if someone sees me in there? My top off and all, don’t you think they would run to Seth and report it?”

  She smirked. “No. The only beings allowed down here are Ael, Eden and Chloe; and no way do they want to get on my bad side, which I would deny them my bed. And they really don’t want to get on Thorak’s bad side, not when they could be standing in the way of his first sex in years. That, sweet Grace, would be insanity.”

  “Well, okay, if you’re sure.” I guess I was stuck. Damn it! If I were going to get a chance to get away from her, I had to come up with something more substantial! I knew my friends were near.

  I opened the buttons on my shirt, slipping off the sleeves I gently laid it across the top of a nearby bush and then I pulled the hem of the white camisole up and over my head, placing it next to the blouse.

  I looked down at my chest; the sight still alarmed me. Bite wounds in different shades of red and purple, like horrific hickies, tattooed my breasts. They varied in color from bright red and puffy, to an angry mauve, while others were beginning to fade to lighter shades of pink. I looked like hell. If I ever got back to the real world, I could never wear a plunging neckline again. How could I explain where the scars came from?

  I looked at Arian’s smiling face. “Yes, it’s just as I thought. Thorak will be unable to resist. Most excellent.”

  She reached for the latch on the gate. Pushing down on the guard, she pulled the latch up. The gate swung open. I jumped as the rusty sound of the hinges sent dozens of birds to wing. We entered another room, which I assumed was a sort of guard shack. It was filled with soft light and had a short panel with several buttons. Thorak was standing by a door, bigger than life. I could see that the door behind him had an alarm system with a numbered keypad.

  The large troll strode toward us. His steps were slow and deliberate as his huge mass moved awkwardly in the small room. I could almost feel his watery eyes gliding over our exposed bodies.

  “You are not allowed in here, Arian.” Thorak grumbled, his voice sounding like he was gargling rocks.

  She walked right up to him, ignoring his statement.

  “Now, Thorak, is that any way to speak to me?” She reached up and stroked his shoulder. “I am here to present you with a rare opportunity.” She pushed her body close to his, pressing her breasts against his stomach.

  “What trouble are you causing now, girl?” he asked, his ugly eyes sliding to me. “Why is she here? This is not a wise move, Arian.” He folded one set of tattooed arms, while the other set slowly started to reach for her.

  I took a step back. I was totally fine with letting her take the lead on this. He was way too huge and frightening.

  “Oh, don’t worry about her, she is here with me. We are companions, and don’t worry, Seth approves.”

  “What do you want? She shouldn’t be here.” His arms were aching to touch her, I could tell, because they kept reaching for her then moving back. He obviously didn’t know what to do.

  “I am here to arrange a meeting, between you and me. We, that is, Grace and I, are very interested in your special gifts. She wishes to watch you bed me.”

  Well, that was blunt. Guess no beating around the bush for Arian.

  “That is not allowed,” Thorak replied, but he could not conceal his interest. His ugly hands had actually started to move over Arian’s back. One was sliding along her spine while the other began cupping her butt cheek. The second set were still folded across his chest.

  I took another small step back. Glancing around the room, I noticed the control panel had a small monitor. I couldn’t see what was on it. I’d have to get closer to Thorak in order to look. I couldn’t do it. I just assumed he was monitoring my friends. Really, what else could he be watching?

  “Yes, it is forbidden,” Arian admitted. “But, you see, our dear Grace is the key. Seth is very adamant about not allowing other creatures around her, so we will not be found out. Only the three of us will know.”

  “You mean the four of us,” a deep voice rumbled from behind me.

  Oh, God. I spun on my heel and my heart sank as I met the gaze of a very happy, very sinister looking Eden.

  “What is this mischief?” He folded his arms. “Are you still trying to seduce our gate keeper, Arian? Tisk, tisk!” he admonished with a grin. “And, you chose to involve the fair Madea? How scandalous! I’m quite sure Seth will be murderous once he discovers what you are about… How delicious.” He took a step closer, his face now a mask of evil delight. I watched his eyes change as thoughts seemed to race through his mind. He didn’t even try to hide his euphoria.

  “Now, Eden,” Arian said, her hand resting on her hip, “we both know you won’t be telling anything to anyone. You would not jeopardize your place in my bed,” she added haughtily.

  Eden shook his head, and said, “Well, you certainly place a lot of importance on your body, Arian. However, if you demand my silence,” he turned to face me, “Grace must come to my bed.”

  My jaw dropped. “What? You’re kidding. No way, I won’t do it, I can’t do it. Seth would have you for breakfast!”
I stood gaping at him. His nerve was astounding.

  “And what do you think he will do after discovering your involvement in this little coup, hmm?” he simpered. “Nothing very pleasant, I can assure you. Perhaps he will even feel it is time to properly dispense with your Lucian? Maybe he will finally give your little Ann to my brother and me?”

  My eyes widened, I hadn’t expected to be caught so soon. What now? I was thinking hard. I needed time, but from the look on Eden’s face, I had just run out of it.

  Straightening my spine, I smiled. “I have conditions, of course,” I said. “The first is that you not only maintain your silence with Seth, but you also keep it from Chloe and Ael. If you can’t do that, then were dead already.” I stepped closer to him. “You are already out of favor with Seth; imagine what this tryst would do?”

  Thorak shifted. All four of his arms were now caressing Arian. But his eyes had settled on me.

  “Why do you do this?” Thorak garbled. “You dislike us all, that is clear. You are here not of your own will. Why would you bed Eden for the chance to watch us mate? It seems a large sacrifice for such a petty reward.”

  Shit. Deliver me from intelligent trolls.

  I placed my hands behind my back to keep them from trembling. I threw my shoulders back, and pushed my breasts forward. “Well, I guess you’ve found me out.” I said with an exaggerated sigh. “I’ll tell you, because I know my secret will be safe. You see, I’m very bored, and if I‘m going to be stuck here, I need something to amuse me.” I stepped closer to Eden, keeping my eyes still fastened on Thorak’s face.

  “I am very interested in observing you in action,” I said. “I have never seen a creature such as yourself in my life. Hence, if sex with Eden is the price I must pay per viewing, then I will do it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll enjoy it.” I smiled wickedly at Eden. His eyes were as large as saucers and his chest was rising and falling rapidly with each breath. I just hope I hadn’t gotten myself even deeper into trouble. I was going to need heavy equipment as it was to dig myself out if I didn’t think of something fast.