The Healer's Garden

by Nina Pierce

  "Jahara, are you all right?” Brenimyn brought his gelding close, reaching over to rub her back. “We can stop for a rest if you'd like."

  "No, I'm fine. I don't need to rest.” Her words came out clipped, making her sound angry. Sitting up, she shrugged off his hand. “Just a little sore. I needed to stretch.” The lie tripped off her tongue with such ease, it added its load to the anxiety already gnawing at her.

  Obviously hurt by her rebuff, Brenimyn coaxed the gelding ahead of her stallion. She couldn't seem to do anything right. She needed to release this guilt and focus on her good fortune. She'd found not only a skilled lover, but a handsome specimen who agreed to be her breeder. They would make genetically pleasing offspring.

  Her heart skipped a beat when she thought of his gentle hands bringing her to climax. She'd never known such completeness in a union until she made love with Brenimyn. Her body was sore from the copious amount of sex, but the pain wasn't unpleasant. She found the rocking of the horse and the recollections stimulating. Her tender body reacted to the memories of Brenimyn deep within her. Shivers of anticipation slithered up her spine and the familiar tug of desire dampened her thighs. No one had ever made her feel so totally loved and accepted.

  She watched the muscles in Brenimyn's back and legs flex with the cadence of the horse, the sight making her pulse quicken. When she was with him, everything else melted away. It wasn't until this morning as they drove the road near the pastures that Jahara thought of Merenith and realized she hadn't called her in days.

  How could this have happened? Merenith was everything to her. She'd come to the Garden to fulfill an obligation, not to allow another into her heart. But as much as she tried to ignore the fact, it was exactly what was happening. She'd gone straight from introductions to love. Her heart had recognized Brenimyn the moment he'd touched her.

  "And mine recognized you."

  "Hey, get out of my head.” Shouting, Jahara's voice startled the birds in the trees into flight, their thunderous wings and screeches of reprimand, shattering the stillness.

  "Exactly what did you hear?” Nudging the stallion, she forced her mount through the thick vegetation until she came alongside Brenimyn, pulling on the gelding's reins until the horses stood flank to flank. “Whoa."

  Jahara barely controlled the anger from boiling over into rage. Heat rose in her face and she hoped he could see just how upset he'd made her.

  "Let's get one thing straight here mister-man.” She shook her finger at the amused expression making his dimples flutter. “You may not venture into my head without an invitation. It's just ... well, it's just rude.” She'd gotten so good at blocking him. The soothing setting of the jungle must have dropped her defenses.

  Brenimyn's hand engulfed hers and he leaned in close, the warmth of his breath stroking her cheek. “My dear, I was not in your head. You crawled into mine somewhere around the barn scene with Nazaret and the replay of our lovemaking.” He nipped the bottom lip of her gaping mouth. “Which I might add, has been a pleasant vision while we rode."

  "But I'm not ... I didn't ... it's not ... how?"

  "I know you're not telepathic and I don't know how you did it. But you did.” He chucked her under the chin, closing her unhinged jaw. “And as much as I'd like to stop right here and reenact some of my favorite moments from your reminiscences, there are people waiting.” He checked the position of the sun. “We're already late. Are you experienced enough to ride faster?"

  "I've been on horses a long time. I'm not a novice rider."

  "No, I suppose not.” Flashing a toothy grin at her, he nudged the gelding into a cantor. “Try to keep up,” he hollered, in the wake of the pounding hooves.

  They raced through the jungle. Jahara gave the stallion his head, letting the horse choose the safest path. It was difficult maintaining the breakneck speed through the thick vegetation, but her competitive streak would not allow Brenimyn to get more than two lengths ahead of her. When the lush jungle opened to a field of high grass, she urged the stallion into a gallop, leaning low over his neck.

  Racing the wind, her hair fluttered behind her like the horse's black mane. She laughed when she passed Brenimyn, pleased by his stunned expression. Steering the horse toward the lake in the distance, Jahara heard the noise of the waterfall drown out the labored breath and pounding hooves of the stallion. Slowing, she pulled the horse to a stop, unable to believe such beauty could be contained inside a building.

  The lake in front of them was actually a large pool at the base of a waterfall. The river to her left gurgled peacefully over boulders, disappearing into the jungle and traveling to some unknown destination.

  "I've never seen such splendor. It's so beautiful.” She panted out the words. The exertion of the ride added to her awe, making it difficult to catch her breath.

  Brenimyn's mouth quivered into a shy smile. “Not as beautiful as you, Jahara.” Reaching over, he brushed the hair from her face. “Come, there are many people waiting for us."

  Riding the horses along the sandy bank of the lake, they dismounted near a large group of people. A naked man took the reins from her, promising to walk the horses until they cooled. The stallion bucked as she handed him off, but with a touch of his hand along the animal's heaving flanks, the stallion settled and trotted happily beside him. Another breeder with gifts?

  Jahara stood in stunned silence, unable to assimilate everything.

  People, nearly fifty in all, greeted Brenimyn with a familiarity borne of years of friendship. Men and women ran to welcome the man standing proudly by her side as if they had been waiting for him. Though Brenimyn didn't introduce her, they all seemed to know her. Rather than embracing her, they bowed and greeted Jahara by name. The evident admiration from strangers was a little overwhelming. Much like her first day at the clinic.

  A lanky man with ebony skin greeted Brenimyn. “I'm glad you made it, dear friend,” he said. His hand pumped Brenimyn's, even as his other wrapped around him and pulled him into an embrace. “And this is the honorable Jahara?"

  "Sebastian, this is the woman I've told you about."

  "Brenimyn didn't mention your beauty.” Sebastian leaned in and kissed her cheek. “The man keeps his secrets well."

  Brenimyn cleared his throat. “Sebastian, I'm worried about the time.” Brenimyn looked up to the sky, shielding his eyes from the bright light washing over them. “It's getting late. Perhaps we should get started."

  "Don't be foolish, there's still time to relax. People can wait.” Sebastian lifted his hand and the gathering crowd dissipated, leaving the three of them standing in relative solitude on the warm sand. “And there are still others who have yet to arrive. Word traveled fast throughout the Garden. There'll be a large crowd today.” He seemed suddenly serious. “But we've been careful not to raise suspicions."

  "I anticipated that would be the case.” Brenimyn drew a deep breath and rubbed his palms down his thighs. “Perhaps Jahara and I will take some private time.” His eyes darted about the scene, studying everything but her.

  "One must have priorities, Brenimyn.” Sebastian's unwavering gaze swept Jahara from head to toe. “Go find a quiet spot to enjoy your mid-day meal."

  "It was a long ride. A quick bite perhaps. We should start the meeting before the sun reaches its zenith. There's much to do today."

  "And still plenty of time, Brenimyn. Don't rush. Perhaps you'll take this opportunity to relax and give yourself completely to this beautiful creature. You have too much self control for your own good."

  Brenimyn choked and Sebastian slapped him on the back. The deep roll of the man's laugh relaxed Jahara, even as Brenimyn seemed to bristle at his words.

  "Sebastian, isn't there some business you must attend to before the gathering?"

  "If you insist, but what needs to be done involves you. I didn't plan to bother you with it until later. But if you insist on doing it now,” Sebastian turned to Jahara, “may I steal your mate to address some breeding concerns?” It was
a rhetorical question and he didn't wait for a response. Sebastian pushed Brenimyn toward a group of men gathered on the edge of the lake. “I won't keep him long,” he called over his shoulder.

  Jahara searched for someone to talk with. A squeal from the grass captured her attention. A pregnant woman collided into the arms of a man on the beach. They kissed passionately and the man's pleasure at her arrival was immediately apparent to anyone near. Jahara turned away, not wanting to witness the intimacy of their reunion.

  "Jahara."

  Jahara was relieved to see Ishawny approach.

  "Jahara, I'm so glad to see you.” She kissed Jahara's cheek. “I thought you'd contact me to schedule another breeding session, but Brenimyn told me you've been quite ill. I've been worried."

  "Brenimyn told you I was ill?” Confusion turned to anger and rose up to sit burning on her cheeks. He told her Ishawny was no longer available. What was going on with all the stories? What else had Brenimyn lied about?

  "Ohhh...” Ishawny nodded in understanding. “That kind of sick. Don't be ashamed, Jahara. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.” She leaned in close to Jahara's face. “Many first time breeders develop a sickness that can last until their first menstruation.” She winked.

  The guide misunderstood the color in her face. “No, I..."

  "Really you don't need to explain it to me. As a guide, I've seen it all. I'm just happy it wasn't my services that displeased you."

  Jahara laid her hand gently on Ishawny's arm. “No, you were wonderful. It is Brenimyn who's left much to be desired."

  The guide's face contorted in confusion. “Yes, well if that's the case, my partner is also here if you would like our services before the gathering."

  Brenimyn loped away from the group to join them. “Ladies.” He greeted the breeding guide with kisses on her cheeks. “It's good to see you, Ishawny."

  "And you also, Brenimyn. I was just telling Jahara how well she looks."

  "Yes, I'm happy to have her out. This is her first visit to the lake.” He snaked his arm around Jahara's waist, pulling her close. “There are many enjoying their time, perhaps we should do the same?” He turned to Ishawny. “You will excuse us?"

  "Of course, I must find my partner anyway. He was brokering some recreation for us as well."

  Brenimyn led Jahara away from the beach. “Perhaps we can find a quiet place to picnic away from the crowd?” He led her through the tall grass, avoiding the paths others had made. Sounds of lovers enjoying the warmth of the sun and each other filtered through the vegetation. She wasn't sure if she was disappointed or angry he'd brought her here. There would be no privacy. No interlude away from the cameras. Cameras were bad enough. Copulating in public was simply out of the question.

  Brenimyn found a secluded spot and tamped down the grass. Lifting the pack off her back, he opened it, laying out first a blanket, then the containers of food he'd brought. He pulled off his tunic, his skin glistened with a sheen of sweat, emphasizing the fluid movements of his muscles. Jahara experienced no sense of arousal as she had on the ride through the jungle. Irritation mixed with confusion kept her from enjoying this time with him.

  With a nervous smile, he invited her to sit next to him.

  It was then the dam holding her emotions broke and spilled forth a tidal wave of anger Jahara could no longer control.

  "Where on earth have you brought me, Brenimyn?” She looked down at him, her hands fisted on her hips. “And for what purpose?"

  "Jahara, please, lower your voice."

  "My voice? There are people copulating everywhere.” She swept her arm in a wide arc. “They have no regard to privacy and you ask me to lower my voice? It doesn't seem there are any secrets here at the lake. Except those you keep.” She pressed her thumbs to her eyes, trying to control the emotions burning behind her eyes. “Now I demand to know what's going on here and what Sebastian meant by giving yourself completely to me and why you told Ishawny I was ill? I want the truth this time or I will mount that horse and ride it all the way back to my residence.” She pointed a shaky finger at the beach. “Lying doesn't suit you, Brenimyn."

  He shot to his feet and stood over her. His eyes turned to cold slits of ice. “Lie to you, Jahara? You're a fine one to talk. You speak of my deceit, yet all that has occupied your thoughts today is your precious Merenith and the commitment you made to her.” He lifted her hand and shook the ring in her face. “You speak of love only in the confines of our bedroom. You've made it quite clear that I am nothing more than a breeder to you.” Charged air vibrated through his lips. “The vision is all wrong."

  She wanted to defend herself, to tell him the thoughts had been private, but his statement about a vision had thrown her.

  "I was so sure you were the one.” Brenimyn rubbed his fingers over the stubble on his chin. “But you're like every other woman who's chosen me. You want my life essence, not my love. Well, I'm glad I've kept that from you."

  "You said you love me.” The words slid over her tongue with icy calm. “You don't keep that from me ... but your life essence?” Understanding dawned when Brenimyn slumped with guilt. “I'm not pregnant because you don't give that part of yourself to me. You expect me to give everything to you, trust me, you said mind, body and heart, yet the one thing that's most important to me—you withhold.” His declaration had sliced her heart and she turned away for fear Brenimyn would see how it had made her bleed.

  "No.” Grabbing her, he spun her back to face him. “It's not like that."

  "Not like what, Bren? Not like you pretended to be upset over the fact I hadn't conceived? Not like you don't trust me? Tell me, Bren. What is it then?"

  His bitter laugh surprised them both. “Yeah, it's all that, Jahara. Forgive me for not trusting you, but you haven't exactly been an open book when it comes to your own feelings. You have no idea what I've been through. You don't understand how I've been waiting for a vision from my youth to be fully realized.” The tension coiled in his muscles turned them to steel as he crossed his arms over his chest. “More than that ... forgive my heart. I have loved you for so long, it's clouded my thinking. You haven't been able to admit you love me, yet you stand there accusing me of duplicity? How could I trust you with my life essence? How could I trust you with my offspring? Perhaps it is best if you leave.” Pain banked in his eyes, but he stood his ground.

  They had lied to each other. Both of them were culpable. Perhaps now was the time to end all the deceit. Perhaps this was the place to bear her soul and let go of the guilt about Merenith, about her uncertainty over him. It had all become such a burden over the past few weeks.

  She reached for him, her tentative fingers grazing the arm protecting his shattered heart. His muscles flexed and his breath hissed through his teeth. She drew back, fearful he might explode from her touch. “Brenimyn. It's all so confusing.” His shoulders relaxed. “You, this place, the strangers who know me,” she paused, afraid to utter the word, “Merenith."

  Pain turned to misery in his eyes. He gathered her to him. “This isn't confusing.” Brenimyn's mouth devoured hers. The silk of his tongue parted her lips and plunged in to take possession of her. Her world spun and Jahara realized he had scooped her into his arms.

  Setting her on the blanket, he covered her body with his. She didn't have time to think, no time to fight him. She couldn't gather her thoughts. Her body reacted to his before she could stop it.

  His arousal pushed into her thigh and Jahara moaned in a sudden desperate need to make love with him. The rest of the world melted away and there was only Brenimyn. She was as weightless and free as the clouds floating in the azure sky.

  Kicking away his breeches, Brenimyn's hands moved over her, all but ripping the clothes from her body. There was a desperate urgency in his touch she'd never experienced.

  He laved his tongue over her breast, feasting on the sensitive nipple. Nipping at her flesh, his teeth sent jolts of current crackling through her body, making her tremble. When his h
and parted her thighs, Jahara knew he could feel the liquid desire slick on her skin. He moaned out his pleasure and plunged his fingers deep into her before dragging them up her folds to circle her clit. His onslaught brought on an orgasm so intense, she arched her back in wild abandon, writhing against the assault of his hand on her body. Jahara had thought her anger had quelled her need. Obviously, that wasn't the case.

  He rolled her on her stomach, not giving her time to recover from the first climax before plunging his cock into her pulsing depths. He held her hands above her head, rocking deeper with each thrust of his hips.

  She tilted her hips, feeling him pound into her. His flesh slapped against hers as he increased the tempo. Brenimyn's cock stretched her beyond anything she'd ever experienced. He'd never taken her from behind with such a desperate need to love her and she'd never felt so desired. His breathing became labored moans. His thrusts grew more powerful. She kept her hips still, letting Brenimyn carry them both into the mindless quake of elation.

  Though Brenimyn shuddered in orgasm, Jahara knew he hadn't given up his life essence. He continued to drive himself into her until another orgasm convulsed her muscles, squeezing him tight. When they had drawn out the bliss to its end, he fell on top of her, his body comfortably heavy on her back. His heart pounded between her shoulder blades, his shaky breath hot on her cheek. Sliding off her, he let his head rest on her shoulder, his leg flung across hers. Brenimyn snuggled her closer. She was too spent to move off her stomach. In the last few weeks, she'd stopped waiting for the sense of loss her climaxes brought. But the contentment she felt at that moment was so complete it engulfed her.

  "That, Jahara, is not a lie. I love you. It's all you need to understand right now. The rest I will explain later."

  She found the energy to roll so they were stretched out face to face. Cupping his cheek, she kissed him gently. “There's so much we both need to talk about. Today, in this place, with the openness surrounding us, maybe we can let go and trust each other.” She wanted to say she loved him, but speaking those words aloud would make her betrayal of Merenith complete and Jahara was sure she wasn't ready for that.