Carved

by Miki

  I raise my eyebrows to my brothers. “They already know!” I must not fail. My job is to succeed.

  “Another issue I do need to address is that the Macbards have been targeted by the Jessup Cartel. The people we call the Edomant are doing what they can to take their lives. This is how the Elite Warrior Guards second in command was shot. Mica was bringing the Macbard family to Navan by way of a portal when a cartel member shot him in the back. We believe he was trying to get to any of the three Macbards. Does anyone have any information at all pertaining to the cartel or any of their attacks?

  A large Ceorfan steps up to the King.

  “Ore, do you have something to say?” The king tells him, motioning for him to come closer

  He nods his head and starts. “Sire, I have been on guard duty at the cave entrance for the last month. A few weeks ago, my partner Jerome and I were patrolling in a canyon a few miles away. He was shot while in his flesh form by the Edomant. I saw several of the Edomant around his body the next day. I’m sorry to announce his death. Jerome is now with the Creator. Flint, of the Elites, helped me take Jerome’s remains to an old burial ground which cannot be entered legally by humans.”

  Ore waits for the murmurs of the crowd to subsided. “Sire, also, a short time after we found Jerome’s remains, he was discovered by Edling Kendra. She then filed a report with the location, with pictures, at the Rangers office.”

  Oh shit! I should’ve put this together. I need to call Darnell off the investigation, so no more questions are brought up and no searches made. What Ore said is… the Ceorfan have a lot of resources. If they know what’s in my reports, these resources are far beyond any I could have imagined.

  I speak up. "King Findare, I can help smooth this situation. It’ll minimize the humans’ chances of finding Navan. We’ve had several dinosaur discoveries in New Mexico. The last thing we want is a team of scientists and media to show up to document a new dinosaur find. I’ll call Wildlife and let them know I was looking over my film and I’m sure it’s a deer. We get these reports often. They won’t want to call out the investigators on a possible deer, to have researchers grumbling over deer finds and their complaints of the valuable time wasted. Is this alright with you, Fin?"

  "Thank you, Edling. That would be most welcome. Our goal is to do everything we can do to keep humans from finding Navan. Thank you, Ore. Jerome will be missed. We will not forget his name. It has been etched in the city many times.

  “Now, Kendra, do you, Jared, or Dana have anything you would like to add?”

  I stand and tilt my head in the affirmative to King Findare. "I would like to say one thing. I’m honored that the Ceorfan people have welcomed my brothers and I into your company. Thank you for your protection and sanctuary. Keeping us safe is something I cannot do without help. We also do not know your ways yet. So, if you will, please forgive us if we misstep. You are very important to us. I thank you for your graciousness."

  Jared stands beside me and nods his agreement. Dana stands on my other side with his eyebrow raised. They both wave their thanks to the crowd as well. As they do, a low roar starts, with a few female catcalls. There may have been a deeper voice or two in that camp as well.

  King Findare takes the podium, raising his hands, "You’re welcome. Your names are also etched in the city. We expect they will be many times over. The three of you are now part of our number. We will protect you as our own! My life is dedicated to your life!

  “Now,” he continues with a twinkle in his eye and an excited undertone, “let’s eat. The feast awaits."

  I watch as the boys bounce off the stage. I laugh as they are surrounded by female gargoyles. I laugh even harder as I see Amber running in their direction.

  Spar is coming toward me. I step off the stage into a pair of muscular arms that immediately surround my waist. I sink into Spar’s chest. I can smell his spicy scent with just a touch of a forest after the rain. Ah, home. I hug him tight and turn to my brothers. "You guys remember Mica told you about the Resurge of David? Well I would like you to both meet Spar."

  All smiles, no judgment. They’re happy to finally meet him for the first time, again. They bump his clawed hand with chuckles. “Come on, let's go get some food before you blow away!” Spar says. We enjoy the laughter, joy and even a grand sexual tension, everywhere. I feel vibrations of the emotions on my skin and watch the excited auras around everyone.

  I’ve eaten until I’m miserable, and bumped paws and claws for hours. A girl can only take so much party.

  Spar gives me the eye. "You want to get some air with me, Kendra?"

  "Let’s go. First, do you mind if we go see Mica? Fin told me he’d been asking for me. I want to make sure he’s okay. What time is it, anyway?"

  "It’s just after midnight, beautiful. You aren't turning into a pumpkin tonight, are you?"

  "No, I want to see that he’s all right my own self."

  "The medical chamber is this way. Let's tell the others we’re leaving so they don't worry."

  Soon we were alone in a sort of hallway. Spar pulled me back, turning me so my back was against the wall. His mouth slowly comes toward mine, giving me plenty of time to back away if the answer was no. The answer is yes, so I stay put. Of course I want to kiss my gargoyle. I push into him at the same time he draws me closer, evidence of his desire pressing into me. He has no problem lifting me, my legs closing around him. I can't even think, much less stand up right now. His skin is smooth and tight from all the muscles. A tingle shoots down my back when he breathes on my neck, making it hard to wait. I don't want to wait. Do gargoyles fuck in the hallway?

  Oh, hell no! Not again! I cannot believe my luck—or lack of it. I throw my head back in an almost defeated motion as a group of drunk partygoers come around the corner into our part of the hall. Thank goodness they’re so loud. Otherwise, they might hear my nonverbal complaining. Spar pulls me behind a large cave formation that, in the heat of the moment, looks like a big dick. Well, excuse me! That’s all I can think of right now.

  He puts a large clawed finger to his lips while grinning at me. By the time the partygoers pass, I can almost think in whole sentences again.

  "Let's go see Mica. Then I have something I want to show you. Sound good?"

  "You better believe it. I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

  He laughs out loud; I love the sound, "Oh, Kendra, I missed you so much."

  He takes me to the big medical chamber.

  I convey to the attending medical personnel a questioning look, without speaking. They understand and wave me on toward Mica's bed. “He’s doing better than expected and should be fine to torp out in his own chamber when the sun rises.”

  I brush a lock of his sandy blond hair from his face. Mica looks at me and takes my hand. Then he turns it over, palm up, and kisses it. He winks at me and falls back to sleep.

  His kiss reaches all the way to my heart. Why do I feel this way? I must love my friend and partner too much. It feels like we’ve known each other for years, not days. I guess I’ll keep him. I’m too attached. Grabbing Spar’s hand as we leave the chamber, I ask him if he thinks he can handle my new partner caring about me and me caring about him. We aren't fair-weather friends, but deep friends, the kind that are there for each other.

  Spar tells me, "Kendra, I’m okay with you having friends. Especially the kind that take a bullet for you. That isn't the first time Mica has saved your life. When you were in the hospital after that nut-job shot you, I was so happy you were alive, but it was an eye-opener. If I lost you before you even knew I was alive… I would wish… I wasn't. You are very tough to have made it through my funeral.”

  Spar is talking as we walk in a direction I have not been before. “Kendra, the Ceorfan probably haven't told you this—there’s so much more that’s important. They’re polyamorous. There are very few women gargoyles when compared to the number of males. They can't go out and have relationships with a human woman either. That’d put the whole gui
ld in jeopardy. When the mages in history took the gargoyles as slaves, they targeted the females to control the population. There are no children here. Even the few females that survived have been unable to produce young. Mica probably doesn't think anything about whether I might be jealous. The Ceorfan don't think that way. Honestly, neither do I. Ever since I was carved that night at the cemetery, I think differently. I received part of Mega's thoughts and was, essentially, reprogrammed. I am a gargoyle. Does that change how you love me?"

  "No, it might change the way I think, but never how much I love you. You’re mine.” Now, glancing around, lost, I ask, “Where are you taking me?"

  "I'll show you."

  We’re almost to the cave entrance when I feel Spar pulse to the sentries. This time I do feel them return the pulse. When we get outside, we both automatically look up at the stars. The night sky is clear; the stars are brilliant tonight. A cool breeze blows my hair across my face. Hmmm, I breathe in the clean country night.

  "Will you fly with me, beautiful?"

  I back up into his chest for an answer. He grabs me and holds me tight, his chest moving against my back as he breathes. He bends forward and bites me softly on the shoulder. I arch into him, moaning my pleasure. Then, tightening his grip, he takes a flying leap and we are in the air.

  “This is amazing!” Flying, plus the way he makes my blood boil. "I'm praying for an eclipse!"

  His chest rumbles with laughter. He understands, what I mean—I want this night to last forever.

  I recognize where we are as Spar sets us down in a canyon: the one where I found the dead Jerome. They were right—I won't forget his name either. I wonder if that’s what they meant by his name being etched in the city? Maybe the 'city' is a generic term for all of us? I’ll need to ask Fin.

  Spar guides me over to the cave opening where I’d seen something glittering. When we go through the opening, I understand that the glimmers were from a pool of clear spring water. Shimmering moonlight is reflecting off the water. Bats quietly click overhead. Raising my gaze, I can tell it’s a round chamber, even in the dark. Stars shine through a big open hole in the ceiling; the bats fly by, contrasted by the moonlit sky. Wild jasmine must grow in here, because the scent is heady. Rocks line the pool. There is even a large rock sticking out of the water, close to the middle. There’s a blanket with a basket on it near the water’s edge. I cut my eyes over at my big blue gargoyle hunk.

  He uses his sexy deep tone, "Where did you think I was before the party? I can only think of you. Is this okay? Are you still okay with me?"

  I may never get this dress wound back up right, but to show him how I feel, I slowly start taking it off. The sandals are already off. "Is the water warm?"

  He sucks in a loud breath as my dress puddles at my feet. Kicking it out of the way, I stick my toes in the water. It is a hot spring. I love water, so I jump in. Coming up out of the water, I see Spar’s aroused nude body dive into the water near me. He comes up under me, kissing my inner thigh. Oh my, that’s so good.

  I reach for him as he surfaces beside me, pulling me to him. Not waiting, I tug myself closer to him and rub my naked body against his. At the same time, my arms wrap around his neck. I draw myself up to his beautiful, full lips. I’m one lucky girl. I rake my fingers through his messy blond hair, pulling it away from his face.

  He puts a big hand on my nipple, tweaking and twisting. He is backing me onto the rock in the middle of the pool. I lean back as he lifts me onto the rock. "I’ve had dreams of having you here, my lovely Kendra," he growls.

  I’m so turned on; the smart-ass comment section of my brain has officially disconnected. I gyrate my hips at him, saying, "I thought I’d never feel like this again. I love you, Spar,” as I move him onto me.

  I have tears leaking out of my eyes. I hope he doesn't see them—he knows me too well. I want to make sure he knows what he’s doing is what I want, so I don't hold back the sound effects. He’s kissing down my body. I know he’s going to make me climax with his mouth. I’m almost there just thinking about it. I’m panting as his mouth hits my clit. I try force him up to me, as hard as I can. "I need you inside me before I cum. Please!"

  He’s inside me as quick as I ask, stretching me. I climax. "Hard this time. We can be easy later.” He is so obliging!

  I scream as my orgasm mounts and expends, like waves breaking on the rocks. Over and over, the waves crash. Spar orgasms soon after. He grabs my limp body, hugging, me close. He kisses me softly. Lifting us both, he pumps his powerful wings and flies us to the blanket.

  Covered with his wing, I snuggle into him. So soft. I feel like I can never get close enough to him. Right now, I’m okay with this close, though.

  "I’ll always love you, Kendra. You are mine."

  "I love you back! You make me feel amazing."

  After a few minutes of just enjoying the feel of him, I sit up. "What’s in the basket handsome?"

  "Go ahead. Open it up, get us something to eat, and pick a wine if you want to, honey. I’m a little thirsty." I can see the happiness in his eyes as he watches my every move. He watches me as if he wants to remember every detail of our night together, as if it were the first time we made love.

  I open the basket and see he brought us two bottles of wine. The first one is one of my favorite fun wines. It is a pomegranate wine bottled in Deming. The other is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. He knows I love wine of all variations from everywhere, and I want to try all of them.

  The rest of the basket consists of raspberries, strawberries, cheese, crackers, and cubes of ham and Angus beef. Yeah, he knows me. I set out the food and pour us each a glass of the Cabernet. The label says it’s, a full-flavored wine with medium body and a rich concentration of fruit.” It will be splendid with everything he brought. How does he do this?

  As we finish eating, I look around. Something’s missing, the one thing David would always bring on trips like this. Maybe in the transition to Spar, he forgot. I’m a little on edge, because I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I’ve always said what I thought. Why should tonight be any different?

  “Where’s the chocolate?” I ask diffidently.

  He laughs, handing me my favorite chocolate truffles. It’s perfect with the pomegranate wine. Contented beyond anything I’ve felt since before David was killed, I lean back against his muscular chest. His heartbeat thrums in my ear, over the sounds of night all around us. I’m content to stay here forever. The boys are safe. Let the world spin on without me and him for a bit.

  "Spar how much time until daybreak?"

  "We have about an hour.” Pausing and breathing deeply, “Kendra, I want to talk to you about the cartel." he tells me, around a large mouthful of truffles.

  I begin to giggle at him for the way he was eating and talking. It’s something David would have never done.

  “I want to make sure you are wearing your bulletproof vest when you’re at work. I know Mica is there. I trust him to take care of you when you’re at work, but just in case, okay? I can't ask you to quit working, I know, but right now you are getting workman's comp and they think you are recovering for a few weeks. I also understand you need the paycheck to make a living and being a Park Ranger is a job you love. I just wish it wasn't so dangerous. Did you get my insurance when I was killed? Is it helping you at all?"

  "Yes, I got the insurance. It was enough to pay for the funeral and a beautiful headstone. Dana made it. It’s the most beautiful headstone I could find. Did you see it?”

  “Yes, but you should’ve saved the money and used it for your living. Heck, a couple of sticks tied together would have been fine with me!” he laughs

  I punch him in the side, hard!

  “Ooopfh.” Then I hear some genuine laughter from him, almost a belly-roll. It’s the first genuinely enthusiastic laughter I have heard since we have been reunited.

  “Anything else,” I continue with another giggle and a rub to the spot I punched him. “There’s not much left. I
don't have to be rich, Spar. I might not have much, but I do just fine. My paycheck is enough. Thank you for asking, and I’ll wear my vest." Laughing, I pinch his nipple, "Just not right now, punk!” My pet name for him is short for punkin’, which was short for my big pumpkin from the early part of our relationship.

  I pack up the basket and pick up my dress. “Okay, yeah, I can't get it back on right, but all the good stuff is covered. You want to torp in my room today? I have to sleep while you’re hard.” I laugh at him.

  He laughs at me back at me, “Yes, I do. Let's go ahead and go now, just to be safe.”

  “Okay, I can feel the pulses when you go and come from Navan, so how do you do the pulse thing?"

  "I’m not sure. I think it is just natural. When they taught me, Mega was in my head. He told me to think who I am and shove the noise at the guards. That’s all I do. It just happens. When they send a pulse back, I feel what they are saying because it feels like motion on my body telling me words. When we get there, concentrate on the way it feels on your skin."

  We take off. He warns me before beginning the pulse code for the guards. I do feel it on my body. It feels like they are smiling too. Okay, that’s strange.

  Spar takes me straight to my chamber. I get out of my dress and hang it in a stone wardrobe with glass doors. My pj's are a tee and sweats that are cut into shorts. Spar, on the other hand, only wears a pair of jeans. Yeah, one lucky girl!

  There’s an area in the corner which is raised like a mini stage. Spar tells me it is time. He goes to the stage stands on it and blows me a kiss as he hardens to stone—beautiful blue marble. I catch the kiss and put it on my heart. Leaning back, I fall into a deep, luxurious sleep in minutes.

  Fourteen

  Queen

  Kendra

  Spar wakes me with a kiss. Well, that’s weird. I slept all day. I guess I needed to catch up. I ask him, "Do you ever wake up with a song in your head? I woke up with Lady Gaga singing, 'That Boy is a Monster.’ After yesternight, yeah, that is how it is. That boy Spar is a monster, and I like it!"