by Ciara Lake
“Need I remind you who I am?” Jax grew taller as his temper flared.
“Oh, shut up, merperson.” Amuliana pointed at him. Jax grabbed his gut again in renewed pain. “Where’s your daddy now?” She glanced around. “Oh, he’s not here.” She shrugged. “Too bad.”
“What are you doing to him? Stop it.” Tabitha stepped around Jax.
“Or what?” Amuliana’s face contorted into an ugly mask. “What can you do?”
“You’re hideous, surely you’re a demon or a fiend of some kind.”
“How dare you challenge me, you insolent Forsaken. You need to fall on your knees before me. You need to be taught a lesson, as does your lover. Down on your knees, kiss the pavement at my feet.” She pointed to Tabitha.
“No, stop it, don’t hurt her.” Jax growled as he collapsed, falling to the ground.
“Stop,” Tabitha yelled, trying to hold him up. Jax was limp against her. Amazingly, Tabitha was unaffected by Amuliana’s anger.
“Why don’t you crumble, you bitch?” Amuliana hissed. “Down on your fucking knees, now.”
“Stop, don’t hurt Jax. Leave us alone.” Tabitha tried to pull Jax up. Jax whimpered as he struggled to help himself.
“What is this?” Amuliana shouted. “Why don’t you succumb to my power?” She held herself with haughtiness, her shoulders were held back, her chin up. Then she rose up into the air, hovering over them. “You have a peculiarity about you. Something in you that I don’t recognize. What are you? Who are you?” she screamed. Her voice was shrill. “Answer me. What are you?” A dark reddish haze surrounded her. “Tell me, bitch, tell me how you resist me. Or I’ll make you suffer irreparable harm.”
“It’s none of your business. She’s nothing for you to worry about.” Jax groaned.
“So brave your lover.” She cackled. “Not brave, truly stupid.”
“Go away, you’re wicked.” Tabitha waved her hand toward Amuliana. A flash of light came from Tabitha’s hand, sending a current of energy directly at Amuliana.
The goddess was blasted with a bluish light. Amuliana screamed again, this time in agony. Her reddish haze dimmed then disappeared. A sizzling noise came out of her mouth. Then her expression altered to one of shock. Tabitha moved her hand again and Amuliana was slammed into the brick building behind her. The sound of her flesh hitting concrete echoed in the alleyway. Amuliana coughed as if she was choking.
“I said leave us alone. Did you hear me, witch?” Tabitha said.
The invisible force pushed Amuliana up the side of the building then dropped her.
“Don’t ever hurt me or someone I love again or I’ll do worse to you.” Tabitha became engulfed in a blue light. She shook with rage. Her eyes were silver orbs, rivaling Amuliana’s black ones. As Tabitha watched the shriveling goddess crawl on the ground, her blue illumination darkened to a deeper indigo. “Now leave us.” Tabitha’s voice was deep in tone, and it vibrated in the alley.
Amuliana’s reddish aura faded. Jax’s pain had dissipated—he’d recovered while watching the incredible show. What he’d seen left him speechless.
He touched Tabitha’s shaking body. “My mate, you have more than astonished me. Let’s get out of here.” Taking Tabitha’s hand, Jax slipped back to the apartment.
“Jax, are you okay?” Tabitha asked. He leaned against her as she helped him to the sofa. Jax stumbled, nearly falling into her. They both plopped down on the sofa. “You don’t look good.”
“I’ll live. That’s the thing, I’ll hurt like hell, but it takes a whole lot to kill me. It’s the beauty of being immortal.” He softly laughed as he relaxed back into the seat.
“What did she do to you?” Tabitha pushed his hair off his forehead, feeling his face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“The question is what did you do to her?” He met her beautiful gaze. Her eyes had returned to their warm blue. “I’m amazed by what I witnessed.”
“I don’t know.” Tabitha shook her head. Her complexion and hair had returned to normal too. “I got mad, a burning rage overcame me like never before, and. . .well, you saw what happened.”
“Yes, I did, and if I hadn’t been bent over in excruciating pain, I would have laughed my head off. It was great to see Amuliana get some of her own medicine. You’re my hero.” He pulled her closer and kissed her. “Wow, I’m impressed.” He stroked her hair.
“Are you feeling better now?” She pulled back to look at him.
“Yes, my recovery is swift. Another perk to being immortal.” He pushed her hair back over her shoulder. “You were sweet the way you cared for me when I was hurting, the way you protected me. I’ve never had anyone do such a thing for me. My parents would, I’m sure, but they haven’t had to. This was the first time Amuliana came at me like that. She’s afraid of my father.”
“As she should be.” Tabitha’s hand traveled up his leg. His penis twitched and grew. “Maybe it was because of me that she came after you like she did.”
“No, I made her angry the other day.” He shrugged. “She’s dangerous and reckless.”
“Let’s stop talking about the evil witch.” Tabitha sat on his lap. Her soft bottom cushioned his enlarging cock. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”
“No.” He hugged her. “You make me feel much better.”
“Good.” She gently moved, settling herself in his arms.
“The problem is Amuliana isn’t a witch, she’s a goddess with evil friends.”
“She has friends?” Tabitha made a goofy face.
“If you can call them friends. They’re more like fiends. They all have a common goal—to do evil, to cause chaos. Some other gods secretly back her.”
“Why?”
“They like chaos.” He shook his head. “They get a kicks out of other’s suffering. Some of her friends aren’t gods, they’re just unsavory beings who are very powerful in their own way.”
“Like?” Tabitha played with his hair.
“Her son Faryll, for one. He takes pleasure in inflicting pain. He does her dirty work. Also, Amuliana is friendly with the three sisters.”
“Who are the three sisters?” Tabitha leaned her head against his shoulder.
“They’re sorceresses of great power, lesser goddesses. Their magic is dark, twisted. They assist Amuliana.”
“There’s so much to fear in this world. So much I was unaware of.”
“Yes, mortals live ignorant to what’s around them. Good thing, otherwise they’d be slaves to their fear. Mortals are so fragile.” He stood up with her in his arms.
“Oh, don’t hurt yourself.”
“I’m feeling much better.” He demonstrated by kissing her passionately. He carried her to their bedroom.
Tabitha giggled. “Where are you taking me?”
“Where do you think?” He kissed behind her ear. “I’m taking you to our bed.”
“Yes, you do need a proper rest, the bed is the perfect place.”
“I’m fine.” Jax kissed her neck. “I want to make love to my mate. Loving you will help me with my full recovery.” He winked. When they reached the side of the bed, he tossed her down. Bouncing on the mattress, she laughed. “I want you so much, I ache.” He rubbed his cock through his pants. “See?” He molded the material around his growing flesh. Tabitha watched him, then she moved closer to the edge of the bed.
“It’s so big. I like it. Is it for me?” She laid back on the pillows, her long hair surrounding her.
“Yes, you make my blood heat like nothing else.” He grinned at her as he continued to handle himself. He unzipped his pants, allowing his penis to spring into his grasp.
“Impressive.” She licked her lips and reached for him.
“Come here then or I’ll come to you.” He climbed onto the bed, hovering over her. “Have I told you how much I want you?”
“Yes, only a moment ago.” She smiled coquettishly. “I want you too.”
“Let’s get rid of our clothes.” As soon as he suggested i
t, they were naked beneath the sheets. The room’s lights dimmed.
She pulled him closer. “I like your tricks.”
“Tricks? Human magicians do tricks.” He lightly slapped her hip. “I have Mer magic.” He kissed her wherever his lips could find.
“I see.” She laughed, kissing him in return. He pulled back from her to kiss her stomach. He rubbed his whiskers against her soft skin, then he licked her belly button. She squirmed, trying to push him away.
“Your kisses tickle.” Tabitha laughed. “It tickles so much.”
“Do you want me to quit?” He stopped.
“Of course not. I love your kisses.” She rose up to capture his mouth with hers. His tongue pushed past her lips.
“I like you playful.” Gently, he tugged her hair. She yelped false objection.
Falling back onto the mattress, they rolled together, touching, kissing. Both trembled. He rolled her onto her back, his legs between hers. She massaged his shoulders, the back of his neck. She kissed his throat, up to his ear.
“You taste delicious,” she said as she pushed his hair off his forehead.
In a quick thrust, he buried his cock within her. Their gazes locked as he held unmoving within her. “You feel so good, tight.”
He pushed harder. Tabitha raised her hips up to meet his. Rocking against her soft body, he increased his pace. The feel of his cock stroking the inside of her pussy sent amazing sensations through him, making him lightheaded. Jax closed his eyes to relish the perfect feel of her and him together.
“I love you, Jax.” Her hands traveled down his back as he pumped into her.
“I love you, Tabitha, my Talise.” His mouth found her breasts, kissing the valley between her full globes. Then he licked her nipples, playfully nipping them. Tabitha giggled.
“That really does tickle.” She squirmed.
“You’re too ticklish.” He held her firm as his cock pushed deeper.
Her eyes flashed silver as he knew his did. Her pussy squeezed his cock, oozing wetness onto their thighs. She made him lose control. Seed spewed from him, filling her. Pulsing energy radiated through them, making them glow with cerulean light.
“I could. . .I could...” Jax threw his head back, growling. He couldn’t speak as another wave of more intense pleasure rode him. “I’ve never. . .” His voice caught in his throat. “I’ve never felt such ecstasy.”
Still trembling, he slammed into her. The bed groaned from the force. Tabitha’s expression told him of her euphoria. Finally spent, Jax collapsed.
Pulling his cock from her, he bumped it against her thigh. “Oh,” he moaned. His cock still extremely sensitive. Rolling over, he pulled Tabitha on top of him. She was quiet as he cradled her in his arms.
“I’m sleepy.” She moved her leg over his thigh, and every part of her seemed to connect with him. She was so affectionate, free with her loving, and nothing could please him more.
“Your skin is silky.” He kissed the top of her head, caressing her soft tresses. Tenderness for the sensual woman in his arms swamped his emotions. “I vow, I’ll never be separated from you. Before you, I merely existed.” He hugged her tighter as his heart swelled.
Chapter 11
“Damn them to their miserable ends. I’ll make the bitch sorry she was ever born,” Amuliana shouted, stomping her foot. The earth quaked. “I’m going to torture them both, then send them to their cursed demise.” An ugly noise escaped from her. Black sulfuric smoke came from her nose and mouth. “I don’t care if Jax is the fucking bastard son of Poseidon. I won’t let it stop me any longer. Everyone who stands with Jax and his whore will rue the day they challenged me. Who does the Forsaken bitch think she is?”
“Don’t you recognize what this girl is?” Hecate rested on her chaise lounge, which served as her throne. A repugnant hunched creature hobbled over to her to refill her wine goblet, the creature never looking into his mistresses’ eyes. Then he backed away, trembling. “You said the bitch glowed blue?”
“Yes.”
“Her power was immense, overpowering you, a goddess?” Hecate’s eyes were red as blood, her face dark as coal.
“Yes.” Amuliana stopped pacing, her hands on her hips. “I hate to think of it, it infuriates me more.” Her body shook. “How dare she assault me.”
“The power you speak of could only come from a power such as mine, or a Jin.” Hecate toyed with her silvery hair, twirling it around her fingers. “Let me think.” She tapped her chin, her fingernail was curved like a claw. “Yes, it has to be a Jin’s power. In fact, I believe it’s a particular Jin’s power.”
“A Jin?” Amuliana fanned her face with her hand. She found a chair to sit. “Please, tell me it’s not a Jin’s power. Where would she get such a power? It’s impossible. Jin’s don’t mingle with Mer or even with a demi-god. Do they? She’s mated with Jax, not a Jin.”
“The girl’s power comes from her father, Zale, the Jin of the Sea. Of course. . .this all makes sense, she’s Serena’s child.”
“How do you know this?” Amuliana jumped up, throwing her arms in the air. A rush of wind blew into the cave making a small black tornado around her. “The child is dead, killed some time ago.”
“Hold your tone and attitude with me, goddess.” Hecate pointed her finger in Amuliana’s direction. “Or I shall demonstrate my powers and you’ll not be happy.”
“Very well.” Amuliana sat back down, and the wind ceased. “I’m upset.” She groaned, lowering her head to her hands.
“I can see you are, but it does you no good with me.”
“Fine.”
Hecate smiled as Amuliana struggled with her temper. “Pull yourself together.”
“I am together.”
“You’d better be.” Hecate’s brow creased with displeasure. “The goddess Persephone told me the child still lived.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You didn’t ask.” She shrugged. “As you know my loyalties are divided. I do adore Persephone. How can I not? She’s my Lord’s wife. And I like you and your vileness.” She cackled. “You’re so entertaining.”
“Shut up. My goal isn’t to be entertaining.” Amuliana frowned.
“If you wish me to shut up, I won’t tell you what you may wish to know.” A gust of chilled air surrounded them.
“Sorry again.” Amuliana looked up at the cave’s rocky ceiling, silently counting. She tapped her toe.
“Still, I’m unsure of what your goal is. I’m not sure you have one, except to cause misery. Which I get my thrills from too.” The goddess of witchcraft took a sip of her wine.
“How could Serena’s child still live? Serena killed the abomination. Didn’t she?”
“No, she didn’t.” Hecate shook her head. “They fooled you. But Serena lost much in the deed. She lost her true love, her child, and her immortal life. She serves Hade’s wife forever as her handmaiden.”
“How do you know of this?”
“Persephone sought my advice as to how to hide the child from you.”
“You’ve kept this from me?”
“Yes, Amuliana, get over it.” She waved her hand in a dismissive manner.
It took all of Amuliana’s self-control to remain cool. She inhaled deeply. “How can I exact my revenge?”
“Hmm.” Hecate sat up. “I think I may be able to help you.”
“I was hoping so.”
“Of course you were.” The sorceress stood. “I would like to benefit too.”
“No doubt you would.” Amuliana nodded.
“I’ll concoct a magical brew to put Talise to sleep.”
“Talise, yes, I do remember the infant’s name.”
“The brew won’t work for long, as her powers are growing. But hopefully, it will work. It isn’t always easy to tell with a Jin’s powers, but she’s not fully Jin.” A full vial materialized on the table next to Amuliana. “After you feed her this concoction, you’ll need to move swiftly. If she should wake you’ll be sorry.�
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“Yes, I’ll move quickly.” Amuliana picked up the vial filled with a clear substance. She held it to the light, examining it closely. “What’s it made of?”
“You need not know all my secrets.” The witch approached her. “Possess someone close to her, and give Talise a drink she’ll never forget.”
“That should be simple.”
“I’m sure you can pull it off. Then you’ll use these.” Hecate held her hands in front of her, and golden shackles adorned with black stones appeared. “These are charmed shackles. The stones are onyx. The onyx is bewitched to mute her powers. When Talise’s feet and hands are in these restraints, she will become defenseless. Then you’ll bring her here, to my torture chamber. We will keep her here, deep within the earth. No one can find her here.”
“Excellent.”
“Yes, it’s excellent.” Hecate nodded. “Her lover will suffer immeasurably. Her abduction will eventually destroy Jax.”
“It sounds fabulous. I’ll hurt her so badly. My revenge will be delightful.” Amuliana laughed. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her flesh. Blood dripped onto the stone floor, sizzling like acid.
“No.” Hecate put up her hand. “You can play with her, but not damage her too much. I’m keeping her here to drain her powers for my own use. You see, a Jin’s powers can replenish, and it does so quickly, so if Talise has the same ability, I will have a continual source of power to supplement my own. I’ll become more powerful than my sisters.”
“What about me?” Amuliana pouted.
“What about you?” Hecate let out a shrill laugh. “You’ll have your revenge, goddess of immortality. Talise will know you’ve done this to her, brought her here to me, caused her great agony. I’ll let you toy with her. Maybe Faryll, your charming son, can find his pleasure with her as well and you can watch.” She smiled wickedly. “She’ll be our slave. It’s a perfect plan.”
“It truly is.” Amuliana clapped her hands, then vanished in a flash of flame and sulfur smoke. “I shall commence with our plans now. I thank you, Hecate.” Amuliana’s voice echoed off the cold stone walls.
