ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  “Ah… what coffee shop?”

  “At the marina. It was good coffee, but hellishly expensive.”

  “Amari, I don’t understand.” His confused gaze, his frown, all made Amari stop. Something was wrong.

  “Paul, what’s the last thing you remember?”

  “When, today?”

  “No, at the weekend.”

  “I…uh…” he frowned. “I got up, took the Morgan into the mountains…”

  “What about us?” Panic was rising in her chest. “What about the… the uh… supercharged vee-eight?”

  “Supercharged? I wish. No, the Morgan’s normally aspirated.”

  “Oh, Paul…”

  “Amari, you sound confused. What happened to you? When you weren’t at work on Monday…”

  “So you don’t remember anything about the um…” she fought to remember the names she’d seen at the marina—any of them. But they’d gone, turned to mist.

  “Would you be willing to try hypnotic regression?” he asked. “It works on some of my other patients.”

  “I think I need a hug.”

  “A hug?” He blinked, as if the idea was alien to him.

  “Please. Just one hug.”

  “If it’ll help. But quick, though. I need to get back to my surgery. I have a confused woman who thinks her dog can talk.”

  “If that was my only problem, I’d be happy,” Amari murmured. Paul leaned close and Amari wrapped her arms around him, holding tight.

  “Hey…” He staggered and almost fell onto the bed.

  “I feel so lost right now.”

  “If you have amnesia, that’s perfectly understandable.”

  “I feel as if I’ve lost everything, maybe everyone.”

  “Everyone? You weren’t much of a socializer, if I remember.”

  “Not until recently. I thought I’d found someone special, someone exciting.”

  “Oh? What happened to him?”

  “He hardly knows me.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” His duty fulfilled, he began to ease out of the hug. Amari slackened her grip, letting her hands slide across his shoulders, then down his arms. When her fingers encountered the scab on his upper arm, she froze.

  “Something wrong?” he asked.

  “Where did you get this?”

  “What? He turned his arm over and peered at the small scratch. “No idea. Maybe when I was servicing the Morgan. Do you think I should sue?” He grinned, then twisted his mouth. “Which reminds me, someone took a shitload of money from my account on Saturday. Fucking fraudsters spent it on a joyride in a new Jaguar.”

  “But you were out driving your Morgan on Saturday?”

  “Definitely. I remember it clear as day. I was nowhere near the city.” He frowned, as if an elusive memory had teased him. “Nowhere near the city…”

  “Oh, Paul…”

  “Are you going to be all right?”

  “I guess I’ll have to be.”

  “If you need a friend, or someone to talk to, come round after surgery and we can chat, yeah?”

  Amari nodded. “That’d be nice.”

  “Maybe we could grab a coffee, or something.”

  “Or something. Sure.” She watched Paul hurried out, oblivious to their shared adventure. For a few days, Amari had loved his company, his humor and the promise of sharing a bed with him. But someone had taken that away with a single scratch to the arm.

  “Maybe I could start again, get him back…” But the moment she spoke, images of a dark and cozy bedroom teased the edges of her memory. Warmth flooded her body and she remembered she had no need to romance Paul. She could get everything she needed aboard Demeter, any time she liked. The only price would be a small scar or two on her arms.

  We will always be here for you, Amari, a soft voice said. It is you who keeps me young.

  * * *

  THE END

  bonus stories #6

  The Quantum Society

  The Pledge

  BOOK 2

  By: Dagny Rand

  The Quantum Society

  Book 2

  Estelle sat up with a jolt as a warning touched her awareness. Someone was approaching the Demeter, someone who had no business here.

  Last time this particular visitor had come calling, the business had been very pleasant—but she shouldn’t have returned.

  She couldn’t.

  It was impossible.

  Estelle rose to her feet, securing the white bikini top in place. From the sundeck of the yacht, she could see Amari’s small figure striding determinedly toward the Demeter. Behind her, four mortals moved aboard Gull’s Tones, a name they no doubt considered amusing. But at least they were minding their own business.

  Estelle lingered out of sight as Doctor Ratchek approached the yacht and was stymied by the raised gang plank. Estelle had no doubt the doctor had been planning a clandestine survey of the yacht, eager to satisfy her mortal curiosity.

  But why had she returned? Surely Vane had compelled her to forget everything she knew about the yacht? She thought back to the moment her master had climbed out from between Amari’s legs and fixed her with his dark eyes. Estelle’s skin tingled at the memory of their play. Something about lying down beside the naked Amari thrilled her. Watching Vane ravish this mortal doctor had excited her beyond any normal tryst.

  Yes, she remembered. Vane had instructed her never to return to the yacht, or La Casa del Diablo, the nightclub which supplied most of Vane’s prizes. He’d also insisted she forget how Amari acquired the small scars on her wrists, the only evidence that some of her mortal blood had been extracted.

  And yet, here she was.

  Only one woman in over a century had defied Vane’s compulsion. Estelle smiled at the memory of her overwhelming urge to track down the grand wooden sailing ship that had been Vane’s second Demeter. She’d sold every jewel in her possession to buy passage aboard a steamer that allowed her to overtake the grand relic, and meet Vane when he next made port at Madrid. He’d been shocked by her determination, and dismayed by the obsolescence of sail power. A year later, he’d replaced the wooden ship with a new steamer, which also bore the name Demeter.

  Now, as she stood aboard her master’s sixth ship, Estelle empathized with Amari’s eagerness to seek Vane. The doctor stood thirty feet below, wringing her hands, wondering if she ought to leap for the gang plank, or seek help in boarding the yacht.

  Estelle was likewise conflicted. If Amari were to be denied entry now, she would return time and again until she was successful, or the Demeter’s peculiar attraction drew the attention of others. Already, her colleague and possible lover watched from afar, denied entry to the dock by the security gates. He would need to be dealt with, and soon.

  Amari turned and walked away. Estelle thought quickly. If she waited, Amari might return better prepared, and with others. Better to bring her aboard now, whilst she was vulnerable and alone.

  “Amari,” Estelle called out. “How wonderful to see you again.” Amari turned, to see Estelle waving. “Won’t you come aboard?”

  “I… maybe later,” Amari called back. Estelle sensed her mortal fear, and the realization she might be in beyond her depth. As the doctor backed away, Estelle called upon the gift Vane had bestowed upon her—once she’d gained his trust.

  “Amari… come aboard.” Her low tone stiffened Amari’s limbs. Mortal legs twitched; pliant muscles shifted unwilling feet toward the huge yacht. Yet she resisted. Estelle was impressed by her mental strength.

  “Amari… I insist.” Power flooded Estelle’s chest and poured out, enveloping the hapless mortal woman below.

  Amari complied.

  She had no choice.

  ~

  With the gangplank lowered, Amari complied with Estelle’s commands, but her mind was as elusive as a handful of elvers. Once aboard, however, Demeter restored her awareness of fleshly pleasures, and of bodily fluids both spilt and exchanged. Awareness returned to Amari’s w
ide eyes and Estelle was able to release the woman, confident she no longer wished to flee. Amari’s eyes searched the dark room in which they stood, and she questioned her own hesitancy, her reluctance to step aboard. The thoughts swirled around her head, as tangible as wisps of smoke.

  “Because you were instructed not to.” Estelle answered Amari’s unspoken question. She walked slowly and deliberately toward the confused Amari, crossing her feet and throwing out her hips. “And yet, here you are,” she continued. “The only one of our delights to return to us.” She walked slowly around Amari, trailing fingertips along exposed collarbones, across bare back. The memory of mortal skin was delicious. Much as she loved Vane, human flesh still enticed her. “I’m delighted to see you again, and yet I’m troubled.”

  “Troubled?” Amari echoed.

  “Your return should not have been possible.”

  “I wanted to return,” Amari explained.

  “For what purpose?” Estelle peered into Amari’s eyes, searching for deceit.

  “I… wanted to…” Amari frowned. “I needed…”

  “Yes?”

  “I needed more.”

  “Bravissimo!” Estelle applauded lightly.

  Amari grinned with relief. Estelle turned at the sound of heavy footsteps. The sullen form of Burns appeared in the doorway.

  “Tell Vane that one has returned,” Estelle said without turning.

  “The master will not wish his sleep to be interrupted,” Burns argued.

  “This is important enough to wake him for.” She half-turned her head, but kept her eyes on Amari.

  “As you wish.” The big man melted silently into the shadows.

  “Perhaps, Amari…” Estelle smiled mischievously. “… You would like to become reacquainted with Vane?”

  “I wish I could remember him…” Amari said wistfully.

  “You will, my child. You will.” She reached for Amari’s hand, which was still cold from the sea air. Sensual memories swirled around Amari’s mind, stirring heat between her legs. Estelle smiled as similar feelings shivered through her own body.

  “You are already enjoying your return?” She stroked Amari’s wrist as she led the mortal woman into the shadows, entering a cabin which promised exquisite pleasures. Elusive memories of pleasure crowded Amari’s mind. Her brow wrinkled as she fought to remember what had happened to her.

  “You have been returned to us,” Estelle explained. “As have your memories. In a moment, all will be remembered.”

  “It’s starting to come back. I can remember… being naked?”

  “We were both naked.” Estelle pulled down one white bikini strap, then another. “Would you like to see?”

  Amari seemed uncomfortable. “I’d prefer to wait for the guys—if you don’t mind.”

  Estelle shrugged, but didn’t fix her straps. She was in no hurry. As Amari stood in the center of the room, Estelle circled her, counting out the moments, trailing soft fingertips across Amari’s delicious soft skin. And with each circuit, one of the four dress straps slid down Amari’s arms, until only the tight bodice held the dress in place. Estelle’s fingers toyed with the zipper, drawing it down an inch at a time. Casually, Estelle slipped off her bikini top, and by the time Vane appeared in the doorway, Amari’s dress was fully unzipped. Estelle was already topless. Vane leaned casually against the doorframe, wearing only a robe tied loosely at the waist.

  “So it’s true,” Vane said softly. “You’ve returned to us.” His eyes met Estelle’s.

  Amari’s voice was uncertain. “Everybody keeps saying that as if it’s some kind of miracle.”

  “Something akin to a miracle, yes.”

  Estelle leaned close to Amari’s ear. “You see, darling, you’re the first one in a hundred… sixteen years?” Vane nodded. “No-one in that time has ever broken the compulsion.”

  “What compulsion?”

  “Not to return to us. You see…” Estelle peeled the dress away from Amari’s body, leaving her topless. “We prefer fresh blood, the fresher the better.”

  Amari’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve been doing this for over a hundred years?”

  “Over three hundred for me,” Vane said with a smile.

  Amari took a deep breath before speaking again. “And what happened? The last time someone came back, a hundred sixteen years ago?”

  “Why…” Estelle kissed Amari’s neck. “She stayed, never to leave.”

  “You?” Amari asked. “You’re the one?”

  “My need was so strong, I was unable to leave.” Estelle smiled at the memory. She glance at Vane, who was also smiling.

  “They wouldn’t let you?” Doubt crept into Amari’s voice.

  “I didn’t want to. I never do.”

  “And what will happen to me?”

  “That…” Vane said. “…is entirely in your hands.”

  “If I do leave, will you make me forget?”

  “If you step off the Demeter, you will forget.”

  “But I’ll still want to come back?”

  “If you returned to us once, you will be drawn irrevocably to us.”

  Amari frowned. “I remember bits of last night.”

  “That is natural. The Demeter holds your memories when you depart, and returns them to you upon your return.”

  “The ship remembers what happened?” Amari stared. Vane shrugged, as if such a phenomenon was normal.

  “Do you remember good things?” Estelle asked silkily. She knew it was nothing to do with the ship, per se. More to do with Demeter’s precious cargo.

  “Only good things.” Amari smiled. She pushed down the dress, revealing her lacy panties.

  “This was worth getting up for.” Vane moved into the room, smiling. Artificial candlelight touched his face, highlighting his restored skin.

  “Let the memories return,” Vane said. Estelle massaged Amari’s shoulders patiently, encouraging the doctor to relax.

  “You look like the old guy who brought me from La Casa,” she said at last.

  “And thanks to you, I am no longer he.” Vane spread his hands.

  “You’re him? But younger?” Amari asked. Estelle smiled at the mortal woman’s confusion.

  “Precisely.”

  “But how is that possible?”

  “Your medicine would refute such a miracle of old magic, but the evidence stands before you.”

  “If you wish,” Estelle suggested. “Vane would be happy to remind you.” She pressed her lips against Amari’s neck and her cheek. Her hands teased Amari’s nipples to hardness. The doctor offered no protest. Instead, she let her head fall back as she groaned quietly. Vane’s robe fell open, to reveal his swollen member. Estelle purred at the sight, and reached for him. Her fingers closed around the shaft, concealing less than half. When she squeezed, he hissed, and a deeper color filled the head.

  Vane reached for Amari, embracing her, and trapping Estelle’s hand between the pair. When he raised an eyebrow, she withdrew, sliding her hand around Amari’s waist instead. Vane’s lips touched Amari’s, his mouth already opening. His tongue sought hers, swirling, flicking, teasing. She sighed and melted into his arms. His firm hands caressed her back. Estelle stroked her buttocks, lifting and squeezing until Vane lowered the mortal woman onto the bed, spreading her arms and her legs wide.

  From the shadows, other forms emerged, ready to sate their thirst. The huge form of Burns was the first one to press his mouth to Amari’s wrist, sucking at the dark blood that emerged. Lucy, a slim blond from Finland, bit into the other exposed wrist. Others, people who had been part of Vane’s original sailing-ship crew, waited patiently for their turn. Estelle hovered close to Vane, sucking on hardening feminine nipples as her master slid into Amari’s slippery passage. Estelle smiled as the doctor cried out in time to Vane’s thrusts.

  “I would ask you to attend to another problem, Estelle.”

  She stared. “At this very moment, Master?” The orgy was in its early stages. Was she to be exclu
ded so quickly?

  “This moment is better than any that will follow.”

  “What would you have me do, Master?” Estelle asked softly as she backed away from the soft, shaking breasts that still shone with her saliva.

  “This woman was accompanied, was she not?”

  “I… yes. By another doctor.”

  “A man?”

  “Yes. He waits at the entry gate.”

  “I would ask you to deal with this man. We cannot allow him to wonder what became of his colleague.” Vane maintained his gentle thrusts as he spoke, forcing soft moans from Amari’s throat. Her eyes were closed and she seemed blissfully unaware of Vane’s orders concerning her partner.

  “You would have me seduce him, Master?” Estelle raised an eyebrow.

  “Deal with him in any way that pleases you. He must not remember anything about this day—or the events which led him to us.”

  Estelle smiled and rose to her feet. “As you wish it, Master.” She turned and moved toward the door.

  “Estelle?”

  “Yes, Master?”

  “Some decorum would be advisable.” When his eyes settled on her bare breasts, she laughed softly.

  “Of course.” Her bikini top was still in the next room. She secured it around her chest as she hurried out into the sunlight. Behind her, Vane’s thrusts changed, becoming quicker. Amari cried out her love for him, and begged him to never stop.

  “I love you, Vane. I love the way you make me feel. I want to be in your arms forever,” Amari cried. Estelle remembered uttering almost identical words over a hundred years ago as she lay beneath him.

  “Then you may come to me whenever you wish, my dear.” She wailed as his body hammered against hers, shaking her breasts and driving deep, satisfied grunts from her chest.

  A tingle of regret twisted Estelle’s stomach as she walked away from the sex. She always enjoyed being with Vane when he made love, even if she wasn’t the primary recipient. But he’d tasked her with an important duty. She needed to find Amari’s partner and ensure he told no-one about Demeter, or Amari’s presence aboard.

  From the upper deck, she peered toward the security gate. A tall and striking man was pacing back and forth, wringing his hands.