by Renee Field
“Are we done?” asked Darius, rising from the hard, uncomfortable seat, knowing full well his father had made it that way on purpose.
“For now. Seek out Kassandra. And Darius, try to be patient. Her life as she’s known it has been completely altered and changed. She needs time to adjust.” King Sadok grasped another flashing orb that was now darting in front of him.
“I can’t give her what she needs and wants,” said Darius. With that realization his heart constricted.
His father raised his head, ignoring the pulse from the orb. “Are you so sure, son? Look inside your heart. What she needs and wants, you of all Titans, can give her. In fact you are the only one who can make her whole.”
Great, now I’m getting a love lecture from my father. Well, there’s a first time for everything.
“That’s not how she sees things,” he tried to explain to King Sadok. “She wants her life back. She wants to be a human again, and you know that’s not within my power. Plus, I’m not sure it’s safe for her here. Maybe I should have let her...” Darius paused, unable to even say the words. “Besides, this plague is destroying our mardom. Seth seems to be getting worse and Mother...”
“Do not talk of your mother. She will recover and be fine. I will not lose her,” said Sadok, motioning with a wave of his hand that Darius was dismissed.
I hope you’re right, Father. He darted from his father’s dwelling. In his haste he almost slammed into Jamie.
“Ahh, there you are. Kassandra was wondering when you would be finished?” said Jamie, cradling a bundle of newly matured oblats in her arms.
“I just bet she is,” snarled Darius.
“Ahh, you overheard us. Darius, don’t judge me too harshly. This is a decision only she can make. But it is a decision you can certainly help sway,” said Jamie, transferring her bundle to her other arm, offering him a tentative smile.
Having a sister-in-law who is a Sensitive is a bitch. Darius wanted to remain angry at Jamie, but deep down he knew exactly where the fault lay – with him.
“Mercka took her to see the freshling’s play of Sleeping Beauty. I thought it might be a good chance for her to see the younger ones play for a change. You know she’s never seen or held a newborn. Why don’t you join her and then take her to see Ferra’s newborn?”
“Ferra has a newborn?” Darius tried hard to picture the young, perky gardener with a freshling.
“You’ve been gone for quite some time, Darius. Ferra has three freshlings. A little more than five years ago she and Aaron mated. A week ago, she delivered her latest siren. She’s a delight. It would do Kassandra good to see the freshlings. She’s still thinking in human terms, and the idea of carrying twins terrifies her.”
“That’s her and I both.” Darius was alarmed at one moment with the idea of being a father, proud the next. “Thanks, Jamie. I’ll do that.”
“And, Darius, let her use her brain. Don’t be afraid of her powers. Encourage her to embrace them. Trust me, it will makes things go a lot smoother for you both,” she said, once again rearranging her bundle of oblats before gliding away.
“I will save you my love,” said the young Titan. Instead of a sword, the freshling brandished a Triton, and instead of clothing as a costume, he was adorned with a shining shell necklace. His upper body was painted in tattoos that he proudly showed off at every chance.
Kassandra laughed at the young Titan’s antics. Bravely, he surged forward to kill the evil witch. And since none of the freshling Sirens could be convinced to be the evil witch, their guardian – the primary teacher who looked after them during the day – had gamely undertaken the task. Bedraggled with ugly mops of seaweed covering her face, she bent over in pain when the young Titan playfully jabbed at her.
“You are no match for me, ugly witch. Be gone!” shouted the young titan, delivering the witch a fatal blow.
Kassandra couldn’t take her eyes from the stage. Rigged up on what looked like a sunken pirate ship, the young cast of characters had eagerly embraced their roles.
She caught his masculine scent moments before his arms circled her waist to possessively bring her body close to his. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed his touch, his scent, or his body until she allowed her own to be molded to his. The soft, feather-light feel of his breath against her ear caused her to shiver.
“Enjoying yourself?” asked Darius, gently nipping at her ear lobe.
“Shh! Don’t interrupt,” she snapped, with more force in her voice than she meant. She didn’t like how he seemed to take over her body, her mind, and her heart with one touch. It unnerved her. Made her feel vulnerable. And the last thing she wanted was another complication in her life. She wanted more than anything to remain mad at him but with his body holding hers, clarity and reasoning were fleeing.
“As you say, no speaking.” The words were a light breeze in her ear and then he boldly kissed her exposed neck. She couldn’t help the full body shiver. Without a doubt, she knew she shouldn’t have challenged him.
“When this play is over I want to show you something.” Again, his words burned a promise of something decadent. His husky voice was a low sexy note playing in her mind. Kassandra had to forcibly place her hands on her lap to keep her tail from moving in anticipation.
A few minutes later, the entire cast of young characters was assembled in front of the ship. Swaying in motion to the current, they bowed low. The entire audience, made up of family and friends, briskly moved their tails. It was Darius’ voice inside her head telling her that this was part of their custom. The faster the current created, the more the audience had liked the performance. Considering that even Kassandra was starting to feel the wake of the undersea waves, she gathered it was a huge success.
“Come,” he commanded, pulling her up with him when he rose.
She bristled at his commanding tone of voice. Before she could say anything to Darius, Mercka gave her a fierce hug.
“I have to go, Kassandra. Thanks again for coming with me. I promised to help clean up the mess when the play was finished,” she said, winking at Darius as she darted away.
Kassandra wasn’t amused. “Did you make her leave?” she asked, careful to keep her back to him. She wasn’t ready to see his face or those haunting emerald green eyes of his.
“Maybe,” he replied, and she could have sworn she saw his grin in her mind.
Turning her body around, he took the choice away from her. “Please come with me. I want to introduce you to a good family friend.”
The tender look in his eyes undid her. “Sure. That would be nice. And then, Darius, we can...”
But Kassandra didn’t get to finish her sentence. His mouth came down hot and hard on her lips. Demanding. His hands pulled her in tighter. She could feel his heart beating in time with hers. She yearned to run her fingers through his long silky hair and realized she was losing her inner battle. It was like going against the current. Useless. Her fingers grasped his head with a will of their own, bringing him even closer. His ragged groan shook her.
As abruptly as it started, it ended. It was only then she realized that they weren’t alone. The audience, some fifty Sirens and Titans had all stopped their talking to watch. Kassandra felt her face burn in shame.
“This is not your fault, Kassandra,” Darius said. “It is mine. I am their Prince and they have never seen me with a Siren before. By openly embracing you, I have let them know you are my Sokhan. And that is what I want to talk with you about soon. But for now, let’s leave before I forget my true intentions.” He nodded his head to the few Titans who openly grinned at them.
Leaving sounds good. She let him pull her along, not missing the possessive feel of his arm around her midsection. After a short glide they came to what looked like a large garden. At one end of the garden was a small dwelling.
“Ferra, may we enter?” asked Darius. Kassandra knew he asked the words out loud for her benefit.
“Darius, I can’t believe it’s you! Plea
se come in,” said the sweet, very feminine voice on the other side of the dwelling. Kassandra felt instantly jealous.
Like most of the dwellings, there was no door to keep out intruders. Only Darius’ family had incorporated the human concept of a formal door, not that it was needed.
When Kassandra glided inside, the sight caused a lump to form in her throat.
“Kassandra this is Ferra. Ferra meet my Sokhan, Kassandra,” said Darius, embracing the young woman in the traditional way.
Did he just introduce me as his soul mate? Her insides felt like jelly, and that scared her. It was only once the siren backed away that Kassandra noticed the very small bundle cradled at her breast.
“Is that...?” She couldn’t finish her sentence. Her hands moved protectively over her own stomach as the twins chose that moment to move. Immediately Darius was at her side. Concern was etched throughout his features and in his voice. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. When I get nervous or excited, they like to do flip flops in my belly,” she admitted, pasting a smile on her face.
“Where are my manners? Please have a seat Kassandra. I know exactly how you are feeling. This is Tina, our latest freshling. She’s a week old and can’t seem to get enough milk. Oh, and here comes Trisha, our three-year-old. Tashya, our one-year-old is still sleeping. Please have a seat,” said Ferra, ushering them both forward. “Aaron should be back soon. He would love to see you Darius,” she continued, placing sliced sea cucumber in front of them.
Kassandra couldn’t pry her eyes away from the young mother. Without thought, she moved the newborn from one breast to the other while giving a snack of fresh sea urchins to the demanding three-year-old. The newborn was beautiful. Dark black hair framed her small head which was only the size of a grapefruit. The thought of holding an infant terrified Kassandra. A screeching wail from the back chamber told them that Tashya was awake.
“Would you mind, Kassandra?” asked Ferra, gently depositing the newborn into her arms before she could utter a protest.
An immediate sense of warmth radiated throughout her system. Instinctively she brought the young freshling close to her beating heart. Then the baby woke up, and two piercing emerald eyes appraised her. A soft coo from the newborn melted her heart.
“Darius, she’s so soft,” said Kassandra in awe.
He moved forward. “Just think, Kassandra, you are carrying two of these special beings within you. Do you have any idea how much the idea of being a father thrills me? I want to teach them the magic of my undersea kingdom, but first I need to find a way to stop this plague. Jamie said I should trust your powers, so I’m asking for your help,” he said, reaching out to gently stroke the baby’s soft, downy cheek.
Tears slid down Kassandra’s face. Her emotions were rubbed raw. It’s my hormones, she tried telling herself. She forced herself to take a calming breath. Seeing Darius like this, a Titan awed by the beauty of a newborn, and hearing his yearning to be a father, undid her. More importantly, he was asking for her help. Kassandra fought the flood of emotions which threatened to break free.
“Don’t cry, my love. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Kassandra knew Darius was puzzled by her reaction. As was she.
Ferra reappeared before she could speak. “So sorry about that. I’m going to have to stay with Tashya for a bit, so I’ll take Tina. Thanks again for holding her. And, Darius, you really don’t know anything about pregnant Sirens, do you? We cry at anything and everything. I’m sorry I don’t have more time to chat, but I’ll try to come by tomorrow to see you, Kassandra. Aaron said he’s going to be late, but that’d he touch base with you tomorrow, Darius,” added Ferra, efficiently taking the baby from Kassandra’s arms.
“Thanks again, Ferra. That reminds me, Jamie asked me to see if you might have any more milata green for the soothing balm she’s been making for Seth and Mother,” said Darius.
“Most certainly. I’ll gather the herb and bring it along to her tomorrow.”
Kassandra watched as the newborn immediately latched onto one of Ferra’s breasts. Absentmindedly, she let Darius lead her away from the domestic family scene.
“There’s one more place I’d like to show you,” he said. The glint in his eyes should have been her warning.
A short time later they arrived at a strange-looking undersea cave. The outer walls of the cave had dark blue crystals, which shimmered as the current from the sea moved over them.
“These are the lava waters that flow throughout the kingdom. They help relax the muscles. Let’s soak and talk for a few minutes,” he said, drawing her deeper into the cave.
Kassandra let him drag her into a pool of warm water. Talk? I just bet.
Kassandra let her body slide into the warm water and immediately began to relax. Darius moved to the opposite side but his eyes remained glued on her. It was a look she recognized. Even though she knew sexual hunger clawed at him, Kassandra shook her head. She was determined to not give into the bone-melting desire to touch him.
“So, will you help me?” he asked, lazily licking his lips as his broad shoulders spanned the back of the pool.
Did I have to notice his lips? Why couldn’t I have been looking at the bubbling water. That would have been better. Anything but those lips of his which are so good at kissing. Not that I’m thinking of getting kissed or anything like that.
In a blink Darius closed the space between them.
“You forget, my love...” he licked his lips slowly as he eyed her. “Your thoughts are now in my head. Your desire is in my heart, and you have no idea how hard it is for me not to make love to you,” declared Darius, leaning his head in close, his mouth an inch from hers.
He is such a tease, thought Kassandra, not giving into the desire to tilt her head up. No, no, no. That’s just what he wants.
“You bet it is, sweetlips,” replied Darius, moments before his hands cupped her face forcing her mouth up to meet his.
“Let me love you like a Titan. Let me give you pleasure you can’t imagine.”
His words were creating erotic images inside her head, causing her breathing to come hard and fast. Then his mouth claimed hers and she lost track of all her rational thoughts.
There was nothing like it. He demanded and took, never once letting up. Forcing her mouth to comply and open wider, forcing her tongue to duel with his, and forcing his breath to merge with hers. The wildness and ferocity of it drew her in, heightening her own sexual pleasure.
“That’s it, sweetlips, let it happen. Let the Siren you are come out to play.”
Again, his words taunted her while she fought against the new bubbling desires that threatened to swamp her body. She could feel her breasts swell even more. She felt wet with desire as her body all but opened to his words, practically screaming, “Come, take me! Take me right now.” She felt wanton.
And she ached to take control. She yearned to do the taunting, but she wasn’t sure how to go about doing that. Pushing him back against the pool’s polished stone surface, she brazenly rubbed her aching breasts against his chest. His answering guttural groan told her she was on the right track. His enjoyment gave her the courage to do even more.
With one sweep from her powerful tail she moved to tower over him so that her breasts were now a hairsbreadth away from his lips. Looking deep into his eyes, she took her own breast in her hand and cupped it into his offering mouth. The look of pure desire that flared in his eyes gave her a momentary sense of panic.
Maybe I’m asking for more than I want.
Then he took a long hard suck on her breast, and she saw stars. She had always had sensitive nipples as a human, but now, as a Siren, all of her senses were heightened. Having Darius’ hot mouth suckling her while his tongue licked her pebbled nipple caused her to whimper in ecstasy.
Her head fell back in bliss when his other hand went to play with her other nipple.
“Ohh, Darius, I didn’t know...” she tried to finish her sentence but it was no good
. She was beyond coherent speech. After pebbling her other nipple hard with his free hand, he moved his mouth to it and took a long, hard suckle. At the same time, he reached lower to finger her midsection.
She felt hot and cold at once. The hard ridge of her midsection that connected her tail to her belly button almost rippled in mind-shattering pleasure.
“That’s it Kassandra, give into your nature. Don’t fight it.”
He said the words as his tongue lazily licked her neck. She had to fight the urge to buck against him. Her body ached for his. Shyly she moved her own hands lower, seeking the rock-hard bulge that was now pressed hard against her midsection.
She felt his hands move lower over hers and then she felt all of him as he fitted her hands around his throbbing erection. Both of her hands closed tightly on him.
“You’re killing me,” he groaned
“I’m sorry,” she instantly replied.
He laughed. The rich timbre of his voice sent shivers down her tail.
“You’re killing me in a good way, sweetlips, don’t stop,” he said, drawing her hand back to his erection.
New to the game of seduction and sexual play, she let him set the pace.
Kassandra’s eyes darted lower. She really wanted to see him – all of him. As if on cue, Darius grinned wickedly and then brazenly raised himself up onto the edge of the pool. In his natural form he was magnificent. Unabashed, he leaned back which provided her with an amazing view of his complete anatomy.
He’s huge, bloody huge and how the hell can and did that fit inside me? Even as Kassandra thought that, her body began to pulse with an answering cry to his desire. The sight of him gloriously aroused to the point where she could actually see the veins of his shaft standing out and calling for her attention undid her.
Moving forward she took one last look into his passion-stricken eyes before her courage faded. Then, without hesitating another second, she moved forward and calmly took the tip of him deep into the recess of her mouth.
She reveled in the taste of him. He was male. Musky and salty and so much more than that. She fought to find a word to best describe his unique taste. She yearned for her cells to absorb the taste of him.
