by Renee Field
“By the gods, Kas, you’re good,” said Darius, his voice husky with need.
That was all the encouragement she needed. Using her tail to keep her in place, she was able to take most of his shaft into her mouth. Darting her tongue around the large tip of him, she wickedly licked her way down and then back up. Then she cupped him. His ragged groan caused an answering pool of wetness to form within her own body.
“I can’t take much more of this, sweetlips,” he said.
Flicking her eyes up, she noted that his head was thrown back and a small tick had started in his jaw.
I’m doing this to him. He’s in my control for a change. That idea thrilled her.
Then, before she could ponder what to do to him next, the tables were turned. Moving faster than she could have anticipated, he had her back in the water, with her tail pressed up hard against his. His hands flanked hers as he positioned her arms on either side of her.
When he slid inside of her, his eyes seared her. He didn’t break eye contact as he slowly made love to her. He might have already branded her, but this…this passionate, intimate moment was unique. When the climax came, Kassandra screamed out his name, pleased when he roared his own satisfaction. Settling next to her, he playfully rubbed her belly.
“Hope I didn’t hurt you?” he asked, with a cautious look at her stomach, which was beginning to look anything but elegant.
Kassandra took in his worried look. While a part of her longed to tease him, she realized he’d been through enough strain. “I’m fine. They were quiet. I can’t believe how big I’ve become already. It truly is a miracle.”
“It is. They are. You are. I had no idea that Rylan had it in him to do something good for a change.”
“And what’s that?”
“Zap me into a book that you’d find and set me free. Look, Kas, I know things have moved really fast with us, but you continually amaze me. My sister mentioned you’ve learned more of your own unique history. I’d love to hear it.”
Sighing, she settled her head into the crook of his shoulder. “It’s very complicated. Basically the life I knew was a lie.”
“You sure about that?”
“My father was a Titan but he committed an unforgivable crime. He murdered his own father.”
She felt Darius hold her tighter. “That’s a very unusual crime, and I’m sure there’s more to the story than you’ve been told.”
“That’s just it. I haven’t been told anything. My father basically got banished to life on land and left all of this behind. I don’t really know him, and I feel like now I’ll never get the chance to.”
“If you truly want to speak with him, I will make it so.”
Kassandra laughed. The twins choose that moment to wake up, and each rolled inside her belly. An intense wave of nausea hit her.
“Are you okay?” Concern was etched all over Darius’ face. “Damn it, I really shouldn’t have made love to you. That won’t happen again.”
“Get real, Darius. What we just did isn’t what woke them up. I think they sense I’m upset about my father.”
“Well, please convey to my freshlings they are not to worry. It’s my job to make you happy.”
Well, that’s something new. Kassandra worried her bottom lip. “I would like to speak with my father, but I think we have bigger things to worry about. We’ve got to find Gaia’s tears and stop this plague. That’s our duty.”
“Actually it’s my duty,” said Darius, sounding more like his Mr. Command self.
“Darius, it might be your duty but I’m going to help you. After all, my children are coming into the sea—”
“Do you really mean that?”
Kassandra sensed he’d known of her hesitation and her plan to potentially abort. She wasn’t exactly sure when she’d changed her mind but the shift, like most things in her life, had happened fast. “Yes. My children—our children—are going to be born into this wonderful vast sea, and we are going to put an end to this plague.”
When Darius kissed her, she felt all his love and passion pour into her, and when the twins choose to do a small somersault, she smiled. They, too, sensed his emotions, and that warmed her.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Darius looked at the fragment of stone the Sister of the Future had thrust into his hand before fading back into the future or the past, one couldn’t be sure. He turned it over, noticed the etched marks in the fine shale of rock, and wondered at them.
“What are you holding?” asked Kassandra.
A full day had passed, and Darius realized he was feeling more and more content to simply be in Kassandra’s presence. She was intelligent and curious, two traits he thought he had once thought he would not like in his mate. Now he knew how wrong he’d been.
Handing the shale to her, he told her of his quest and his brief meeting with the Sister of the Future.
“I know these markings,” said Kassandra, her eyes lighting up with that gleam he’d come to admire.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. These are Sumerian symbols and if you give me an hour I’m sure I can decipher them.”
Darius hugged her close. “You, my sweetlips, are amazing. I should have shown you this earlier, but I honestly wasn’t sure what to make of it.”
Kassandra squirmed out of his hold and turned her back on him, now fully absorbed with the task set upon her. Darius laughed. “I will leave you with this. Do call me if you have need.”
Kassandra merely nodded her head, not even acknowledging the double entendre. Darius swam out of his cave and went to visit again with Jamie.
He found her, as usual, tending to his twin brother, Seth. “How is he doing?”
“There’s been no change. And I’m not sure that’s a good thing. How is Kassandra doing?”
“She’s adjusting. I think the thing with Kassandra is that once she can reason out things, she can make sense of her new life. She’s decided to keep the twins.”
“I know. I sensed that the moment her decision had been made.”
Darius nodded. “Jamie, I want to stay mad at you for telling Kassandra how to abort, but I think I’m beginning to understand why you did it.”
Jamie looked at him. “Knowledge is the most powerful weapon there is. She had to have all the facts to make her choice. I felt in my heart she’d make the right one, but the Fates can be fickle with us.”
“Ah, yes the mighty Fates. I should tell you, I met with the Sister of the Future and at this very moment, Kassandra is trying hard to decipher the etching on the rock she handed me.”
“If anyone can figure it out, I’m sure it’s your Kassandra.”
Seth moaned and Darius was beside him. “I am here for you, brother.”
“My son?”
“Strong and healthy. All is well with him.” Just not quite how you envision. Darius eyed Jamie, and she shook her head. Obviously she hadn’t told her mate all that had happened to their son, and Darius was damned sure he wasn’t going to be the one to spill the beans.
“Thank you, Darius, for all you’ve done. I have faith in you to sort this out.”
Darius gave a chuckle, but it was full of hurt. “Don’t put all your faith in me, brother.”
Jamie sponged off Seth’s brow as his brother said, “You are wrong. My faith in you is strong.”
Seth closed his eyes, and Darius knew he’d used all his strength to speak with him. Rising from his side, Darius turned to Jamie.
“I won’t let this damn plague take him.”
Jamie rose. “If there is anyone who can change the tide of this disaster, it is you. Seth believes in you, as we all do.”
Darius was about to say something when Kassandra’s thoughts rang loud and clear in his head.
Turning his attention back to Jamie, he politely excused himself and rushed home.
“Well, what did you find?” he asked as soon as he burst into his dwelling.
“This is incredible. There’s a few lines but what it r
eally is, is a map,” said Kassandra. A huge smile lit up her face.
“A map?” Darius sat down on the scallop-shaped seat, pulling Kassandra onto his lap.
“See this?” She pointed at the first line of etching. “This says something along the lines of, ‘Deep in the heart of the ocean lies a beast of old who guards Gaia’s tears with a heart of gold.’”
Everything within Darius stilled. He asked Kassandra to read it one more time, watching her fingers move along the etched lines. The minute she moved her small dainty finger to the other points on the shale, he immediately saw what she was referring to—a map.
“Darius what does this mean?”
“It means if I can find the beast, then I will find a cure to this plague.”
“What exactly is the beast of old?” asked Kassandra.
Darius stood up and released her. “A very old friend.”
Kassandra looked at him with too much appraisal for his liking. “Are you sure this friend will be happy to see you?”
Darius grinned. “Well, there’s only one way to find out.” He moved to the back of his house to arm himself with his Triton and knife.
Kassandra’s eyes widened. “Is all of that necessary?”
“Yes. The waters I’m heading to are filled with dangers.”
“I’m coming with you,” declared Kassandra, crossing her arms over her chest in a pose he quite admired.
Still, he had to refuse her. Darius pulled her to him once again. “No, my sweetlips. It’s too dangerous. I will not have harm come to you or the babes.”
She angrily pulled away from him. “I can take care of myself, Darius. I want to come. You shouldn’t go there alone. Even you said the waters are dangerous where you’re going. You need someone to guard your back.”
“No. In this case you are wrong. The old beast that line is referring to is none other than an ancient sea dragon. She doesn’t like Titans or Sirens very much.”
“How do you know it’s a she?”
Trust Kassandra to narrow in on Darius’ one slip of the tongue. “Trust me, I know. Let’s just say our paths have crossed before.”
“Then you know where she lives?”
“No. A sea dragon’s lair, where they are birthed, is a guarded secret. They might have other lairs throughout the seas, but a sea dragon will guard her birth lair with her life.”
“What do you hope to find in that lair?”
“Something that will help stop this plague.”
“The stone referred to Gaia’s tears. What is that?”
Darius shook his head. “I’m not really sure.”
“Then I most certainly should come with you. I’m very good at finding things,” said Kassandra with a smile.
Darius shook his head again. “No. I’m firm on this. I have to pass through the Red Seas to get to where I think her birth lair is. Stay here and help Jamie. Seth spoke a few words this morning, but Jamie is exhausted.”
“You are attempting to use guilt to make me stay.”
“Maybe, but in this I’m not wrong. She could use some help.”
“She has your sister.”
“Who could use some guidance,” said Darius, adding another knife and two precious stones to his pack.
“I would feel better if someone went with you,” said Kassandra.
“I’m a big Titan. I will be fine. Do not worry yourself. If all goes according to plan I should be home within three days.”
“And if after three days you aren’t home…what then?”
“Then you may send someone after me,” said Darius, giving Kassandra a long kiss, hoping to leave her with passion and not worry utmost in her mind.
Kassandra waited a few minutes after Darius left before she put her plan into motion.
“Where are you going?” asked Mercka, swimming into Darius’ dwelling without a care in the world.
“I’m going to ensure your brother comes back in one piece.”
“You are going after him. Let me guess, he told you to stay home and mind the house.”
Kassandra searched in the back area where she’d spied Darius earlier and fished out two long knives she thought might come in handy. If she was still a human she’d strap them onto her legs. With a tail that wasn’t possible, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t strap them onto the undersides of her arms.
“I’ve got something you’ll like. Be right back,” said Mercka, darting out before Kassandra could ask what she’d meant.
She returned in less than two minutes. “This is what the warrior Sirens use,” said Mercka, a smile lighting up her face.
Within seconds Mercka showed her how the device worked. The material crisscrossed her back, allowing her easy access to her weapons while enabling her to use her arms unencumbered.
“Thank you so much, Mercka. Now, you can’t say anything to Jamie.”
“Why not?” said Jamie, standing in the doorway with a gleam in her eye.
Kassandra didn’t know these women well, and she wasn’t sure if Jamie would stop her from following after Darius, but she wasn’t about to lie to her.
“Darius thinks he’s found a clue to stop the plague. Where he’s going is dangerous but the big pig-hearted idiot of a He-man thinks he can do this all on his own.”
Jamie swam closer. “Don’t they all think that? I bet he said you couldn’t go.”
Kassandra nodded.
“Well, it’s good you’re a free thinker,” said Jamie.
Kassandra was stunned. It sounded to her like Jamie was giving her consent. “Are you suggesting I should go after him?”
“I’m suggesting you follow your heart.”
“I want to come,” said Mercka suddenly.
Both Jamie and Kassandra were unified with their, “No,” and strangely Mercka didn’t look overly upset.
“I have to leave if I’m going to keep up with him,” Kassandra said.
“Here takes these,” said Jamie, handing her a small pouch. “They are filled with healing crystals.”
“Don’t you need them here?” asked Kassandra.
“We have enough for now. Darius’ task is gravely important. He can’t fail, and I trust you to help him.”
With that endorsement, Kassandra embraced the two Sirens and quickly left. Armed with the shale rock she made her way through the oceans.
She wasn’t yet a graceful Siren, but determination gave her haste and courage. She was glad now she’d asked Mercka about the Red Seas and how to get there. The grayish swirling sands told her she’d found the right portal.
She didn’t hesitate. Diving head first for the portal, just like Mercka had told her to do, she got sucked into the vacuum. Instant nausea hit her, and the feeling of a million eyes looking at her caused her skin to crawl. The portal turned and twisted and a minute later she landed in warmer waters. Opening her eyes, she marveled at the marine life swimming around her. Orange coral and pink and yellow fish darted this way and that. Tiny blue flowers bloomed underwater as their roots fisted to the rocks. Swimming through the water she came to rocky cliff and heard voices.
Not sure what to do, Kassandra decided to take cover. Spying a large outcropping, she dove for it and waited until the voices passed, knowing it must be Sirens and Titans who were near.
Only once she was sure it was safe did Kassandra swim out to resume her journey after Darius. The shifting water temperature was her barometer of night and day in the undersea world. After swimming most of the day she knew she’d have to find shelter. Not sure where she could safely rest for the night, she noticed a subtle shift in the rocks farther up ahead. As she swam toward it, the entrance of a cave loomed before her. Deciding this was the best that could be offered, she took comfort inside the dark cave, pleased that her newly heightened siren eyesight enabled her to see in the dark.
Darius felt an urgency to get his task over with. He approached the cave, knowing his scent would easily alert the dragon within. Using his dragon-sight, he moved into the dark abyss
of the deep cave, which dipped down in one horizontal drop. Darius felt himself free-fall for what felt like eternity. When he finally landed, the sparkle of emeralds, rubies and uncut diamonds graced his eyes. Heat singed his skin and the smell of saturated salt and sulphur accosted his senses.
A bellow alerted him that the she dragon was at his back. Slowly turning, Darius kept his eyes lowered.
Speaking telepathically he introduced himself. “I am Darius—”
“I know of you, Darius, descendant of Oceanus. You are here on your quest.”
“Yes. I need Gaia’s tears.”
A shudder wracked through the she-dragon. “For you I will shed them willingly. You saved the last of my kind, and thanks to you, I have been gifted with two younglings.”
The news startled Darius. “Younglings? I thought you were the last of your kind.”
“As did I, but with the melting ice in the Arctic one of my kind awoke. We mated and now new life begins for my race. You must come close, Darius, if I am to gift you with my tears.”
“You…you are Gaia?”
The great sea dragon beast nodded. “As old as the beginning of the seas, I am Gaia, Poseidon’s first sea creation. The power he bestowed on my race brought about great change within the seas, and I quickly learned that with great power comes great responsibility. We were Poseidon’s first guardians but one among us wanted more power. When Poseidon learned of this, he unleashed the first terrible war within the sea, all because of the trickery of one of our own. After that, Poseidon cursed us to a life deep within the oceans. If my tears will stop this plague I give them to you freely, but I fear they may not.”
“Why don’t you try to cry and see if it works,” said Darius.
Massive beady, yellow reptilian eyes gave him a slow blink as the sea dragon artfully shook her head. Her scales shimmered iridescent blue to a shocking fire orange in color.
“A dragon can only cry on the verge of death.”
A gasp escaped Darius. Maybe at one time he’d longed to kill the fierce beast, but after he’d cured her infertility and she’d bestowed her gift to him in his time of need, his feelings had changed. Killing her felt sacrilegious. “Surely there is another way.”
