by Reid, Susan
She was bewildered, no doubt trying to figure out how we had gotten outside to begin with.
I didn’t know what to think. Her reaction was not what I expected in the least, however…if she really wanted to kill me, she could have.
She could have used her fire by now—but she hasn’t.
She struggled and writhed against the invisible restraining hold that I had on her, but she still made no attempt to ignite her fire.
I approached her cautiously. My sword was still drawn, but I held it downward, relaxed.
She turned away from me. A single tear ran down her smooth cheek.
“Cam`ael!” Edanai called from behind me.
Damn! She was going to ruin this!
“It’s alright. I don’t need help! Go!” I said harshly over my shoulder.
They had all rushed outside to my aid, and though I appreciated the loyalty, I found it aggravating right at this moment.
Starling stiffened, lifting her blades defensively. The initial threat that flashed in her eyes, seeing all of these fallen suddenly rushing her, slowly changed. I paid close attention to the way that she looked at each one of them. I could swear that a hint of recognition glimmered in her eyes as she studied each of their faces.
“They’re all my friends. They’re the ones that helped me rescue you too.” I assured her, hoping that she’d believe me.
“Cam…does she remember us?” Rahab asked me telepathically.
“I don’t know.” I told him.
“I’ve got this.” I verbally reiterated.
There was hesitancy on all of their parts, but they finally acquiesced. Of course, Edanai, Ry and Rahab lingered behind for a few moments longer, before finally ghosting away.
I slowly eased her down the stone wall, until her feet gently touched the ground again. I then cautiously released my magical hold on her.
“What was all that about?” I asked her softly.
She shook her head, wiping a stray tear away quickly.
“Why didn’t you kill me? Or throw some magic curse at me?” She asked softly.
“Is that what you wanted me to do?”
“I was expecting it.” She looked up at me.
“Expecting it?” I furrowed my brow.
She bit her lip, looking down at the ground and then back up at me. “Sort of.” She paused. Another single tear slowly trailed down her cheek.
Now I understood what she was trying to do.
I retracted my sword, reaching up to wipe the falling tear, gently from her face.
“I understand the tears but I don’t like seeing you cry.” I said softly.
She sniffed and swallowed, looking up at me and studying my eyes. “I don’t think that you do.”
The darkness wanted me to just grab and have my way with her. I could feel it fighting for control over my body and mind. I already wanted her, and had she not been so dangerous, I would have acted upon the dark remnants still slinking around in me. She was immortal now, but there were no rules. She was in my territory.
More tears fell from her eyes, as much as she tried to fight them back. She turned away, but I held her chin and forced her to look at me.
Then, I knelt down in front of her.
I was vulnerable now.
Though I had pulled my weapon back in, she still held onto hers.
“I would stand still and let you kill me in front of all the warriors and elders, so that you can maintain your duty, oath, and honor, before ever doing anything to hurt you. I felt something for you before you even knew that I existed. When we finally met, I fell in love with you. No matter what you are, or where you are —I’ll always love you. That will never change, even if you no longer…or are unable to love me back.” It hurt to hear myself say it, but I meant it.
I thought that would have brought on more tears, but it didn’t. She sniffed once, and lunged forward at me.
I braced myself. My instinct for survival automatically kicked in, expecting to feel her blade pierce and slide deep into my chest or stomach.
She threw her arms over my shoulders, around my neck, pulling my face close to hers, and— kissed me with intense fervor. It took me less than a second to respond, taking control and pulling her delicious lips into my own mouth, hungrily. I lifted her up into my arms, practically crushed her petite body against mine. I moaned into her mouth as a rush of both heat, desire, and darkness began to grow. The scent of her, the feel of her hair in my hands, her warmth, and the fiery passion in her kiss; told me all that I needed to know.
She remembered me, meaning some part of her memory still existed, even without my hints and clues. Most importantly— she still loved me.
The darkness was forcing its way upwards, moving into my arms, and my hands. I had to fight it. I had to get to the Eternal waters.
I pulled away first, holding her face in my hands in a gentle embrace, and stroking loose curls away from her eyes. I hoped that seeing my eyes glowing right now wouldn’t turn her away from me. It couldn’t be helped— much like the hard as steel erection that was about to rip straight through my pants.
I knew that she could feel it, there was no way that she couldn’t. Instead of becoming wary of me, I sensed her own desire beginning to mount. Lust was pulsing from her skin, and it was strong.
I have never wanted anything, or any human, virgin, female flesh, so badly in my entire existence.
“I—I need to do something first.” I whispered hoarsely. I stood up, and practically leapt towards the lip of the wide proscenium arch that fanned out from my front door.
She was looking at me peculiarly, when I turned to look over my shoulder at her.
I flexed the muscles in my back and my wings emerged, snapping outward. I spread and fanned them out to catch the wind.
“Come with me.” I held out a hand out to her.
She seemed hesitant at first but she was marveling at me. Then a slow smile crept across her pouty lips, and she ran towards me, reaching for my hand.
I took the scenic route to the Eternal waters, on purpose. I wanted her to see all the beauty and glory that was part of the spirit realm, not just the dark and deadly.
We passed over forests of lush trees, where many animals grazed and huddled peacefully together, both great and small. She was fascinated. It reminded me so much of how it should have been in the first place, not as it had been that night.
Once we reached the Eternal waters, I dipped down low right over the water. She held her hand out, letting her fingers skim across the cool, sparkling surface, and leaving a small wake of ripples. The crystal clear water was as smooth and still as glass in some areas, and in others it churned wildly, frothy, and rich with magical healing power.
“Hold your breath, I’m going in. Clothes on or off?” I leaned in to say into her ear.
“Wait…what?” She squealed giddily as we skimmed closer, finally diving straight into the water.
It was cool, not cold. She shivered initially in my arms. I didn’t go down too far. I made a quick arc once we were underneath, thrusting smoothly back upwards to break the surface. I let her go, dropping down into the water while she waded at the surface to catch her breath…delectably—naked.
I lingered below for a little bit, admiring her perfect, nude body. She was incredibly sexy.
I swam upwards and broke through the surface out of the water, running my fingers through my drenched hair.
“I didn’t say I wanted to be naked.” She scolded me.
Her gold and brown curls were sleeked back, and droplets of water glistened on the tips of her long lashes. There was a slight blush to her cheeks.
“You didn’t say anything.” I teased.
“You didn’t give me the chance.”
“What? You have a problem with being vulnerable, or me admiring your beautiful, delicious body?” I smirked.
She gave me a wry look. “If we had a brief history, I have a feeling that you’ve probably seen it more than once already anyway.�
�� She eyed me.
It wasn’t much of a history, I thought. We had only gotten half of a night, afternoon, and evening together.
In total, it equaled one day.
But one day to Elohim, was a thousand years.
I laughed, “No, I haven’t actually. And since you’re showing me yours, I suppose it’s only fair that I show you mine.” I told her with a grin and a deviant glimpse down at my own nakedness.
She wanted to look…I could literally scent her curiosity and desire continuing to mount. She couldn’t hide any of those kinds of feelings from me.
She tried to play off her casual glance downward. The flicker of her lids as her eyes widened in both surprise and excitement, was brief but I caught it. Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, and her eyes immediately moved to observe my wings in amazement.
“Well?” I smiled.
“Well—you’re most definitely…well-proportioned.” She bit her lip.
I smirked. “Nudity is a beautiful thing and it’s natural. It’s what Elohim intended for all beings. The human female body is one of his all-time, greatest masterpieces.” I gave her a smoldering gaze. The desire in her heartbeat became stronger.
She raised a brow and laughed a bit. “I’ll bet it is.”
I reminded myself of her virginity. Intuitively, my lust rose in a frenzy of wild energy, and I playfully pushed a bit towards her. I wanted it; I had to claim it, so that she would truly forever be mine.
She responded with a soft wail.
I gently took her hand and pulled her towards me.
The healing properties of the Eternal Lake was powerful, and its effects were long lasting. The water elementals and guardians were used to me, though they were always wary. I was the only demon allowed in these waters because of my light. Their confusion to both Starling and me being together, I found funny.
The baby waterlings playfully darted around me; tugging at my wings and playing hide and seek in them. The waters didn’t take away my lust. That would forever be a part of me.
I was still an incubus, and right now, I was aching to be inside of her. I tore away at my sling and bandages, surprised to see that the injury was still bad, but it was healing.
She gasped when she saw it. A look of pain etched her eyes as she reached out, wanting to touch and make it better, but knowing that she couldn’t.
“Will it heal?” She asked.
“It looks far worse than it feels, trust me.” I told her. That was a half-truth.
Her facial expression still appeared worried and sensitive to my pain.
“Is it because you can produce light too? I don’t understand how you can do that. How is it that you have both essences?” She then asked.
“It’s a gift of favor I suppose. I don’t question it, I’m just grateful that I was allowed to keep it.”
“Are there other fallen that have both too?” She then asked.
I shook my head. “No.”
She pondered that notion with fascination.
The miracle of her remembering me, let alone being with me right now, was more than I could ever ask or hope for, and I was beyond thankful. I didn’t want to talk about essences right now though. I wrapped my arms around her small waist, pulling her up against me. She gasped softly, as I pressed myself against her torso. Her hands caressed my face.
My eyes began to glow with love, arousal and admiration and I hoped she took it that way. I studied her unique, well-done brandings, running my index finger over the patterns of curves and lines.
She shivered, obviously reacting from the power of my lust pushing into her by my mere touch. Feeling hers in return, sent a spasm of desire straight into my groin. I bit my bottom lip and moaned, grinding her supple, silky body against mine.
The shiny silver complimented her skin tone well. The deific blades had been made for her.
“How was the experience?” I asked her softly, referring to her brandings.
She gave me a look that spoke volumes. “Don’t even ask.”
I chuckled. “The more deadly, the more painful.”
“So I’ve heard, but at least I’ll never have to do it again.”
Her attention went to the baby waterlings, resembling human faced, small fish, with sprouting arms, tailfins and wings. The lived both on the surface and in the water, as they got older and bigger.
“What are those things swimming around your feathers?” She inquired, looking down at the flitting silhouettes beneath the water.
“Water elementals. Guardians of the Eternal waters. They’re more protective of you, but they’re familiar with me.”
I didn’t give her a chance to ask more questions. I was dying to kiss her again, among other things. I was tender when I kissed her. I savored the texture of her lips, her soft tongue, and she moaned into my mouth. She explored my mouth with both hunger and skill. She had kissed very well while mortal, and now…she could put the skill of any Psyren or Succubus to shame.
I took my time exploring her body with my hands, starting with her exquisite ass.
I hoisted her up, pulling her legs around my waist, ready to enter her…when a sudden, vile invasion entered my head; turning my flaming desire into anger in an instant.
“That’s it, go ahead and fuck her Cam`ael. Congratulations. I know how long you’ve waited for this and I envy you greatly. Imagine that? She remembers you, and she still loves you. That’s how all romantic stories end don’t they? Well, maybe in the human realm…for now. Enjoy it. I know I will, wishing that I could feel every stroke and thrust through you. This should be good. I guess this Edanai is out of the picture then, hmm? No, problem, I’ll take her off of your hands for you. An eye for an eye, remember that Cam`ael.” Morning Star quipped, followed by a deep, deviant roll of malicious laughter.
I broke from our kiss abruptly, and panned my sight around the vicinity. Morning Star could be anywhere, or at least his ‘eyes’ could. I was furious. If he was threatening Edanai, he was as good as dead already, screw the laws.
“What’s wrong? What is it?” Starling asked, quickly scanning the perimeter of the waters, after sensing my tense reaction.
“Nothing. I forget that sometimes privacy isn’t a luxury out here.”
XXVII: Starling
This was crazy and beyond taboo. I knew it and I felt it. I was so sure that he was going to flip out, turn demonic and either kill me, or show me what his true intent and nature was, but he didn’t. He didn’t even try to hurt me.
I believed his words.
He left himself open, putting himself at risk by trusting me during his confession.
There was sincerity in his eyes and in his voice, and at that moment, everything made sense and began to fall into place.
I began to remember— everything.
Primarily, were my feelings for him, and then everything leading up to my own death in his arms.
It brought unwanted tears to my eyes. How could I be remembering anything? I couldn’t deny my feelings. He was the same being that I fell in love with. He was protective and willing to die for me…like I had for him.
However, I knew what it all meant. There was no way we could be together. What would it mean for me as a divine warrior? Would I become an open vessel? No one would be expecting me to return, so if I did, what would they all think then? I couldn’t turn off my feelings, and I couldn’t change them. I didn’t want to.
I love Cam`ael, but I was a divine warrior. Even though he was apparently a different kind of fallen, with an ability to draw light, he was still a fallen.
The pain of that huge conflict hurt more than words could express. We were supposed to be enemies. The other fallen and dark ones certainly were to me. I had no problem killing the one that had taken me. However, his friends all struck me as familiar too.
When I kissed him, I lost all logical thinking. None of that mattered to me anymore. I didn’t care.
Seeing him standing there, with his wings spread out majestically,
while holding his hand out to me, brought back another memory.
I didn’t hesitate to take his hand. He pulled me to him and held me securely, even with just one good arm. We glided high above the clouds, over land, animals and water.
The desire I felt when he held me in his arms, steadily began to grow. It was already bad enough that the physical altercation between us had left me lust ridden, just like I felt after running on the training field. I didn’t doubt he was drawing it in to himself too.
I remembered him, I loved him, and I still wanted him; knowing that we may never get this chance or moment again.
He clearly still wanted me, which was physically evident, when we reunited in a deep kiss for the first time.
Supernatural being…super-sized parts. Made sense, but it made me a bit nervous.
When he asked me if I wanted clothes on or off, I wasn’t sure how to respond right away, let alone knew what he was talking about.
The temptation was already strong. Being naked was like giving him the green light…even though I wouldn’t stop him.
Before I could muster an answer, my clothes were whisked away, disappearing into thin air, and I was naked.
The surface of the water sparkled like diamonds and glitter. It was an intense blue color, and it was so clear, I could see things swimming in it.
The water was cool. I squealed and gasped slightly before taking a deep breath, as we glided into the water with a splash. Immediately, the soothing, relaxing, and supernatural effects of the effervescent water, cascaded over and caressed my skin.
I wasn’t embarrassed about being naked, at least, not in front of him. It was just that I knew what would happen, now that we were both naked and alone.
Cam`ael let go of me once we broke the surface, and he continued to swim around underwater.
He was an angelic silhouette, making circles around me, which I just now came to realize exactly why. I marveled at the curious little water creatures that darted in and around us.
I frowned, seeing his wound when he removed the sling and bandages. The extent of his injury wasn’t horrible, but it was bad and still healing. A good-sized hunk of flesh had been ripped away. I witnessed the fight between him and that fallen that had stalked Lira and me.
