"Wow," Yemaya muttered under her breath, not sure what had just happened. Pulling a few dollars from her pocket, she slowly got up to leave when she saw Cammie walking toward her.
"Hey! I'm sorry about this. I should have known better, but I thought you two had a stronger connection."
"Connection?"
"I don’t mean that like it sounds. Listen. You need to go after her and make sure she's okay. She's not going to like herself in the next few minutes. Can you meet me tomorrow for a little while? I'll explain everything then."
"I look forward to it! I can be here around five."
"That works for me. Take it easy on her. It's not her fault," Cammie said, sounding mysterious. "Later."
The air outside was chilly. Dakota was leaning against the Jeep, her arms crossed and one foot moving back and forth as she made half circles with her toe. Glancing up at the sound of Yemaya's approach, she quickly shifted her gaze back to her toe.
"Are you alright?"
Dakota nodded but didn't say anything.
"I take it that is what you were trying to describe to me yesterday."
"Yeah," Dakota mumbled.
Wanting to make eye contact, Yemaya bent her knees slightly and leaned down to look into Dakota's eyes. When the journalist refused to look at her, she reached out and gently lifted her chin with her hand.
"Listen, honey, I have no idea what happened in there, but I know that the Dakota in there is not you."
"I'm not so sure. I can't imagine why I would act like that or treat you so horribly."
"You did not treat me horribly, but I have to admit I was fascinated by the change in your personality. It definitely was a revelation."
"I can imagine!"
Pulling Dakota into her arms, she held her firmly, trying to reassure her lover she was okay with what had happened.
"How about we go back to the hotel? Cammie asked to meet with me tomorrow. I think she wants to talk about this. Apparently this has happened before. Would you like to go with me?"
"I don't think so. Tonight was rather humbling and if she has this type of effect on me every time I'm around her, I don't think I want to see her again."
"Are you sure about this? Sometimes it is better to face our demons." Yemaya had no clue about how close to the truth she was.
Torn between a desire to find out what exactly had happened and feeling embarrassed about her behavior, Dakota hesitated.
"I... I don’t think so. Not yet, anyway. I need time to think." Dakota said, dropping her eyes to avoid looking at Yemaya.
Lifting Dakota’s chin, Yemaya leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips.
"Try not to over think this. Let me see what Cammie has to say before you beat up on yourself too much, okay?"
Dakota sighed and nodded but Yemaya could tell her words did little to comfort her.
"It’s just that... well, I feel so awful... like I betrayed you somehow."
"Well, how about you reserve your guilt until we find out what she has to say? As for it being humbling, I think it was a learning experience for both of us. Come on, now. A good night's sleep will go a long way to putting everything into perspective."
CHAPTER 10
SITTING AT THE far end of the bar, Lilith watched the two women conversing quietly in the secluded corner. Tall and dark, Yemaya was stunning. Her pale blue eyes reminded the owner of crystal ice. Even Lilith felt the faint stirrings of lust in her groin just looking at the woman... and she had seen thousands of truly beautiful women in her lifetime. Few, however, made her ache sexually. This one did! It was obvious, though, that Dakota held the Illusionist’s heart. There was a time when the challenge of taking what wasn’t hers would have been enough incentive for Lilith but she no longer enjoyed the thrill of such a hunt. The Illusionist's darkness was a different matter. It brought back memories she preferred not to think about, reminding her of someone she had pushed from her life long ago. Why he would be interested in Yemaya aroused Lilith’s curiosity and she was determined to get an answer if for no other reason than to thwart her ex’s plans.
Telling Agra to close up, she decided it was time to take a short trip so she could have a little conversation with Dis. Not only did she want to ask him about the missing whores but she wanted to know more about the darkness dwelling within the Illusionist.
Within moments, she appeared at his estate and entered the castle unchallenged. Walking into the room unannounced, Lilith wasn’t surprised when no one noticed her presence. The enormous oval bed was overflowing with several young men and women, their bodies impossibly tangled as they passionately fondled each other. They reminded her of worms writhing, arms and legs so intertwined no one could tell which limb belonged to which person. Amongst them lay Dis, in the center of the pile, his arms wrapped around two plump Minions, one male and one female.
"I see you haven’t changed much over the years," she said, exasperated at the all too familiar scene.
"LILY! It’s so nice to see you, too!" boomed the enormous male, grinning broadly. Pushing aside the writhing bodies surrounding him in order to clear a path, he patted the bed with his hand. "Would you care to join us?"
"I gave up robbing the cradle a long time ago. Besides, orgies aren't my style. Get rid of them! We need to talk."
"Ah. I see you’re just as charming as ever... and just as beautiful. Time has been kind to you, my dear, even if you are getting old. There was once a time when you loved indulging in these little parties. No one could beat your sexual appetites."
"Cut the flattery, Dis! Are you going to get rid of your groupies or should I?" threatened Lilith, not wanting to think about that part of her past.
"Tsk... tsk... you still haven’t learned patience. I had hoped the years would have tempered that little character flaw of yours."
Before Lilith could respond, Dis held up is hand to stop her from commenting.
"Alright. Out!" he bellowed, his voice a deep baritone. Clapping his hands loudly, thunder reverberated through the room, sending everyone scurrying off the bed, their tangled arms and legs causing them to fall on the floor in one giant heap. Laughing and giggling amongst themselves, they managed to free themselves and waved goodbye to Lilith, and unimpressed by their master’s exaggerated histrionics. "You’re a terrible influence. Even my Minions show me little respect whenever you’re around." He sighed, melodramatically,"Now, what can I do for you?"
"Tell me about Yemaya Lysanne!"
"Who?"
"Lysanne... you know who I’m talking about, so don’t play the innocent with me."
"Innocent? Me?" Dis laughed. "When has that word ever applied to me?"
"True! Now answer my question!"
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything. What is she to you?"
Climbing from the bed, Dis swaggered over to Lilith, his dark red skin glowing in the dimly lit room. Letting her eyes wander lazily up and down his naked body, Lilith couldn’t help but appreciate his magnificent physique... nor fail to notice the enormous penis he proudly displayed, even in its relaxed state.
"You seem tense. Would you like a little diversion for old time’s sake?" he asked, flexing his organ as if it were a muscle. "You know I'm good at taking your mind off unimportant matters."
"Not now... not ever! What we had is long gone, no matter how impressive your assets."
Roaring with laughter, Dis pulled on a robe and motioned for Lilith to precede him to the den. Walking to a large black box, he opened the door and pulled out two small red cans and carried them back to Lilith. Sitting down in a large recliner, he handed her one and waved her toward the other chair directly across from him. Raising his can in a toast, he took two large swallows before continuing the conversation.
"Too bad! We were so good in bed. No one has come close to fulfilling my needs like you could. Don't tell me you've lost your appetite for sex."
"Only in your case!" she replied, coldly.
"Oh well. My loss! Now, whe
re were we? Ah yes. The Lysanne woman! What makes you think I have any interest in her? I don't do mortals anymore."
"The darkness. It feels like you. It stinks of you."
"Stink? My Dear, you have always had a sharp tongue and apparently it has grown more so with age. Unfortunately, in her case, I have nothing to do with it... not that I wouldn’t like to. She's a very desirable human. The stench, as you so delicately put it, may be similar but it definitely isn't mine."
"And I’m supposed to believe you?"
"You give me far too much credit, Lily... and when have I ever lied to you? Times have changed. The world is different. Even I don’t have the influence I used to, not that I need it, anymore. Humans no longer believe in their gods and demons like they once did. They make their own destinies without my help. Now, all I have to do is wait till they die and my Minions collect their souls like grains of sand on a beach. My coffers are overflowing with lost souls. Hell, I think I may have to enlarge the Underworld at this rate. It’s profitable but I have to admit, also very boring. In the case of this particular mortal, believe me, I’d like nothing better than to make her one of mine, and her little companion, if I thought I could entice them to my lifestyle. Just the thought of bedding them makes me hard," he smirked, taking a sip of his drink.
"A dog in heat would make you hard! If you aren’t behind her darkness, who is?"
"Really, Lily! There's no need to be insulting... but it's a good question. Unfortunately, one I can’t answer."
"Can’t or won’t?"
"Can’t! If I knew, it would certainly liven things up a little bit."
"You disappoint me. I thought you knew everything."
"Not in a long time, my dear," Dis chuckled. "My Twin and I have both grown lazy over time and have foolishly neglected our duties by ignoring other entities that were evolving. It appears they have grown beyond our abilities to control. You’ll have to look elsewhere if you want answers."
"Your brother would never allow such a thing."
"That’s where we have always disagreed, isn’t it? You give him far too much credit for caring about the universe... and perhaps, I give him too little. Only time will tell which of us is right. We've both squandered away a lot of natural resources during our squabbles. Anyway, I can assure you I’ve done nothing to acquire this woman's soul. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Yes. Tell me who’s behind the missing whores? Is it one of your minions?"
Dis roared with laughter, his deep baritone voice shaking several paintings hanging on the walls.
"I have no use for whores! The world is full of them and they’re mine, already. Until they are dead, I leave them for Agra and Kali to worry about. We both know how they waste their time trying to protect their puny little souls... although why, I’ll never know. Don’t tell me they’ve misplaced a few?"
"Misplaced? These aren’t objects! They’re women and yes three have disappeared. We can’t locate them and I want to know if you or any of your minions are behind it."
"Trust me. Whores don't interest me and I would know if a demon was involved. If you like, though, I’ll have Beezlebub check around. It'll give him something to do. He’s been bored to death lately."
Arching her left eyebrow, Lily stared at her ex, her black eyes burning brightly.
"Okay. Okay. Bad joke. Now, I really must get back to my guests. You know how I hate being a poor host."
"By all means, I wouldn’t want you to be a poor host," agreed Lilith, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "but you will let me know if you hear anything."
Standing, Dis retrieved the can from Lilith's hand and helped her to her feet.
"My word. It’s good to see you again, Lily. By the way, if you do find out where this new darkness comes from you’ll let me know, won't you? I could use a new distraction... and don’t stay away so long the next time. I miss our little chats."
Leaning down, he kissed her tenderly on the cheek and then returned to his bedroom, knowing she would find her way out. Lilith chuckled softly, amused at the courtly gesture and genuine affection he had retained for her after all these centuries.
"I don’t know who’s worse, you or Adam!"
Shaking her head, she left him to his lustful activities, knowing he was right about one thing. The world had evolved. Dis and his legion of demons were being replaced by something far more powerful than them... and perhaps far more evil. It was perhaps the one thing that would re-unite the Twins, for deep down, she knew both had an enormous affection for mortals... or at least the entertainment they provided.
CHAPTER 11
CLOSING THE BEDROOM door behind her, Catrina walked over to the young woman tied to the chair. Ivan stood next to her with his hands pressed into his pockets, looking bored.
"So, what do we have here?" she asked, circling their captive. Reaching down, she grabbed a handful of hair, snapping the girl's head up sharply.
"Not bad. Not bad at all, Ivan. Leave us. I'd like to interview my guest."
Shrugging, he walked from the room, shutting the door behind him.
"She's like a fucking black widow spider," he muttered, shaking his head. "Poor kid! I should have just killed her. It would have been a lot kinder."
"Look at me!" Catrina ordered, pulling harder on the hair. "Ahhh... Much better. Gray eyes. A little too ordinary for my taste but the rest of you has potential."
Licking her lower lip, Catrina felt her arousal building. The girl couldn't have been more than twenty-one or twenty-two. Her long blonde hair hung loosely about her shoulders. Leaning down, Catrina inhaled deeply.
"You stink! What's your name, girl?"
"Sash, Sasha, miss."
"Well, Sasha. You need a bath. Go clean yourself up," she ordered, untying her and pointing to the tub in the corner. Obediently, Sasha walked over to the bathtub and started filling it with warm water. Nervously, she looked at the other woman and understood how a mouse felt when watched by a cat. Catrina threw her a towel. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply and then exhaled. Gray smoke temporarily blocked her vision and she waved her hand to dispel the swirls.
"Hurry up. I don't have all night." she said throwing the cigarette onto the floor and stepping on it.
Sasha quickly undressed, climbed into the bathtub and scrubbed herself. Rinsing her hair, she stood and picked up the towel, rubbing first her hair dry and then her body. Embarrassed she wrapped the towel around her slender frame and stepped out from the tub onto the floor.
"Good, now come here. I want to get a better look at you."
Reluctantly, Sasha walked over to stand in front of the woman. Catrina unwrapped the towel and tossed it away. Slowly, almost catlike, she stood and stepped close to Sasha.
"Nice," she purred, running her hand down the girl's arm. "Very nice. You have beautiful skin, Sasha."
Sasha shivered, suddenly wishing she were back with the big man. At least he never looked at her like a piece of savory meat.
"Thank... thank you, Miss," she stammered.
Catrina smiled.
"So polite. I’ve never met such a polite whore before."
"Please, Miss. I’m not really a whore. I just wanted to make some extra cash and thought it would be easy money."
"Easy money? Since when is fucking for a living easy money?"
"I don’t do that. Just hand jobs and blow jobs... and I make them use condoms."
"I see... and why are you even doing this?"
"I go to the university. My friends said I could make a few hundred bucks a week and it was safe if I used protection. I tracked down a couple of prostitutes and told them what I wanted. They taught me what to say and do... and how to dress. Their boss said I could give it a shot as long as I took all the precautions and followed the rules."
"Rules?"
"Yes. She has rules for her girls. She’s real strict about them."
"Your pimp is a woman?"
"She isn’t a pimp. She’s
the boss."
"Right... and you’re not a whore and this is all a dreadful mistake." Catrina said, running her hands along Sasha's back as she circled behind her. "Well, tomorrow, we’ll clear things up," she murmured against the girl's ear. "Tell me, Sasha. Is it true you are related to Yemaya Lysanne?"
"Oh no. My cousin works for her but we aren't related. She is paying for my education. Do you know her?"
Lilith - TI3 Page 7
