"Yes, thank you. I know you didn't do it out of goodness, but we are grateful nonetheless," Mari said.
"Then I leave you to your thoughts. I’ll also contemplate on this problem. Until we meet again." Bowing, he vanished.
Mari and Maopa sat staring at the two figures in the flames. For the first time, neither had anything to say.
CHAPTER 13
SNICK! DAKOTA flung the pencil as hard as she could at the far wall.
"What the hell is wrong with pencils now-a-days?" she yelled, throwing her hands up in frustration.
Since Yemaya was in another room making several business calls, the journalist decided to work on her exposé. The first part in her series of articles called 'Illusive Illusions' was almost complete. Her editor was expecting the final draft by the end of the month.
"Illusive is so appropriate." Dakota glared at the scribbling in front of her. "How come my pens and pencils only act up when I'm writing about you? I can't finish this if you don't cooperate, now can I?" Tossing the tablet on the desk, she leaned back in her chair and stared at the blank monitor in front of her. "And you. You're not any better, so don't think I'm falling for your little tricks. I turn you on and next thing I know, I'll be throwing you out the window," she quipped. "Then I'll have one tall, very good looking woman pissed at me."
Hearing a faint cough behind her, she swung the chair around. Yemaya was standing in the doorway, her right shoulder leaning against the door jam, arms crossed.
"Do you always talk to yourself like that?"
"I wasn't talking to myself, I'll have you know. It's those damn pens and pencils over there," the journalist replied pointing in frustration to several lying on the floor against the far wall. "Not one of them works. You put a curse on them or something didn't you?" she accused, looking suspiciously at Yemaya.
"Not hardly," laughed Yemaya. "More than likely you just put too much pressure on the tips when you were thinking about me. I have that effect on people sometimes."
"Tell me about it," sighed Dakota. "So, how am I going to finish this if I can't get past that effect as you call it?
"Well, I could help. What do you want the readers to know and maybe I can give you some ideas?"
"It can't hurt. I'm not sure what I can tell them. I don't want to give away too much about you."
"I see. Well, I think a little history about my homeland might set the mood for your readers. Everyone loves speculating about the supernatural."
"True. So you don't mind me associating you with werewolves and vampires? Not that there's any such thing... at least I hope not."
Smiling, Yemaya kissed the top of Dakota’s head.
"As long as you do not make them start believing I am one," Yemaya replied, chuckling. "Since you are only on part one of your series, that and a short bios on the other Illusionist should be enough to satisfy your editor."
"Yeah. The really juicy stuff can wait until part two or three."
"Juicy? Just what are you planning on telling your readers?"
The Illusionist cocked one eyebrow and crossed her arms, dramatically.
"Oh, nothing like that," Dakota replied, blushing a bright red.
"I should hope not... although I suspect subscriptions would increase considerably if you did. Anyway, I had better go and find out what Cammie has to say about last night. I should be back in a couple of hours. Are you sure you want to stay here?"
Dakota blushed.
"Yeah. I’m afraid I’d make a fool of myself again. Lord knows what Cammie must think of me."
"I doubt that she thinks anything bad."
"Maybe not. Just tell her I’ll see her another time... and... never mind." Dakota knew she was taking the cowardly way out but decided that she would have to be the one to apologize when they met. It wasn’t right to ask Yemaya to do it for her.
Not wanting to extend Dakota’s discomfort, Yemaya decided to leave.
"I will be back in a few hours. Good luck with the article."
"Thanks. I’ll keep plugging at it. Don’t go getting lost out there."
"How can you get lost in a taxi?" asked Yemaya, ruffling her lover’s hair.
"Oh yeah. I forgot."
* * *
Yemaya sat quietly, waiting for Cammie to gather her thoughts. It was apparent something was bothering her. Head bowed slightly, the woman played with the drink in her hand, swishing it around the glass slowly. The Illusionist felt an instant attraction and the desire to embrace her.
A raw energy emanated from the woman. Yemaya was aware that her sudden attraction to Cammie didn't represent her true feelings so she ignored the impulse. Within Yemaya, however, the beast stirred restlessly as if sensing a force stronger than itself. It felt uncomfortably vulnerable.
"You do not have to tell me," Yemaya offered.
Looking up from her glass, Cammie focused her gaze on the incredibly blue eyes of the woman sitting across from her.
"I know. It's not really something I like to talk about, but perhaps it will help you understand Dakota better and why she's not to be blamed for last night."
"I am not angry with her, Cammie, just curious. I can feel what she must have felt, maybe not to the degree she did... but it is there. It would be hard to resist if I loved her less."
"You're lucky. What you and she feel is to you a blessing, but to me it's a curse," sighed the woman.
Yemaya remained silent not sure how to respond to the comment.
"Do you believe in God?" Cammie asked.
"I believe in some things, if that is what you are asking. As for God, not really, at least not in the normal sense. Sometimes I wonder though."
"I can understand that. There are things out there..." she motioned toward the door, "beyond the wildest imaginations of humanity. Things that would terrify even the most devout."
"True."
"I have seen so much evil in my lives, even participated in some in my own way. Perhaps I'm being punished for my indiscretions, perhaps there is a god beyond the one I know who watches us and doles out justice to someone like me."
Yemaya didn't miss the use of the word lives instead of life... nor the strange reference to the god she knew. Frowning, she leaned forward and placed her hand over Cammie's and squeezed it. A sensual warmth crept up her arm and through her body before settling gently in the groin area. It was disquieting, but she refused to release her grip.
"I do not believe any god would punish you for something you cannot control. He or she wouldn't be much of a god then. So... this energy you project... I take it, you were born with it?"
Cammie nodded.
"It's unusual but not unheard of amongst Cambions."
"Cambions?"
"I'll get to that later, but to answer your question, yes."
"Then it is a part of you. Surely you do not blame yourself for what is part of your natural makeup."
"Not really, but I can for how I use it."
"That may be true... but you do not strike me as a woman who would intentionally hurt someone. Why else would you be here? Your concern for Dakota is real."
"To redeem myself? Perhaps I've grown weary of the way I am and want something more... or maybe I'm just fooling myself into thinking I can be someone I'm not."
"Listen, Cammie. I know we have just met. I may not know your past or the things you have done... but I would know if you were amoral. Trust me on this."
"I'm not sure why but I do," Cammie replied, quietly, smiling for the first time.
"Good. Now, tell me about this power and why Dakota acted so strangely."
"Well, as you said, it's part of me. Some would call it a gift."
"Gift?"
"Yes. I sometimes think the Fates are either cruel or have a wicked sense of humor."
"I know what you mean."
"I imagine you do. Anyway, in my first life, as a child I learned I was born from lust and hatred. My parents couldn't stand each other."
First life, wondered Yemaya but decided not to ask.
"They must have felt something more."
"Not really. Only the need to dominate and possess each other. They didn't love each other. It was just copulation. The very act defiled the meaning of love. Their only purpose in life was to seduce whomever they wanted. Neither felt compassion nor desire. In the end, they destroyed everything they touched. I was a mistake... the unfortunate combination of poor timing and bad luck... and both of my parents were appalled to discover their attempts at dominance had resulted in my conception."
"Surely they loved you after you were born."
Cammie's laughter held no humor.
"They don't know the meaning of love, although I have to admit it's not their fault. It just isn't a part of their natural makeup. I sometimes think that’s the reason I’m the way I am. Anyway, I've always believed life was a balance, good and bad, love and hate. I guess I'm proof of the latter. Because my parents were filled with so much hatred, I was born to be loved, an immeasurable, eternal, shallow love that is fleeting at best."
"Fleeting? I am not sure I follow you,"
"I know. Sorry. Let me see if I can explain this better. You asked about my power. People around me quickly fall in love with me and just as quickly fall out. That's what Dakota experienced."
"I see. So, this love... it is not real?"
"Oh, it's real. If Dakota were to stay by my side, I could make her the happiest woman in the world. I could pleasure her in ways you couldn't even imagine... a word, a look. She would be mine and willingly agree to my whims. I could satisfy her every desire, her every wish, her every need. I could fulfill her wildest desires and fantasies... and you could do nothing to stop me."
"I think you underestimate me," Yemaya stated confidently.
"No, I know she loves you more than life itself. I can feel it, but she still wouldn’t be able to resist wanting me. You saw her last night. Was that the woman you thought you knew?"
Yemaya had to agree. Her Dakota would never have acted like she had the night before.
"Good, now you'll know how to deal with the situation whenever she's around me."
"And that would be?"
"Through understanding. No more, no less. She'll always be yours. It's your destinies. Besides, I would never do anything to compromise her love for you or yours for her. It's too rare a gift."
Yemaya nodded her thanks.
"Your life must be very lonely."
"Yes. Ironic, isn't it. I have had thousands of lovers. Most of them fleeting, a few lasted longer but in the end, everyone moved on. It's a part of my life I've come to accept."
"Perhaps that is your problem... your acceptance. Obstacles should not just be accepted. They are challenges to conquer or die trying."
Shaking her head, Cammie laughed.
"Ah. An optimist. You surprise me. I thought you'd be more of a realist."
"I am both. I will never accept that fate controls my destiny. I make my own. It sounds like you have let it make yours. Perhaps it is time for a change."
"You make it sound so easy."
"I never said that. I cannot imagine how awful your life has been. I can only tell you what I think I would do if I were in your situation."
"Well, actually, my life hasn't been awful. Awful would be my parent's lives, to exist without experiencing love is to not exist at all. Like I said, I have never not known it. That is my future... my destiny. It may not be perfect but I'll take it over a life without love."
"You have a point. So tell me, who are your parents? I noticed, earlier, you said lives not life."
Before Cammie could answer, Kali walked up to the table.
"You want anything else?" she asked curtly, giving Yemaya a sulky look.
"No thank you," Yemaya said, sensing an animosity toward her. Looking at the dark skinned woman, she tried to make eye contact, curious as to the reason, but the woman refused to look at her.
"Cammie, would you like something?"
The subtle change in her tone and attitude made it obvious Kali's anger was directed entirely at Yemaya.
Interesting! Yemaya thought.
"No thanks, Kali," Cammie answered. "Maybe in a little while, though, if you don't mind."
"Sure thing," Kali muttered, moving away to check on other customers.
"She likes you."
"Everyone likes me," Cammie replied.
"Maybe. But I think hers is different."
"Well, Kali is around me a lot. She's bound to suffer my effects."
Realizing Cammie was uncomfortable with this particular topic, Yemaya changed the subject.
"You were telling me about your parents."
For the first time, Cammie made complete eye contact with Yemaya.
"Was I?"
Laughing, Yemaya nodded, knowing the woman was playing with her.
"I hope so. It would be cruel to leave me guessing now."
"Ah, yes. We can't have that now, can we? Would you believe me if I said mom was a succubus?"
Rocking back in her chair, Cammie watched for a reaction. When she didn't get one, she tilted her head to the side and waited.
"And your father?"
"Incubus."
"I see... and you are?"
"Technically, I am a Cambion and offspring of that type of union."
"I would say that explains the lust and hatred you mentioned earlier."
"You don't seem surprised. Most people would think I was crazy. That's if they even knew what I was talking about."
"I find it more surprising you are so open about it. As for me, few things surprise me anymore. I have seen too much in my life to doubt most things." Yemaya said, shrugging slightly. "I must admit, I have never heard of Cambions."
"We're rare. Incubi and Succubi normally detest each other. Just finding themselves in the same place usually ends up in a battle. The two species keep as much distance as possible unless we're called to a gathering. Serious dissension isn’t permitted at our conclaves."
Yemaya remained silent for a few seconds as she absorbed the information. Long ago she had learned to suspend all disbelief' when it came to the existence of supernatural life.
"By gathering, I assume you mean...?"
Cammie laughed.
"You know exactly what I mean."
"I am afraid I do... an orgy. I have to admit I find it hard to believe you are a demon."
"We're not all as bad as you think. You'd be surprised at how many of us want nothing more than to just live our lives... not that it was always like that. There was a time when we were ambitious."
"I guess time takes it toll on everyone."
"You could say that."
"So, are demons really immortal?"
Cammie shrugged.
"Who's to say? No one knows if they'll be here tomorrow. Some of us have been around a long time, but I can't say I believe in immortality."
"Why not?"
"I can die. I have died."
"You look pretty healthy for a dead woman," Yemaya teased.
"Well, at the moment I'm very much alive. Still, I have no reason to believe I will always return."
"I would say you are a pretty good argument for it."
Cammie looked down at her glass and then took a sip.
"There was a time when this world was full of demons and spirits. Most are gone. No one really knows where. Every gathering is a reminder that our numbers are dwindling."
"From my experience, I would say there are still plenty around."
Laughing, Cammie twirled her glass playfully.
"I bet you do. Anyway, I've died so many times, I don't know who or what I am anymore. I take what life offer and try to enjoy the moments."
Yemaya watched the woman for several moments, trying to imagine what it would be like to be reincarnated. The thought wasn't necessarily distasteful but it was unsettling. Combine it with Cammie's so-called gift and... well... shaking her head, she didn't really know what to think.
"I think I would find your situa
tion depressing."
"I do and have. There have been moments when I wanted to end it all, but then I wonder what would be the use. I'd just come back again or worse. I wouldn't come back at all. For all of my bitching, I'm not ready to give up on life. The thought of not existing at all actually frightens me a little... and I think killing myself is the key to my final destruction."
Lilith - TI3 Page 9
