The Willing Prey

by Scarlett Sunday

  **

  The sixties-style rock band was in full swing when Tanis entered with Jean on her arm. They’d decided to begin thus to start people thinking about the relationship between them. The strawberry sized love bite on Jean’s throat. Would increase speculation and imagination to complete it.

  Jean spotted Helga, kissed Tanis, and excused herself. “You’re on your own tonight, Tanis.”

  Helga’s eyes followed Jean’s movement towards the women’s toilets. Her lips moved in a silent, “Yes.” She rose from her chair and followed her.

  Tanis stood alone and magnificent in her black scaled armour. Silver-winged helmet, red-trimmed white linen skirt, and black leather silver-studded Roman sandals. Her twin gladius. Romulus and Remus hanging on her hips in their black silver-studded scabbards. Her broadsword, Dragon’s Tooth, she’d left at home. Her golden hair, well oiled, lay on her shoulders in two battle plaits. Their smaller companions caressing her temples. She glanced around. Her hard-flat eyes taking in the scene before her. She strode towards a vacant table close to where Jake and his syndicate sat. Her eyes under her spectacled helmet, sparking with interest. They weren’t the only eyes, which sparkled with curiosity. Another pair followed her to her table. Watched her draw her two gladii from their scabbards, then place them on the table in front of her.

  Tanaka Yamato's heart began to race. Most of the guests wouldn’t recognise Tanis from the fight at Welland Taggart’s nightclub. He did and knew her armour to be genuine. He had watched as Tanis, with the confidence of a hunting tigress, approached her table and sat down. His eyes never leaving her magnificent figure from the first moment she entered. Their cold dark depths moved from Tanis’s helmet down her armoured body, to her black booted sandals, then up again. He was both intrigued and moved. The blades are black. She has the carriage of a warrior Queen. He’d seen the same proud movement in a warrior male only once before in Japan. Tanis must be a demon like Darius. She had fought like one.

  Ignoring Jake’s angry shout, he rose from his seat and approached Tanis’s table. In a soft, polite voice, he said. “You’re the one they call Tanis?”

  Tanis studied his eyes. Took her helmet off, laid it beside her swords, and shook her battle plaits into place. “Yes, I’m Tanis.”

  He returned her level stare. Without fear, he continued in a voice loud enough for her ears only. “I would like to talk.” What a magnificent creature she is.

  “You are Tanaka Yamoto I presume?” Tanis studied Tanaka’s dress and proud carriage. The man who stood before her believed himself to be Samurai. I’ll have to watch him. The other members are pussycats compared to him. In him lies my danger.

  Tanaka bowed in politeness and repeated. “May I sit down please, and may I call you Tanis? I’d like to speak to you for a moment?”

  Tanis waved him to a chair. “You have my permission Mr Yamoto. It is what parties are for.”

  Tanaka smiled. “Thank you, Tanis. I’m a keen student of Japanese arms, also arms of other cultures. I can see your swords are the genuine articles. With your permission, I’d like to examine one if I may?”

  Tanis was suspicious of him. Even so, needed to see what he had on his mind. This was too good an opportunity to miss. She pushed one of the gladii towards him, her hand on the hilt of the other. “Help yourself, Tanaka.” Tanaka picked up the blade and ran his hands over its short length. It reminded her of how Jean had caressed her aroused body only an hour before.

  He looked up at her. “Beautiful, so beautiful Tanis. This sword has seen plenty of use and the blade is still faultless. This metal, it’s black. I’ve seen such a blade only once before in Japan, in a Samurai sword.”

  “No! You can’t have, there is none like them anywhere...”

  Tanaka finished for her. “On Earth?”

  Her heart started to pound. Tanaka drew his sword and passed it to her hilt first. “It is a sword such as mine Tanis but made from the same metal like yours. I know it to be true because of the tempered patterns on your blade and the fact. I have fought a duel to the death against the man who owned it.” The excitement in his voice made his words ring true. “The pattern of the blade reminds me of a Damascene blade I once owned. Yet, I know from its colour and temper it’s not Damascene.”

  Tanis’s heart skipped another beat. “You won the duel, Tanaka? You didn’t kill him?”

  "No. Darius won and spared my life." Tanaka’s cold dark eyes stared into hers. “There was no shame in losing to him for never have I seen his like before. Darius is a Master Swordsman. Gestu, a disciple of Goro Nyudo Masamune, folded my sword and it’s been in my family for generations. Yet it was no match for the metal in his blade. From whence did it come?”

  “I’ve had my swords all my life, Tanaka. I have a Viking broadsword too to match these.”

  “Ahh! Then it follows Tanis. How old are you? You can tell me for I’ll hold your secret close to my heart, as I do Darius’s.”

  “You know who I am Tanaka, or at least suspect it then?”

  “Yes. You are the same species as Darius.”

  “Species?”

  “You’re not human. You’re alien to this world. You come from the land of the demons, Tanis.”

  She smiled. “What do you intend to do about it, Tanaka?”

  “Nothing yet. Yes. I want to kill you and Darius. But, not here Tanis. We’ll fight a duel to the death in my time and at my place of choosing. When I’m ready, I’ll call you out in a way only you will understand. I’m a man of my word, and if any should try to harm you before the time, I’ll kill them. This is between you, Darius, and me. Promise me when the time comes, you’ll meet my challenge, Tanis. But then, I know you will. I have now become too dangerous for you to let me live, have I not?”

  “You have Tanaka. Fear not. I’ll only kill you if you don’t call me out. Should you not fight me soon, I’ll come after you with a vengeance.”

  “We understand each other. Have a good time until then Tanis.” He rose and sheathed his sword. “If I should see you before our duel, fear not, for I’ll mean you no harm.”

  “I’ve no fear of you Tanaka. Even so, remember well the saying. The female of the species is deadlier than the male. When we meet, I’ll kill you. For all your aberrations, I sense you to be a man of honour. When the time comes for you to die, I’ll respect it.”

  He smiled, waved his hand, bowed, and returned to Jake’s table leaving her in thought. So, there is a male of my species in this world. I must find him. Yet, before we meet. I must find a new young host first. One who is a warrior woman, one who is fertile, one with the fighting spirit of Shani?

  “I’ll give you a penny for them Tanis.”

  Tanis looked up into the happy face of Kathy. “What are you doing here Kathy? It’s good to see a close friend here. Even if she’s not in a uniform, or wearing the important part thereof, which I find sexy.”

  “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight Tanis, or I’d have worn it.” She smiled. “You look attractive in your armour. If only I were not undercover. I know how you like me in my uniform, or the part thereof. Which is possible?”

  “I would like that Kathy.”

  Kathy blushed. Unable to take her eyes from Tanis, she continued. “I want you to meet Nigel, my colleague. Jake wanted a police presence here tonight. So, here we are.”

  Tanis looked up into the face of the handsome black man standing next to Kathy. He looked attractive dressed in the smart uniform of a police constable. Without his stab-proof jacket. He was watching her with interest. “I’m pleased to meet you, Nigel.”

  “Nigel, Tanis is a close friend of mine.” Kathy glanced up and blushed as Jean approached. “Oh! Here comes Jean.”

  Jean smiled. “Hello, Nigel…Hello, Kathy.”

  “It’s good to see you again Jean.” Kathy’s blush deepened, and her eyes settled on Tanis. She needed to say something. “Is your armour genuine Tanis, it looks as if it’s seen some use.”

  “It is Kath
y. Keep looking my way, someone might steal it.”

  “I’d steal the woman in it too Tanis.”

  Jean laughed. “I know what you mean Kathy...”

  “It comes off easily.” Tanis broke in.

  Jean sighed. “I have a date with Helga tonight Tanis. So, you are free to circulate. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll leave you the car tonight.”

  “Thank you, Jean. Come, sit with me for a moment Kathy. Jean has a date tonight. So, have I with you?”

  Kathy said, “You have Tanis. Did your armour belong to a genuine woman warrior? It looks flexible enough for one?”

  “You’ve noticed then.”

  Kathy blushed. “I notice everything about you, Tanis. Who wouldn’t after what we’ve been to each other” Nigel took the hint and wandered off.

  Tanis laughed. “I’m glad. In ancient times, quite a few women fought and died alongside their men. The barbarian Germans. In the early centuries had women warriors who fought against the Romans. After the battle. These women warriors officiated as priestesses. Where they sacrificed their unfortunate Roman prisoners on large stages built for the purpose. The captives who’d fought with bravery. Had their throats cut and their flesh boiled off their bones in giant cauldrons of boiling water. Afterwards, their clean skulls hung in trees as gifts to their conqueror’s gods. The cowards they bound and boiled alive in cauldrons of cold water heated under a slow heat.”

  “How horrible Tanis. No wonder they were called barbarians.”

  “The Pindarri tribe of central India. And the Zulus of Africa had their own warrior women regiments too.” She glanced at Kathy. “The Vikings had one or two famous women warriors in the early days of their raids also. Welland has a rune-stone saga in his apartment. About a Viking woman warrior chieftain called Tanis. Who led daring raids in Ninth-century Ireland? One of Welland’s ancestors, also named Welland, was her sub-chief on these raids. Hence Welland’s interest in the subject. He still has the battle-axe Tanis gave to his ancestor hanging on his wall at home. Ask him to show it to you sometime Kathy. My second name is Tanis.”

  Kathy laughed. “Don’t tease so Tanis. You know I’ve seen the runestone. Welland’s weapon too. It’s a wonderful story though.”

  She smiled. “You know what I mean then Kathy.”

  “Indeed, I do. Let’s face it. Welland’s attractive and hard to resist. His hard part needs no explanation. Will you come home with me tonight Tanis?”

  “Are you trying to pick me up, Kathy?”

  “Yes Tanis, now I must circulate. Even so, I can see you later. I may even arrest you for loitering. If you resist me, I’ll have to handcuff you, take you home, then torture you. I feel like acting out Hilary’s drama with you tonight. She is on shift.”

  Tanis could feel the moisture start between her thighs. It seems I’ve scored tonight. Helga looked damned attractive. To Jean, who had already sampled her goods, she must also be so to Kathy. She glanced up at Kathy. “I’ll resist, but not too much because I need you tonight Kathy. It’s a pity you’re not in uniform though. If you'd been in uniform, I’d come with you right now.”

  “Oh! You’re going to come all right, Tanis. I can promise you that.”

  Tanis finished. “It’s a date then Kathy. I will look forward to it.”

  When Welland arrived, Kathy had gone on her rounds. Dressed in the tartan kilt and insignia of a Highland chieftain, he looked attractive. “I hope you’re wearing something under that kilt Welland?” She made a playful grab for it.

  Welland jumped back smiling. “It’s for me to know and you to find out Tanis.”

  “If I didn’t already know what you’ve got under there Welland, and Kathy on a promise. I’d take you up on your offer.”

  “I don’t mind being the fly on the wall again. You look so attractive in your armour Tanis. It conjures up all sorts of thoughts. Like bondage for instance?”

  “Kathy thought so too. Let’s go onto the balcony Welland. We’ll be able to see everyone from up there.”

  “I agree. It’ll give us a good view of our opposition.”

  “It’s good you have a heavy sporran on Welland?”

  “You’re damned right there.” He laughed.

  Jake had shut the nightclub for the night and was running his party as a private affair. He thought it best to invite only those who would show interest in his ideas. Their immediate friends, and one or two of his enemies, who had the guts to come. The police there as incognito guests to circulate and keep order should things get out of hand. The atmosphere gave the club an air of theatre. The excited guests with their costumes representing every period in history. From the ancient Egyptians up to the present time, seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  Tanis noticed the guests had begun to form into little groups and couples of their own. When Welland left for the drinks, Kathy approached her and pulled her aside into a dark alcove. “You haven’t seen Nigel anywhere Tanis, I seem to have lost him?”

  “I did see him talking to a young attractive black woman in a cream dress Kathy.”

  “That’s Tranny Spinks, I should have known.”

  “I guessed as much. Why?”

  “Nigel’s gay.”

  Nigel and Tranny were in the women’s toilet. With his body bent over a pan, his back to Nigel, Tranny could feel the long thin shaft of Nigel’s cock, worming its slick way between the cheeks of his arse. Tranny had Nigel’s hands on his hips pulling himself in deeper. He sighed, as Nigel began to fuck him. By the look on Tranny’s face, he was in Tranny heaven.

  Tranny gasped. “Go to it blood. I like the feel of you in me. Fuck me hard. I’m almost there. Give it to me, I can take it all.” When Nigel came. Tranny felt the heat of his come through his condom as he watched his own splash on the wall of the cubicle. Through dark misty eyes. “Holy Shit! That feels good officer. My arse, cock and cunt are yours tonight Constable.” Tranny turned, took Nigel in hand, rolled the rubber off his still hard cock, then led him to a sink to wash him. Afterwards, he kissed him there, zipped him up, patted his bulge. Then led him out of the toilet past the alcove where Kathy and Tanis stood in shadow. “Now you’ve introduced yourself, Constable, let’s go to my table. I need to play some serious pocket billiards with your balls before I take you home.”

  “Well, well,” Tanis whispered.

  Kathy smiled. “We seem to have found him, Tanis.”

  “Yes.” Tanis noticed Kathy had slipped her bodice. Her small firm breasts pressing hard against the silk of her sari seemed to be inviting her in. She could see Welland in a queue at the bar. They were alone in the dark. She pinned Kathy into a corner of the alcove and brought a hand up to the sari’s opening freeing Kathy’s breasts. Her fingers closed onto one of Kathy’s hot swollen breasts. She cupped it and sucked its nipple for a moment with her lips. Before tracing lazy lines around the point of Kathy’s hard dark nipples with her teeth and tongue tip. Drawing a little of her blood as she injected her venom. Her hungry caress making Kathy sigh, she said. “Who’s the hussy now Kathy?”

  Kathy gasped her delight. “Ohhh Tanis, where you’re concerned I am. What a beautiful feeling, I felt I was giving you milk.”

  Tanis pinched Kathy’s nipple and said. “Remember the kiss, Kathy. I have put my brand on you tonight. Those kisses will be a lot lower down later.”

  Her steamy eyes looking up into Tanis’s, Kathy sighed. “I’ll arrest you later for molesting a police officer in the performance of her duty Tanis. Take you home, tie you up, then have my wicked way with you. I promise.”

  “This is the perfect night for it, Kathy. You still owe me remember. This little tit-a-tit was to keep you interested. We had better start to mingle. Here comes Welland with my drink.” She gave Kathy’s nipple a quick pinch, then with reluctance, let her go. “You’re on a promise for tonight Kathy, so don’t forget it. The little drama in there was just a taste of what’s to come.”

  “I won’t...You need punishing Tanis.”

  “I’ll
look forward to it then.” She patted Kathy’s buns and sent her on her way. “I’m all yours tonight Kathy. Whatever.”

  "I look forward to it Tanis."

  Welland caught up to Tanis. As she engaged an attractive middle-aged woman in conversation. “Here’s your drink Tanis. I’ve met someone over there I don’t want to lose sight of. I’ll introduce you later. Hello, Amanda, you look terrific tonight. Our table’s over there in the corner Tanis.” Welland pointed with his head.

  Tanis’s companion started to speak. “Tanis, what a beautiful name. I’m Amanda Stevens, I’m a friend of Jake’s.” She said holding her hand out.

  As Tanis moved closer, her hand brushed Amanda’s bare tits, she said. “I’m sorry Amanda.” It was a crude, effective move. Amanda blushed, she continued. “What a beautiful costume Amanda, it’s clear you have the titties to match. Your choice of dress is stunning.”

  Amanda stammered. “I watched your girlfriend and you when you entered the club together Tanis, and I’m not like that.”

  “Like what Amanda?”

  “Well, you know.”

  “Oh, you mean a Lesbian.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m not a lesbian Amanda. Jean is, and there’s a difference. I’m bisexual, and I’m Jean’s lover of the moment.” She turned the screw. “I can come with a man or a woman, Jean can’t. If I were free, I could take you home now and enjoy having sex with you.”

  Amanda studied Tanis’s face. Her eyes dropped to her throat. “Did Jean kiss you there?”

  “Yes. We like to feed on each other’s bodies when we have sex.”

  Amanda’s eyes misted, she sniffed and said. “I feel all funny in my stomach, Tanis. I hope I haven’t had too much to drink.” What the fuck’s the matter with me. God! She’s beautiful. Christ! I’m all wet below. If she were to touch me again, I would come for sure. Excited by her thoughts, she said. “I must get something for my stomach Tanis, please excuse me, I’ve got to go to the loo.”

  Tanis seized her chance. “I’ll come with you, Amanda.”

  “Yes…I mean no…oh maybe. What’s come over me, Tanis?”