by Mia Fox
Phineas tried to pry Raven’s hands off his arm to no avail. She held onto him with one hand, her grip unflinching, and wiped the endless parade of tears from her eyes with the other. Finally, he did his best to ignore her histrionics and stared off in the distance where I lay, as if weighing out whether to believe her or not.
“You see how your head isn’t bleeding as much since you’ve been standing still? Come on. Let’s stay here for awhile,” Raven said while sitting back down and offering her hand up to Phineas. “There’s nothing to do until she wakes up...she’ll be fine. You don’t want to do anything now...except be right here...with me.”
He looked down at Raven, who still gripped his arm and realized that the Romani Realms had certainly affected her. He was used to her intensity and desires -- for control, for power, and even for his love, but this was different. Everything about her was magnified. Not only were her emotions heightened to a degree that he had never seen, he was all too aware of the pheromones that surrounded her. She had always had a way of making men swoon with the slightest glance and smile, but now in spite of her unattractive show of emotions, he suddenly couldn’t help but feel their connection.
The day of Samantha’s funeral he had vowed that he was going to find Charlotte and right their wrong. He was finished with Raven, although he didn’t let on to this plan for fear of not being able to rescue Charlotte from the Romani Realms, but right now in this moment, he felt a renewed desire for Raven.
Don’t fall for her. The dreams that accosted my mind were too painful. I remained incapacitated and for his part, Phineas seemed equally disturbed.
He shook his head, knowing that what he was feeling was an ocean larger than crazy. A desperate woman was never attractive in any man’s book, but in spite of himself, he couldn’t turn away from Raven. It was damned impossible to ignore the assault on his mind and body that she was throwing at him. He could feel his own heart beat faster, marking time with Raven’s as if they were one. The attack of pheromones made it impossible not to feel her desire...and respond to it.
Realizing he had no choice, but to wait it out until everyone in his odd traveling party was physically able to continue the journey, he accepted that he had no control of the situation. He met Raven’s wild gaze, and to her immense relief, sat down next to her.
* * *
Phineas’ acquiescence was just what Raven needed to get her emotions in check. Once she allowed herself to feel, it was as if a floodgate opened up and there had been no stopping the irritating humanity that ruptured through her thoughts. She had been reduced to a hyperventilating, sniveling school girl and that just wouldn’t do -- even if the wave of human emotions had served to bring Phineas back to her.
But that would be a temporary condition, lasting only as long as the effects of the journey, unless she took control of the situation. Phineas had barely sat next to her when she pressed her mouth onto his and although she could sense his wavering thoughts, he gave into the pheromones that were no longer an unseen and unproven force of connectivity between people. It was as if an invisible web had been thrown over the two of them, wrapping itself around them and working to bond them back together.
Raven wrapped her arms around Phineas’ neck and relished in his kiss. The more he gave, the more she felt like her old self. Conniving. Resourceful. Deliberate. Gone were the effects of moving throughout the different realms and in its place was desire. A desire for the life she used to have with Phineas. A desire to collect the thoughts of the greatest minds throughout time. And to accomplish both of those goals meant regaining her control over Phineas and obtaining the coveted Amulet of Pollox, but not before she destroyed Charlotte and Samantha once and for all.
* * *
Charlotte. Only a day ago Phineas had told himself that nothing was more important than getting her back. He knew that going into the Romani Realms with Raven as a guide was the only way, and he was willing to do anything to help Charlotte, but this? His mouth pressed down on Raven’s lips. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
In spite of himself, Phineas found himself responding to Raven’s advances. His head told him to untangle himself from her hold, to pull away from her body, but then he couldn’t help but feel the curves of her breasts pressing against him, the way she allowed her hips to seductively melt against his, and being weak from the journey, both in spirit and physicality, his resolve also melted and he returned her kisses. This wasn’t just a matter of her being incredibly seductive and him being a guy, even if he wasn’t a completely human one. There was more at play here he realized as he allowed his arms to wrap around her waist. He should have willpower to resist, but as much as tried, he failed.
He didn’t want to be with Raven, but the more he kissed her, the more he wanted from her. It was as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff and dared to step a bit too close to the edge. Like loose ground in danger of a landslide, his intention plummeted. Memories of the time he took Charlotte into London of the 1850s swirled in his mind. He desperately tried to hold onto the image of how beautiful she looked, what it felt like to kiss her, but it was futile. He was powerless against the pull of Raven in these realms.
* * *
Raven opened her eyes mid-kiss and was pleased with what she saw. God-like Phineas with his golden complexion, blond hair dipping over one eye, his cheekbones strong and prominent -- that much hadn’t changed. But what was different was how his brow was furrowed with such intensity as if his very life depended upon kissing her. He may have wanted to ignore any feelings of being turned on, but it was a fruitless battle that fueled Raven.
“I missed you,” she said against his lips.
“Raven, I can’t forgive what you did.”
She may have power associated with three hundred years of extended life, but Phineas’ developing love for Charlotte had rocked her confidence. Now was the time when she could take back what was rightfully hers. Her entry into the Romani Realms was complete and she intended to get the upper hand over Phineas.
“Shh, don’t talk...just feel.” As she spoke, she layered kisses down Phineas’ neck and felt his reaction. His pulse pounded wildly against his carotid artery, bringing fresh oxygenated blood flow to his body. “That’s better. You can’t tell me this doesn’t feel right. We can’t turn our back on our history.”
With every kiss, he felt his mind becoming more engaged to Raven’s. The connection they shared as demon gypsies not only gave them power to communicate telepathically and shift into the form of a black bird, it also solidified their loyalty bonding. Phineas had dared break that bond, but Raven was determined that it wouldn’t happen again. Although she cared for him, she hadn’t felt true human emotions such as loss and regret in years. This trip into the Romani Realms had put her in touch with those feelings and it was an inconvenience she didn’t relish reliving again.
She pulled back from Phineas carefully to test whether she really was gaining a foothold into controlling him once again. “Of course I love your spark of independence, but I much prefer you to be...pliable,” she said running her tongue along his neck. The act made him shudder and she could feel his hardness press against her.
“Mmm, it’s good to have you back. But I don’t just want your body to want me...tell me you want me.”
Phineas’ brow wrinkled as if in pain rather than pleasure. His lips tightened into a thin line willing Raven to stop her seduction. He moved his hands from around her waist and instead took hold of her wrists and moved her offending hands away from where they rested around his neck. He remained holding her hands, but unable to pull his mouth from hers. He was still adjusting to his arrival in the Romani Realms and his resolve would only take him so far, unlike Raven who was quickly becoming acclimated to the thinner air and powerful magic of the lost souls who made the realms their home.
“Come on now, don’t be like that,” she said curling her fingers around his and gently placing his hands back around her waist. This time, he didn’t resist.
With all his might, Phineas pulled away and looked at Raven. “It may feel good, but it isn’t right.”
“I’d say we’re making progress.”
Using her powers before becoming fully adjusted to the surroundings would only cause a set back, so Raven employed baby steps, gingerly testing her skills. She could tell that Phineas wanted to move away from her, but she maintained contact with him and concentrated on stirring the wind. Within seconds a light breeze brushed against their bodies forming a small whirlwind around them to block out any unwanted distractions. She moved her mouth over his once again and this time, felt his mouth relax against hers, accepting her kisses and within seconds, his tongue found its way into her mouth, lightly weaving around hers. His instincts took over his mind.
Their kisses grew more passionate giving Raven an edge and letting her focus her mind on Phineas’ thoughts. Though once again careful not to tax her own powers, she tested them just enough to see how far she could influence his and saw that he was quickly succumbing to her seduction and control.
Raven let her hand travel down Phineas’ chest and then lower to the front of his thigh where she teased him by staying put. She let the pressure of her palm increase and then ever so slightly moved slowly upward. “I’m getting close to the yummy part,” she whispered in his ear.
“Raven...”
“Tell me. Tell me that you forgive me for Samantha.”
She tilted her head upward, exposing her neck for Phineas to run kisses down its side. “I forgive you. It was...,” he stopped mid-sentence taking in the scent of her perfume, the long lines of her graceful neck. “It was an accident, right?”
“Of course it was. I just wanted to scare her.”
Her hand moved against the hardness of his manhood and their kisses instantly became more intense.
“But you took it a bit far,” Phineas said, his breathing was heavy with the effort of resisting his desire.
“Hey, I didn’t push her off that cliff. Phin, let me explain things in no uncertain terms,” Raven said, suddenly thrusting her hand down the front of his jeans and manipulating him until he closed his eyes in rapture. “We are good together.”
Phineas reached a hand onto Raven’s shoulders to steady himself from the waves of temptation that were flooding his system. “I don’t feel like myself. Raven, what’s going on?”
“You’re not used to these realms. You may be a demon gypsy, like myself, but you do not have my experience. Imagine how delicate Charlotte is fairing here?”
Phineas’ eyes shot open. His hand went to Raven’s and he forced her touch away, although he was brimming with desire for her.
That’s it. Fight her!
Her eyes flashed with anger. “I’m impressed. You’re more man than I give you credit for, and that’s not a compliment. More human. You need to vanquish those silly emotions.”
“What if I don’t want to?” Phineas took a step back, only to have Raven immediately close the distance between them and wrap her arms around his neck.
“Then, you will experience extreme heartache because I will ensure that you watch Charlotte suffer before dying.”
Phineas was taken aback quite literally. Raven’s words filled him with dread and as she released her arms from him, a sudden wind forced him backwards and sent him stumbling onto the ground. Raven stood above him and Phineas waited for whatever else her temper planned. Instead, she wriggled out of her tight riding pants and lifted her t-shirt above her head before throwing it to Phineas. The wind died down to a gentle breeze and Raven’s black hair blew behind her in a captivating fan. She smiled a mischievous smile, knowing that even though she wasn’t in physical contact with Phineas, the bond between them had been reestablished. She held his gaze without blinking, willing his mind to release its loyalty to Charlotte and return to her. And just as she knew he would, Phineas couldn’t take his eyes from her.
She extended her hand down to him, and he readily took it in his own as Raven lowered herself next to him. The sun beat down on their shoulders and Phineas whipped off the light weight shirt he was wearing and placed it on the ground for Raven to rest her head. Lying on her side, she crooked her finger at him and coquettishly requested that he come closer.
Phineas closed what little distance remained between them, taking Raven in his arms. She allowed one leg to drape over Phineas’ thigh, letting him press against her. She was careful to slow down her advances at this point, instead hoping that Phineas would come to the conclusion that he wanted this as much as she did.
And he did.
He stared down at Raven, who looked more beautiful than even he believed possible. Men had always found Raven irresistible, not only due to her demon gypsy powers, but quite simply because she was a stunner. As Phineas looked at her, she smiled broadly, her teeth shiny and white against her tanned skin and black hair. Her brown eyes glistening in the sunlight. She lowered her impossibly long lashes, which gave her a feminine air that he didn’t often see. It fueled him to be the man she wanted and without further hesitation, he slid his arm around her waist and threw his body over her, pressing against her and relishing how she demurely gave away to his physicality. She no longer needed to call the shots or influence Phineas to behave toward her the way she craved.
He brushed her hair aside to gain access to her neck, where he layered his kisses downward and lifted up her top to reveal a lacy black bra that barely covered her ample breasts. She gently placed her hands around his head, encouraging him. Unlike before when she had to use more manipulative techniques, now it was all Phineas’ doing -- his fingers deftly unfastened her bra and as he pulled each strap from her shoulders, he tipped his mouth down to each breast and gently traced his fingers around each bud.
“You’re beautiful. You always have been,” he said with more regret than Raven liked. He was falling, but not quite there.
“We’re meant to be,” she said placing her hand underneath his chin and turning his head so their eyes met. “I just need that Amulet, and then, we can have a child together and the Triad will be complete. Imagine the power we can harness...just for our use.”
Before Phineas could respond, Raven arched her back and pulled his body back down toward her once again. His hands roamed over her breasts; her hands traced the muscles of his back. Raven felt him press himself against her and as he did, she opened her legs, allowing him to lie between them. His heartbeat grew rapid as she squeezed her legs around his waist and rocked gently against him. Their tongues intertwined and their bodies moved against each other in a hungry dance of need and desire. Just a few more minutes and he would be hers again, but an angry clap of thunder and the immediate downpour of rain made them jump and break free of each other’s embrace.
* * *
I woke up alone. The sun shining down on me didn’t help the pounding of my temples. I wanted desperately to close my eyes again, but it was too quiet. There was no sign of Raven or Phineas, and given the nasty gash that dripped a river of blood down my forehead, I assumed that I had been out quite awhile giving them reason to investigate our surroundings. I only hoped that my unconscious thoughts had been just a fabrication -- the aftermath of a difficult journey.
I stumbled to my feet, steadying myself against a boulder that was smeared with blood, no doubt my own. Given the fact that a bruise was already displayed on my shoulder and that my head was tender, I assumed the giant rock had served as my own welcome committee into these new realms.
I steadied myself and remembered the mantra spoken by Gautama Siddartha, who was born in what is now Nepal some 2,500 years ago. I had insisted that James introduce me to one of his descendants before this little vacay into the realms. James thought it more important to focus on physical training, but I felt I needed some mental preparation. Still he worried that we were wasting precious time so I had to employ time honored Southern social skills of persuasion. They don’t say that you attract
more flies with honey for nothing. I simply explained to James that no amount of fighting skills would save me from the battle my mind would wage against me when I landed here without my love.
He quickly realized the truth of that statement and introduced me to a Tibetan Buddhist who he served as Shade to and protected before taking on that role for moi. His prior ward had nearly lost his perspective about peace and enlightenment when human suffering seemed all around him. Siddartha was better known as Shakyamuni. Although he was born a prince, he turned his back on his privileged upbringing in search of how to help others. He spent a lifetime perfecting his practice and now, with the sight that greeted me, I realized I still had a lot of learning about how to achieve inner peace.
When I wandered off to get my bearings and locate Raven and Phineas never did I expect to find them the way I did. I nearly exploded with rage at the sight of them making out. The only thing that kept me from all out craziness was my throbbing head and the reality that my suffering would be nothing compared to what Charlotte and Samantha may be experiencing. I tried to keep my emotions in check as it became obvious from the sudden burst of rain that I didn’t have complete control over my powers yet. It also stemmed to reason that if I couldn’t quite control my powers, I may not be able to fully protect myself either. Still, my fury unleashed a nasty thunder storm, which although accidental, was also welcome.
“How could you?” I stared down at Phineas, who at least had the decency to jump away from Raven’s arms at my approach.
“Suzette, it’s not what you think...Suki wait,” he called after me, when I immediately turned to leave.
“Oh, let her go,” Raven’s voice reached me. “She won’t get far alone, and we’ll have so much more fun without her.”
Taking a deep breath, I looked skyward and concentrated on the mantra of enlightenment: Muni Muni Maha Muniye Soha, which loosely translated into seeking advice of a great and wise sage. I had to be pragmatic about my situation. If I thought about it, I wasn’t angry at Phineas, but myself. After all, he was only doing what I had expected all along. One couldn’t be disappointed in a dog left alone with a bone. On the other hand, I was angry at myself for so many reasons -- believing Phineas’ fairytales about being in love with Charlotte, discounting James’ words and warnings about him, and thinking that Raven would ever be of help to me on this suicide mission.
