Justice

Goddess Serephine has come into her powers early. Without the proper tutelage, she spirals out of control, exploding into chaos and harming the current God of Order. Guilt consumes Sere while she‘s Chaos at her worst, at her best, she‘s a lively young lady. If one man makes her nervous the most, it‘s Darvon. God Darvon has been recalled home to take his father‘s stead. When he sees him wheelchair bound, he‘s determined to have his revenge on the one who harmed him. Until he enters the holding chamber and lays eyes on the pixie face of his childhood friend. In absolute Chaos there can be no peace, with absolute Order there can be no growth. Neither party can deny their godhood. With Astraia demanding that they come to terms and their growing attraction, will they find balance to their souls?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Taming Chaos Copyright © 2010 Mahalia Levey ISBN: 978-1-55487-696-9 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Taming Chaos Tarot: Justice By Mahalia Levey

Dedication This book is dedicated to my family for allowing me time to myself and inspiring me, to my editors, Steph and my critique team and Ed and Sid a gal’s two best males.

Chapter One erephine gripped the railing of her balcony.

SRays of sunshine bounced off the blue green

waters of the Aegean Sea, which brought warmth to her bronzed skin. The soft breeze fanned her hair out, causing wisps to caress her face. She smoothed the tendrils behind her ears and tilted her head up to embrace the peaceful day, glad for the moment of reprieve. Below her, the cliff‘s jagged edge dropped off, sparse vegetation dotted the landscape. Like the turbulent waters crashing over the craggy rocks, the violence of her calling beckoned her, reminding her that peace was never everlasting. Ravaged in body and exhausted mentally, she ignored the dark void charging within her, as if ignoring her gift would make it any less real, any less catastrophic. With each cataclysmic event, her soul ripped in two. Astraia, keeper of Justice, promised her balance would be brought to her life. Balance had been promised, but so far evaded her. All her life, she fought to understand the positive side of being Chaos. Her mother taught 1

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her to accept her lot and let it overtake her. The older she became, the more her power increased. Filling others with darkness each time she passed them or touched anyone provoked panic. Years of alienation turned her into a withdrawn, solitary woman. A soft sigh left her lips—enough pity. She turned from her balcony to head into her country cottage home. Step by step, she climbed the stairs, lifting her basket of sweet blooms from the rung she‘d placed it on. Smiling, she bent to inhale the sweet fragrance as she swiped at an itch on her nose. Even allergies wouldn‘t dissuade her from picking up her favorite sweet smelling blooms. ―Heavenly.‖ Sere pressed down the lever to open her front door. A slice of fear welled up in her throat as her vision hazed. No. Not now. The flowers slipped from her fingers, forgotten as she surrendered to the nature calling her. The seductive voice lured her, embraced her and sent slow strokes of fire igniting in her. A vortex opened in front of her, ready to once again transport her to a new destination of destruction. Her fingers started to glow until her body broke apart and she was a swirling mass of red-hot embers. Conscious thought left as darkness descended. Chaos landed on the earthen ground in St. 2

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Louis and began the ripping earthquake to take place. The wail of the city sirens sounded. Too late. The ground bottomed out as if the earth itself wanted to swallow it. Birds fell from the sky as sulfuric odors rose from gaping holes. Death slithered in collecting fatalities. Sere watched as Chaos, fed off the pandemonium surrounding her. Their body in non-corporeal form, Sere was little more than a ghost as they walked through the ravaged streets of the city. Buildings crumbled and fell while humans and animals sought refuge or medical assistance. She knew they‘d suffer alone. Free flowing energy tingled in her translucent limbs. Her feet glided across the ground as Chaos brought them far and wide, breathing in the delicious damage that fed her soul. While she cried out at the devastation, the bitch purred in satisfaction. The gaze that roved over the victims wasn‘t Sere‘s, nor was the absence of remorse that their lives had changed. The hum within her grew again. The chaos within her sensed another task. In a flash, she saw the Eads Bridge crumble into the Mississippi River. Elation surged through her. The transfer process began to suck her in, she bounced off a protective barrier. Stunned, she lost her momentum, frozen in mid-transfer. Without the ability to regain her thrust, her body reformed. 3

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Incredulous, she focused, honing in on the God preventing her from doing her task. ―You!‖ ―Goddess Serephine. I cannot in good conscious let you unleash another act upon humanity at this time.‖ Alister, God of Order, held the solid shield entrapping her. ―You have no choice but to step aside—fate is fate,‖ the mouth belonged to Sere, the words Chaos railed, throwing everything she had against him. ―Settle down, Goddess. Look around you, at what you‘ve begun. The others are scrambling to undo what‘s been done.‖ ―You cannot control me. You cannot hold back what is beckoned of me. Step aside. This is your one and only warning.‖ Through Sere‘s eyes, Chaos stared at him. Alister crossed his arms. ―You are unstable, Chaos, return to your resting spot. I vow you‘ll not like what happens should you disobey me.‖ ―That‘s real rich. Come now, do you really believe you hold the power to detain me? I have control of the winds, the capacity of destruction thrums in my veins. See how it flows through me like sweet red wine, warming and feeding me.‖ She shared her vision with him of the quake and tremors that would bring down the bridge. Chaos wasn‘t prepared for the bolt of energy thrown at her. Rage suffused her face. She 4

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screamed and lashed out at him. She dodged his attempt to place his hand on her, knowing it would halt her from moving on. Instead, she focused her energy on him and laid her hands on his temple. He broke contact, falling to his knees in front of her. ―Still think you can prevent what‘s meant to be?‖ ―You?‖ he choked out. ―So sorry, Order, to see you brought down this way.‖ She shrugged. ―Then we will both suffer.‖ Chaos screamed. Iron manacles appeared around her wrists. Alister called forth the whip of control. With the flick of his wrist, he wrapped its long tail around her waist and down her legs, locking them together. ―You should be unconscious!‖ ―Takes more than that to knock me out, Goddess.‖ Alister summoned them to his home with magic. ―What have you done?‖ ―Stopped you.‖ Chaos watched him fall to the floor, the breath of life leaving his body. ―May the gods help me— I‘ve killed him.‖ The coil burned her skin the longer it remained on her body. The pain pulled Serephine from hiding in her psyche. A feeling of 5

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dread welled up within her as the menacing presence of Chaos left her being. Alarmed by the sight in front of her, she wiggled her body over to Alister. ―No. Dear God make him okay.‖ Tears coursed down her cheeks. She looked into the eyes of the unforgiving guards approaching her and didn‘t fight them. She had a much bigger fear to face. Ashamed, she kept her gaze averted to the ground as the guards removed the whip, cuffed and led her to the holding room. Left with just her thoughts, she contemplated what her future might hold. **** ―Darvon?‖ A young woman dressed in long colorful robes approached him, her light footfalls bouncing, almost dancing in the way she moved. ―Talitha?‖ Darvon greeted. ―I have something for you.‖ ―Oh and what would that be?‖ He relaxed and let her jovial mood lighten his. A laugh would do him good. The tiny slip of the local horahene romany girl might just put the smile back on his face. ―A vial of great importance.‖ She pulled a miniscule bottle of blue liquid from her satchel. ―And what would that be? Another love potion or perhaps a good luck spell?‖ he teased, plucking 6

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the glass from her slender hand. Talitha grinned. ―Now I wouldn‘t trick you, again. This will help you seal your fate.‖ ―What do you know of fate?‖ He tilted the liquid vile back and forth, noting the blue color of it. ―I am not so young I do not see the troubles you face. I am gypsy—I‘ve seen your cards.‖ ―Bah. I don‘t believe in that rubbish,‖ Darvon stated, putting the vial into her palm. Talitha sighed. ―You believe in all the gods, yet is it not too difficult to discount the other magicks out there?‖ ―You‘re youthful optimism is almost catching. I‘m the son of Order, remember? There is no inbetween, just white and black. Now, I must depart and deal with business.‖ ―I‘m almost a woman.‖ Talitha dealt him a brilliant smile. Darvon raked his gaze over her. ―You‘re still a child, no more than seventeen summers, and unjaded, at that.‖ ―Astraia was right.‖ Talitha bowed to take her leave from him. Darvon stepped up, halting her retreat. ―Explain.‖ ―That is for you to find out.‖ She slipped the vile in his linen pocket shirt and gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek. Keep this handy, you‘ll need it 7

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more than you know. There‘s no expiration date. Say hello to Sere for me.‖ ―You play games, Talitha. I haven‘t seen her in a year or more.‖ ―That is about to change in…five…four… three…two—safe journey be with you.‖ Talitha waved as he vanished from sight. Darvon grimaced when he landed on solid ground. Raucous sounds met his ear. Instead of his home, he appeared at his father‘s house. ―Stop!‖ he bellowed. ―Thank the gods you‘ve returned home, sir. Your father was in an accident,‖ Aeron put his hand on Darvon‘s shoulder. ―Come. You must see to him.‖ ―Why is there no order in this household?‖ Davron‘s cool voice commanded attention be drawn to him. ―Sir. We‘re trying. Panic is rampant in the house of Order. With Sir Alister wheelchair bound, there‘s no one to take over here,‖ Aeron said. Concern for his father took precedence over all else. ―Take me to him.‖ Aeron nodded and led the way to the master bedroom. ―He is resting now.‖ He opened the bay doors and stepped aside to give father and son privacy. ―Thank you, Aeron,‖ Darvon dismissed the 8

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servant. On the platform bed rested his father with a volume perched on his chest. ―Father.‖ ―Son, you‘ve come home.‖ Alister took his reading spectacles off and laid the book down. Darvon crossed the room and stood at the foot of his father‘s bed. ―No one said a thing to me. What happened that has you unable to walk.‖ ―It was an unfortunate accident.‖ ―You‘re stalling, old man.‖ ―I know your temper, son.‖ Alister pulled himself up in the bed by his arms, his back resting on the headboard. ―Now then, I came into contact with Chaos.‖ ―The fuck you say?‖ Darvon scowled. ―It‘s my responsibility to halt her when she‘s out of control. You know that.‖ Alister shot his son a scathing look. ―She‘s always dangerous and now you‘re unable to walk. She stole your legs. Did she stunt your gift?‖ ―I have not been myself for the past forty-eight hours. All is calm or I‘m deaf to the calling.‖ ―I assure you, Father, Chaos alone rules in this household. I will take your duties as well as my own and find a way to heal you.‖ ―You will not harm the girl. When you approach her, remember, she‘s had no formal training, no guidance.‖ ―That is no excuse for the damage I‘m sure I‘ll 9

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be hearing about.‖ He kept gazing at his father‘s legs, willing them to move. ―Goddess Kindness didn‘t know how to train her daughter, nor did her father. You know as well as I do, godhood is simply given, not handed down the exact same way in every household. You could‘ve very well been Chaos instead of Order.‖ Darvon snorted. ―You are my father before you are a God.‖ ―She needs help, son, during her possession, not one piece of Sere shone through. Right now, her ability is like a parasite growing. Sere needs to master her gift or it will kill her and anyone who gets in the way of her destructive path.‖ Alister pulled the sheets higher around his waist. ―Staring at my legs will not make them move, son. Right now I‘m broken and tired.‖ His father‘s pallor worried him. ―Rest then, I will come to see you later.‖ Darvon moved to the head of the bed, assisted his father to a supine position. With a grim face, he put the book on his nightstand and quietly left the room. In no way, form or fashion could he forgive Sere for harming his father, accident or not. Centering himself, he headed straight for the holding cell, wrenching the door open. There across the room with her head sideways against her arm, eyes closed, the little viper slept. Desire rushed through him. He couldn‘t deny her 10

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beauty. He longed to run his fingers through the straight strands of her raven black hair and gaze into her thick lashed eyes. Long ago, he‘d held foolish thoughts of having a relationship with Sere. Hell, even then he couldn‘t caress her skin without some sort of insult or injury. The trouble she brought with her wasn‘t worth the aggravation. Avoidance had worked well for him, until now. ―Wake up, sleeping beauty.‖ He prayed the Jeckyll-and-Hyde bitch surfaced so he could deal with her first. ―Darvon,‖ she whispered. The fact that Sere met his gaze should‘ve pleased him. Calm and in control, he fixated on her scared face. ―So, I have the pleasure of seeing you in the flesh, this time.‖ Memories flashed by, each one reminded him why he chose to keep his distance. He fingered the raised scar running the length of his left cheek, a present from his last nasty run in with Chaos. ―Bring that bitch out.‖ ―Please, Darvon. I can‘t, don‘t make me.‖ she begged. ―I want her now.‖ Darvon made his way toward her. ―We have much to discuss, Goddess Serephine. You see, because of your irresponsible behavior, my father lies as an invalid.‖ Fury rolled off him in waves because of his father‘s state of being. Self-discipline kept him from going berserk all over the two personalities wrapped in one 11

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body. He stopped just in front of her and brought himself under control. Clenching his hands at his sides to keep from shaking the wrong entity, he took a calming breath. The day‘s activities replayed in his head unexpectedly. The vial in his shirt pocket grew hot, the heat seared his skin. With a grunt, he took it out and watched it magnetize and turn a fluorescent blue. I swear if I start spouting poetry like some love sapped fool, I’ll— Without taking his gaze from Serephine, he drew out the stopper and drank the sweet elixir. Cold infiltrated his body on a cellular level. Moving on instinct, he snaked his hand out and tangled his fingers in the silken strands he‘d obsessed about only in dreams. When Sere looked at him in surprise, he took advantage of her intake of breath and closed his mouth over hers. Sweetness met his taste buds. He sucked her tongue into his mouth and breathed his essence into her, transferring icy vapors down her throat. Pleasure gripped him in the knowledge that the fumes would have a profound effect on the both of them. Uncontained need pushed him further. He deepened the kiss, realizing for the first time he could touch her without succumbing to migraines or the darkness within her. When she pushed him away with more strength than she should‘ve possessed, he took heed. 12

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―Chaos.‖ Achoo. Achoo. ―What have you done?‖ Banshee wails exploded in the soundproof, power-detained room. ―Simply cut Chaos off at the knees.‖ He chuckled. ―You can‘t do this to me.‖ She screeched and raised her hands to attack. Nothing happened. Chaos‘s ire grew. Achoo. ―Why am I sneezing?‖ ―You‘re not sneezing, Serephine is. Your days of incarnate chaos are over. No longer will you push her back and do your worst. Until she learns control, you‘re grounded. ―See me, Darvon, look deeper. I‘m not just Chaos, I‘m a woman who loves you,‖ a timid voice projected from deep within Sere. ―Not going to work. I‘ve had a lifetime to learn your tricks. You fucked with my father, you‘ve been fucking with Sere and turnaround is a bitch.‖ The whip of control appeared in his hand. He flicked the six foot barbed bullwhip charged with his magic and watched it wrap around her legs, leeching the small reserve of Chaos riding her body. The whip turned blue, signaling him to call it back. ―Please. I can‘t abide four walls, being trapped, suffocating.‖ ―You‘ve become a monster, needing discipline.‖ Darvon watched the manipulative entity change 13

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tactics. Eyebrow raised, he waited for her next attempt. ―Discipline, you and your perfect life, have you ever acted on impulse? Felt the pull of deviance run in your veins?‖ ―No. I am Order, as is my father. Complete Order, absolute obedience. There is no in-between, only black and white. I will not lower myself to your level, Chaos.‖ ―Where is the fun in that? Where is the joy in being deliciously wrong?‖ He noticed the wistful longing in her tone and pinned her with a glowering glare. ―There is no honor in deviance. Meditation, self-reflection, honoring your parents, the laws, is where honor lay. Grow up, Chaos, there is no such thing as fun.‖ ―How positively boring. Sere wants you for that?‖ Chaos chuckled. Darvon gripped her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. ―Your mind games are over. Concede to my law and I won‘t extinguish you completely. I‘ll let you out now and then to fulfill your quota. Fight me and I‘ll have another goddess appointed as Chaos and you‘ll remain in the dark, alone for eternity.‖ Uncertain fear stared back at him, bringing a smile to his face. ―You can‘t do that,‖ she sputtered. ―Oh, but I can.‖ He smirked and patted her 14

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cheek. ―Feel the chill? The cold seeping into your dark nature? Already it mutates in Sere‘s body, blocking you from taking over like the parasite you‘ve become. Enjoy your new home.‖ He pulled her body against his and rubbed his jaw against Sere‘s cheek. He sensed the return of Sere and rubbed her arms. Sere sniffled and wiped her nose. ―What did you do to me?‖ ―Talitha sends her regards. I gave you a whammy dose called Chaos-be-gone.‖ He held her away from him and looked her over. ―I don‘t believe she‘s gone. She‘s always been with me, in me.‖ Darvon hated seeing the haunted expression on her face. Too many times, he‘d not been able to avert her pain. ―She will heel. The whammy has no expiration date. I own her ass. Sere, she was never supposed to be a separate entity from you. I am Order and myself. We are one, we are balanced. Not two separate pieces of one whole.‖ ―That inspires a headache,‖ Sere said. ―Once the cool out period has passed, you‘ll be allowed out of this room and onto the property. I‘ll have one of the kitchen help bring you something to eat. I must go see to business.‖ He traced a finger down her cheek tenderly. ―Nice being able to feel you.‖ Sere sighed. ―I didn‘t mean to harm Alister. I 15

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tried to tell him not to touch me.‖ ―What‘s done is done. Rest well.‖ He turned and walked out the door.

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Chapter Two he serene sea brought solace to Darvon‘s musings. He sat on the deck chair with a glass of soumada, an almond non-alcoholic drink. A soft breeze cooled his warm skin. If he was honest with himself, he‘d admit to staying on Nisyros had nothing to do with his family and everything to do with Sere. He could have moved to one of the other islands of the Dodecanese. While his drink satisfied his thirst, raw hunger ate away at him. When he‘d felt her soft skin, a need of startling intensity rocketed through him so fast he‘d felt the vestiges of his iron clad control slipping from him. The weakness sobered him up fast. Sere was and would forever be dangerous. And now she lay in his father‘s house within reach. Complications. He saw nothing but complications. ―Something weighing heavy on your mind, son?‖ Alister pushed his wheelchair out onto the deck.

T

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Darvon turned to his father and nodded in greeting. ―I cannot separate the two women in one. I‘ve grown accustomed to dealing and cleaning up Chaos‘s aftermath.‖ ―It‘s the way of things. The law of nature. We are and forever will be keepers of Order, she will forever be Chaos at its darkest.‖ ―Astraia, in all her godly justice, gave me the means to halt Chaos and control her. Now I‘m left with thoughts. Will I ever trust Sere? Can she learn to control herself?‖ He sighed. ―Don‘t concern yourself with evil that has passed, son. The laws of nature demand we look forward, keep your mind set on the good that has yet to come.‖ ―You quote Hobbes?‖ Darvon chuckled. ―Seemed a good quote to say for the moment.‖ Alister laid his hand on his son‘s shoulder. ―You‘re missing the greater picture.‖ ―Enlighten me with the silver lining then, Father.‖ Darvon topped up his drink. ―Would you care for some?‖ ―None for me thanks.‖ He rearranged the light sheet covering his legs. ―You now have a chance to have her as you‘ve wanted.‖ ―That‘s rich.‖ Darvon laughed. ―She still annoys me, Father. She tugs at my patience. I can‘t be the man I‘m supposed to be around her.‖ The adolescent yearning sound of his words 18

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embarrassed him. ―Things weren‘t always so, Darvon. You judge too much. That‘s one thing I always regretted. I never wanted you to be the next Order. I‘d hoped you would have a task with less responsibility.‖ ―Why? I enjoy being who I am.‖ ―Do you? Do you live, dream and enjoy the ray of warm sunlight on your face?‖ Darvon shrugged. ―I don‘t have time to dream. The sun rises and it sets. Why would I care if it warms my face?‖ ―That, my boy, is the whole point. You‘re too concerned with Orderliness that you don‘t appreciate the finer things in life. The love of a good woman, the smell of an expensive cigar, the taste of fine whiskey as it burns your throat.‖ ―If you want some whiskey, I‘ll have some brought to you.‖ Darvon leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. ―There‘s a proper place for everything. It pleases me to have certain things arranged.‖ I’m perfect. There’s not a thing wrong with how I run my life. Mess had a disastrous effect on him. He couldn‘t be compared to an obsessivecompulsive person. His home remained clutter free, but not every glass was turned the same way. His clothes weren‘t color-coded in his closet. ―I don‘t have OCD,‖ he said at last. ―No, what you have is much worse. You have no time to live because you‘re too busy policing to 19

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have a substantial relationship with anyone. That‘s how I‘ve failed you.‖ ―Do you want me to bring home the women I date? I figured the one I marry will eventually meet you. I assure you, my appetites are healthy, my needs are met.‖ ―Who you bring home is up to you. When you can embrace emotion and step away without blinders on, we‘ll speak of life again. This talk has worn me out.‖ ―Let me help you inside then.‖ ―No. I can see myself in.‖ Alister wheeled away from his son. Darvon watched his father leave and questioned if his words held merit. An hour later, Darvon still questioned his fate. ―Gah!‖ He stood up, his abrupt motion caused the chair to tilt back. He caught the armrest, righted it, blowing out a steadying breath. Without meaning to, she‘d wrecked his perfectly structured life. Determination seized him. His leisure amble hastened. He stalked to Sere‘s quarters to put some boundaries between them. Only when he eased open the door intent to speak, lust overrode his thoughts. ****

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―Darvon.‖ Sere moaned. On the middle of the platform bed in view of the door, she adjusted the pillow between her naked thighs. Her shaved pussy rubbing against the fabric of the pillowcase elicited another moan from her lips. Her hair fell over her face, curtaining her breasts. She tossed her head back and lifted her body up. Wiggling her bottom, she slid back and forth, slow and deliberate to rub her distended clit over and over, pretending she was riding him. She wanted his cock, ached for it to be buried inside of her. Instead, she fucked her pillow, taking pleasure in her approaching orgasm. Placing one hand behind her, she leaned back to give herself room to toggle her clit and allow the cream to drench her fingers. ―Fuck me.‖ She bit her lip and closed her eyes. Out of breath from her work up, she came close to exploding. Not yet. Sere repositioned herself and rocked faster. Short pants of breath left her mouth, her body trembled and her pussy tightened. Burning with desire, the need to climax slammed into her. She denied herself the pleasure of coming just yet. Her pebbled nipples ached to be bitten. In her fantasy, she imagined Darvon ravaging her body, his lips on her nipples, her clit. Visualizing his finger sliding in her hole sent her careening over the edge. The strength of her orgasm sucked the 21

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breath right out of her. She pulled the cum-soaked pillow from between her thighs, tossed it to the foot of the bed and fixed her gaze on a movement by the door. ―Darvon!‖ Heat suffused her face. ―How long have you been there?‖ Crumpled bedding surrounded her. She tugged the loose sheet in a vain attempt to cover her nakedness. ―Long enough to hear you cry out my name, not once but twice.‖ The door creaked when he pushed through it, entering, his gaze never leaving her flushed cheeks. ―Fantasize much?‖ ―I—uh.‖ Her tongue ceased to work. Dry mouthed, she gaped at Darvon as he strode to her, his baritone voice caressing her skin with each syllable. Sere hid her aroused body beneath the sheet she‘d gripped in her hands. ―Tell me…do you feel better?‖ he challenged. ―Yes.‖ ―Liar.‖ Sere swallowed, his pectorals bunched as he moved, making her drool and her stomach fill with butterflies. Her heartbeat quickened. ―I‘m not lying.‖ Light sweat dampened her palms from her little white lie. The predatory gleam in his eyes sent shivers of desire straight to her pussy. Her nipples beaded so tight she whimpered at the contact of her sheet brushing against them. Her eyes widened in anticipation of him hitting the 22

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edge of the bed. Cologne never graced his skin, why would it? Rugged, ripped, hot. Under lowered eyelashes, she took a closer look at the erection he sported. Sweet temptation urged her to reach out and grab it, though her hands remained gripping the bedding tightly. She moaned so soft she hoped he didn‘t hear as she scooted to the head of the bed, placing distance between them, waiting, for his next strategy. ―We shall see.‖ He chuckled, closing the remaining distance. ―Darvon—what‘re you planning to do?‖ Sere nibbled on her lip, afraid to make the first move. How long have I dreamed he’d make love to me? Damn near forever. Her indrawn breath came out in a long hiss when he pulled his shirt off his body, baring his pierced nipples for her. Damn, that is sexy. Her gaze drifted lower, where his hands deftly unbuttoned his pants and dropped them. ―Figured I was over dressed for the occasion.‖ His arrogant reply turned her on, but not near as much as the boxer briefs hugging his muscular thighs. ―Cocky aren‘t you?‖ she threw out the only retort her frazzled brain could muster. ―Always have been, gataki.‖ He leaned forward, brushing the old nickname in her ear. ―Darvon.‖ She sighed and turned into his 23

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mouth, seeking it with her own. Sparks didn‘t fly, the air didn‘t energize, but the briefest contact zipped through her body, awakening every nerve ending in her. She let the sheet shielding her body fall and slipped her hands up into his hair. Arching her body forward, she slipped her tongue in with eager enthusiasm. He stole her breath and breathed it back into her. When he snaked his hand into her hair, she moaned in need. ―Yes.‖ She wanted him to pull closer, harder. He, however, had other plans. A low keen left her mouth as he moved his lips down the hollow of her throat, nipping rough and soft, dragging his tongue across the nape of her neck. His warm breath tickled her ear, and when his teeth closed around her lobe, her sex flooded with cream. He’s going to make me come before he enters me. ―Sweet gataki,‖ he murmured across her skin. His hands roved downward, closing over her mounds. ―Tell me what you thought of when you were moaning my name.‖ He cupped and then flicked each peak, his mouth following the path of his teasing fingers. ―I can‘t think,‖ she cried out, pushing into his mouth further. Darvon lifted his head and looked at her. ―Tell me.‖ ―Bite them, bite them and finger my pussy.‖ 24

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Her fantasy rushed out of her mouth before she could call it back. She stilled her hands on his body, feeling shy at voicing her needs. Unable to wait for his answer, she looked away. ―Look at me, gataki,‖ Darvon ordered. Sere looked up. ―Yes.‖ ―Never be afraid to tell me your desires or needs.‖ He brushed his lips across her erect nipple and trailed his hand lower, grazing with a featherlight stroke over her trimmed mound. ―Nice.‖ ―More, please.‖ She pleaded with her eyes and trembling body. How he remained in such control was beyond her. With one sweep of his hand over her puffed lips, she let her legs drop open. ―So wet, so sweet.‖ He slid a finger in and out, toggling her hardened bud. Sere‘s body melted like butter in his torturing of her. ―Fuck me.‖ He found pleasure in fingering her pussy. She saw it in the flare of his nostrils when he inhaled her scent and bent his head down to lick her with one long sweep of tongue. ―Oh, my!‖ She dug her fingernails into his skin. ―You like that. Tell me more, what did you dream of?‖ Sere bit her lip. ―I can‘t.‖ She turned her head from him and rocked her body against his plundering fingers. ―Please, please, I can‘t take much more.‖ ―Lie in the middle of the bed.‖ He flicked her 25

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bud with his forefinger and thumb, then and palmed her mound. ―So plump and slick.‖ He rocked back and stood, slipping off his boxers. Sere watched with hooded eyes as he crawled onto the bed, his sheer masculinity aroused her. A storm brewed in his sea green eyes, they reminded her of the Aegean Sea and how dangerous the waters could be. She ran her palms up his chest, raking her nails over his ringed nipples. Pulsating between her thighs, his thick cock jerked. When he lifted her leg over his shoulder, she moaned as the cool air hit her heated core. ―Now.‖ He chuckled. ―Oh you‘re so mean to me!‖ She rubbed in wanton abandon, moving so his cock slid between her folds, his tip nudging her clit. ―You‘re impatient.‖ Darvon slid home in one clean thrust. ―I‘m—‖ She broke off when he began surging within her. ―Is this what you wanted? To have my cock in you, all this time?‖ He covered one plump melon with his hand and squeezed. ―Mmh, yes.‖ She moved against his thrusts. ―Darvon.‖ Gyrating her hips, she hooked her other leg around his elbow. ―You want me deep, gataki?‖ ―I want to feel all of you,‖ she whispered. Darvon grinned and drove into her welcoming 26

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womb. ―You will, baby.‖ A scream left Sere‘s mouth. He filled her full to the brim, stretching her tight sensitized walls. Rising up, perched on her elbows, she fused her mouth with his. He caught on fast, driving his tongue in sync with his cock. ―So hard,‖ she hitched a breath, her body trembled from his onslaught. She matched him drive for drive, until she could scarcely draw a breath through the pleasure. Her breasts jiggled. They ached so bad, she reached to fondle them. ―Sexy.‖ Sere tweaked her nipple and flicked her tongue out to wet it. The indrawn breath she heard gave her reason to repeat. Darvon groaned and it sounded divine. Would he like? Of course, he did see her fuck herself for him. She boldly slid her hand down her body and toggled her clit with her fingers. He pounded, giving her what she desired. Each time she thought she‘d come, he‘d back down and change rhythm. The slow burn would start again. One glance up into Darvon‘s face showed her his control lingered only by shreds. Sweat poured from his body onto her, cooling her skin. ―So serious all the time.‖ Darvon slapped her thigh. ―Come for me.‖ Sere blinked. Did he just tell me to come? ―What?‖ 27

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―Come. I want to watch your face as you come apart for me. Now.‖ Darvon pulled out and slid in, teasing her inch by inch. ―I can‘t just…‖ Combined with his words and the piston of his hips, she screamed and threw her head back. ―Open your eyes.‖ He slapped her ass alternating, leaving slight marks on her skin. The strength of her orgasm astounded her. A low keen built up and exploded from her mouth as her pussy flooded his cock with her cream. She rode him, rode the wave out and almost drowned as another snuck up on her and threatened to consume her. And then cool air met her skin, strong hands hefted her up and flipped her over. His strength surprised her. He‘d effortlessly placed her on her hands and knees, bent over for him. ―You‘re so beautiful.‖ Hands spread her ass cheeks apart. He slid his cock against her ass cheeks and then slid into her weeping folds. ―Fuck yeah.‖ She died a second death when he began taking her, ass up. She thrust back and reached to her clit again. The sound of his thighs hitting hers aroused her. ―Darvon!‖ He gripped her hips as if to leave marks and continued to pummel into her sex. From her toes up, she burned fast this time, her spastic body creamed again. He grunted and 28

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ground against her and she felt him harden, stiff as a board, then warmth flooded her. ―Damn.‖ He stroked a few more times and withdrew. Exhausted, Sere sighed, curling into his body, taking advantage of the comfort in his arms. ―I‘m so sleepy.‖ She yawned. ―Sleep then, gataki.‖ He stroked her hair. ―We‘re sticky.‖ ―Do you want me to get a cloth and clean you?‖ ―No. Hold me.‖ Darvon pulled her against him. ―Why do I get the feeling you didn‘t get as much as I did?‖ ―Gataki, I never came so much in my life.‖ He chuckled. ―Okay. We didn‘t link though.‖ Darvon sighed. ―We won‘t until I‘m sure I‘m sure we have Chaos under control. The last thing I want to do is go from enjoying your sexy body to her taking you over. I promise when you have a better hold of her, you‘ll see a whole different side of me. Until then, I have to remain in control to be able to hold you and worship you.‖ He kissed her forehead. ―Now sleep.‖ Sere snuggled into Darvon and tucked her head into his shoulder. His answer satisfied her worry of pleasing him. She let the sandman take her for the first time ever, feeling safe and secure. 29

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Sere awoke disoriented, tangled up with Darvon‘s body no longer in the cell, but in a gigantic bed. Tears pricked her eyes, his fingers had twisted in her hair and now pulled at her scalp in a death grip. ―Ouch.‖ She jabbed him in the side with her elbow. His steady snores continued to hit her ears. When she attempted to move her leg, he rolled over, pulling her with him so that she laid sprawled half-over his toned body. The hold on her head didn‘t lax, if anything, it tightened. Her leg stuck between his thighs made it impossible to move. ―Darvon.‖ In reality, sleeping alone didn‘t seem like such a bad idea if it meant waking up like this every morning. She looked around for an object to clobber him with and realized if he let go, she‘d topple onto the floor. Where the fuck did the rest the bed go? Desperate times called for desperate measures. So, she bit him…savagely. ―What the fuck?‖ Darvon roared. ―Let go of my hair.‖ Sere pried her hair out of his loose grasp. ―You didn‘t have to bite me.‖ His raspy voice bit out. ―I called your name, jabbed you and you slept on. You are a bed hog.‖ Sere rubbed her scalp where he‘d had his hand the tightest. ―I wouldn‘t 30

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be surprised if I‘m bald now in a few areas.‖ Darvon blinked and focused on her. ―Sorry, not used to sleeping with anyone. Let me see.‖ Sere dipped her head down. ―I‘m not tenderheaded normally.‖ ―It‘s red. I‘m sorry, gataki.‖ He kissed her scalp where he‘d harmed it. ―How is it that in this huge bed, you take over ninety percent of it. If you let me go, I‘ll tumble off.‖ She laughed. Darvon ran his hand across his head and chuckled. ―I wouldn‘t let you fall.‖ ―Sure.‖ Sere ran her hands over his chest. When she moved her thigh down, she bumped against something long and thick. ―Watch that leg.‖ He yawned and tapped her ass. ―Be right back, agape mou.‖ He untangled from her and headed to the bathroom. Sere watched his naked body as he left. When the bathroom door closed, she stretched out on the bed. She liked the room his father put her in. The vibrant hues of peach and yellow brightened the large space. When he emerged without the impressive thickness jutting out, she quirked her brow and frowned. ―Whose room am I in?‖ ―You look like you lost your best friend.‖ He found his boxers and pulled them on. ―This used to be my mother‘s day room,‖ he said and slipped on his shirt. 31

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Sere followed him with her gaze. ―What ever happened to your mom? You never talked about her growing up.‖ ―What‘s there to tell? She was here, she died.‖ He averted his eyes from her to grab his slacks and pull them on. ―But she‘s a goddess too, isn‘t she? I mean we can‘t die, well we can, but not easily.‖ Darvon clenched his jaw. ―You‘re not going to let this go, are you?‖ ―No. Unless you ask me to.‖ ―My mother was human. She lived, grew old and died. As a matter of fact, it was the year you and your friends decided to play a prank in the underworld by mixing up reincarnation.‖ ―I‘m sorry. I didn‘t know.‖ Sere couldn‘t imagine not having her parents around. Her mother, sweet and kind, and her father, a soldier to this day, still pampered her when summoned home. ―We were thirteen, Darvon, didn‘t you ever break a rule?‖ ―You know the answer to that, gataki.‖ ―Was it so bad?‖ ―Of course it was. Protecting you cost me my father‘s trust.‖ ―Maybe he was grieving so he was more harsh on you.‖ ―The past is past. All I have left is the scar on my jaw.‖ 32

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―Chaos, she doesn‘t hate you. I think she loves you as I do, she just can‘t calm down enough to show it.‖ ―The chaos that dwells within you, doesn‘t know what love is. She‘s not capable of it.‖ He found his shoes. ―Like your father, like you? You don‘t show love, compassion, not like I‘ve seen with my family. But I know it‘s there and you have it in you. Don‘t judge the part of me you don‘t know,‖ Sere said. ―You mistake me.‖ He walked to her side of the bed and chucked her chin. ―Not everyone shows affection the same way, that doesn‘t mean the emotion is not there.‖ ―Stay with me then. Don‘t go—‖ ―We slept the day away, it‘s mid-day and I have meetings to attend.‖ ―Earth to Darvon. Tell Order to go stuff it. I want you to stay.‖ She tossed a pillow at him. ―If I didn‘t have to walk to the other side of this house and shower for the day, I would. Father‘s servants will be here soon to see to you. Out of respect for him, I shouldn‘t be here when they arrive.‖ ―He‘s not that old fashioned. Even I know that.‖ Sere laughed. Darvon snorted. ―I‘ll be back tonight. My hope is that I‘ll find a healer for my father, without 33

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resorting to some sort of magic. You‘re not to leave this house while I‘m gone.‖ ―I thought I was free to go now. I wanted to go home.‖ ―You are home. I‘ll bring you some things from your house. Leave a list of what you need.‖ ―Don‘t you trust me?‖ ―No. But then again, I don‘t trust anyone.‖ He bent down and brushed a kiss over her lips. ―Behave while I‘m gone, please.‖ ―If you ask nicer, maybe I‘ll remember.‖ She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him flush against her nude body. With a sweep of her tongue, she sighed when he parted his lips for her and took charge. If there was such a thing as grading a kiss, he‘d top the charts. When he pulled back from her, she felt flushed. ―Nice enough?‖ He nipped her bottom lip and moved to bite her neck. ―I could stay in bed with you and pleasure you for hours, but business comes before play. I don‘t plan on letting you go now that I have you.‖ Sere blinked. If she heard right… ―Did you just say—‖ ―Yes, I laid claim to you. Feels right, you‘ve only been under my skin forever,‖ he teased. ―Oh.‖ Stunned speechless, Sere blushed. She‘d assumed she would spend the rest of her life alone. ―I guess I‘ll get up and explore, maybe go 34

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out and sit by the garden.‖ Sere looked for her clothes and found them in tatters on the floor. ―I‘m sorry I didn‘t think about your lack of attire when I grounded your power. I rescind the order for you to stay at the villa. You‘ll have to take a walk to the village and shop for some things until I return. Have them bill me. ― ―It‘s okay, you said the shopping word!‖ ―Good then. I expect you to return without too much delay. I‘ll see you by tomorrow night at the latest.‖ He kissed her one more time and then walked to the door, closing it behind him.

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Chapter Three here you are!‖ A young woman burst into the day room. Sere dropped her bread dipped in honey on the plate and craned her head around. ―Talitha, you scared me.‖ ―Sorry. So tell me, what‘s it like to be in the house of the sexiest bachelor god in existence?‖ Sere picked up her bread and smeared more honey on it. The small Koulouris biscuit melted in her mouth. She ignored the young woman while she ate. ―You forget I‘ve known this man you think is so attractive, my whole life.‖ Sere licked her fingers and picked up a piece of cheese pie. ―Sit while I finish lunch.‖ ―There‘s just so much. I think its fate and you‘re lucky. The local girls are going to want to cut your eyes out,‖ Talitha said. ―I think you‘ve been dipping into your grandma‘s romance novels. This is the twenty-first century.‖

“T

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―I‘m romantic. Don‘t you get all gooey when you look at him?‖ Serephine laughed. ―Depends on which me you ask. Chaos just wants to drive him ape shit. I just want him to see me and I think he‘s beginning to.‖ ―There‘s no one else like him. The boys my age aren‘t interesting.‖ ―Darvon was born an old man. He‘s a stick-inthe-mud control freak!‖ Sere tried to get Talitha to see Darvon for who he really was. ―You must bring out the bad in him then… Sere. When he‘s summoned by the elders, he always brings me presents or laughs when I speak.‖ Sere picked up a glass of sweet milk. ―You‘re still a child. You get a longer leash, plus you‘re Rom, you‘re no threat to his delicate balance.‖ She took a sip and set it down. ―What are you doing today? Where is Darvon?‖ ―He‘s working and looking for a healer, I‘m going to walk to the village for some clothes.‖ Sere‘s patience with the young exuberant woman dwindled by the minute. ―Why does he need a healer?‖ ―I paralyzed his father during one of my occurrences.‖ ―Oh! We can stop by my Uncle Milosh, he may be able to help you. You must feel horrid for doing something so bad.‖ 37

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―Talitha!‖ ―Oh, I‘m sorry. Well I can come shopping with you and then we can take a detour to see my uncle.‖ ―I‘m supposed to come directly home after shopping.‖ ―Hmmm. Well it‘s only a tiny detour. We can be back before he gets home. How would looking for someone to heal his father be considered wrong?‖ Sere thought about her words. ―I suppose we can just ask your uncle quickly. Do you know if he‘ll be home or how much he‘ll charge? I don‘t have money on me to pay him and I‘d hate to promise to pay and not follow through only to get busted by Darvon when he sends a bill.‖ ―He‘ll be there and I ‗m sure he‘ll agree to help, no problem.‖ Talitha plucked a piece of bread off the table and popped it into her mouth. ―Let‘s go.‖ Sere rose from the table. ―Don‘t you think you should change?‖ She blushed. ―I can‘t. I don‘t have a change of clothes.‖ ―So call forth your robes, you can‘t go in a baggy t-shirt and sweats that swallow you whole. Talk about a tacky fashion statement!‖ ―I‘ve been grounded.‖ She cleaned up the table and tossed her trash. ―Let‘s just go, I can change in town at the boutique.‖ 38

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―I guess we don‘t really have a choice.‖ Sere regarded Talitha as she brushed the crumbs off her jean skirt. ―You don‘t sound surprised that I don‘t possess my usual skills…‖ ―Stranger things have been made to happen.‖ Talitha shrugged. The fact that she neither confirmed nor denied any knowledge made her a guilty party. Inside of her, Chaos seethed with boundless fury. She felt the rage bounce against her, a battering ram trying to get out. Except Darvon sealed her up tight, and she, in part truth, was glad for the reprieve. ―We could take the truck, but if we‘re vanishing, we might as well just walk.‖ ―I think Chara‘s shop would be better. She has the newer fashions and in the back, she has our robes. Your robe is a bit too boring. You need some more colors.‖ ―It is the robe appointed to me. You don‘t have to wear them, gypsy girl.‖ Sere envied that she couldn‘t be so carefree. To be young and innocent. “Oh My!” Talitha all but whispered and nudged Sere. ―Who‘s that?‖ Sere turned her attention to the foyer they headed toward. ―Stravos is home. I haven‘t seen him for a year or so.‖ She let her gaze wander over the lean teenage boy. His black shoulder length curly hair, uncut by any barber. ―He looks positively heathen,‖ Talitha observed 39

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on a sigh. ―He‘s Solon‘s son.‖ ―Goddess Serephine, how good to see you.‖ Stravos met them halfway. He turned to Talitha. ―Good afternoon.‖ ―Talitha, this is Stravos and, Stravos, meet Talitha. We were just headed toward the village, would you mind giving us a lift there?‖ Sere observed the spark of interest flash into the young ones‘ eyes and thought to allow some other magic to happen. ―Yes, ma‘am. Let me grab the keys.‖ Stravos nodded to them and walked off. ―Who is he again?‖ Awestruck, Talitha stared in the direction Stravos went. ―Alister‘s servant‘s son.‖ ―I‘ve never seen him before.‖ ―He goes to a private boarding school.‖ Sere bent down to roll the sweat pants up to mid-calf. ―I can see that you‘re interested—‖ She broke off when Stravos returned with keys in hand. ―Shh.‖ Talitha linked an arm through hers. ―We‘ll talk while shopping.‖ ―Ready?‖ Stravos inquired and opened the door for the two women. ―Thank you. I‘m having difficulties with my gift and am doing errands the mortal way.‖ Sere sighed and kicked a pebble in the driveway. She went to let herself in the vehicle, but was stopped 40

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by Stravos who assisted and then went to do the same for Talitha. The scenery of Nyrosis loomed before her, the picturesque fishing village held a mother nature smell. Even on the wharf, the smell of caught fish at the market didn‘t make her nose twitch, rather the crisp clean smell of saltwater brought comfort. The tiny truck headed downward, bopping over bumps and grooves in the road. They padded by small and country-like whitewashed houses. Sere waved to the friendly occupants out in their yards, hanging clothing on the lines or working in their gardens. Unlike her island, Karpathos, this one held an air of calmness to it. ―Stravos, are the natural springs open here?‖ She needed to ask before purchasing any swimwear. ―It‘s open. Kids hangout there on the weekends and it‘s policed to ensure no one gets hurt. There‘s another area of springs that is not popular, too far from town.‖ Stravos navigated down another curvy decline and flipped on the turn signal. He honked at some children playing stickball in the street. ―I‘d love to come. Do you relax there with friends?‖ Talitha asked. ―No. Too much homework. Plus, you have to be part of the social circle to get invited. I‘m the 41

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son of a servant.‖ He turned down a quiet road and stopped in front of a woman‘s boutique. ―I have errands to do further in town. I‘ll pick you up when I‘m done.‖ ―That‘s not necessary. We‘ll walk home when we‘re done shopping, thank you, Stravos.‖ Serephine smiled at the young man and slid out of the truck. ―Coming, Talitha?‖ She held the door open, waiting for her companion to get out. ―Nice meeting you, Stravos. If you ask me, who likes stuck up people anyhow?‖ She shut the door and waved. ―Nice meeting you. Call the hacienda if you change your mind, Miss Sere.‖ ―Okay.‖ She liked his manners. In public, no one spoke of her gift, only in the privacy of home and family or friends. ―Come on, Talitha.‖ The smile left her lips when her companion followed at a slow pace. She noticed how the girl‘s head turned to watch the truck disappear. ―We do have to go back to Darvon‘s and Stravos lives there.‖ Her teasing tone didn‘t go unnoticed. She opened the door to Chara‘s. The smell of fresh rain hit her nostrils. She breathed it in along with the good aura of the store. Inside her, the need to turn things into disarray festered. She ignored it and headed to the racks of clothing. ―I know he lives there, but I don‘t and I will have to return to Astraia tonight.‖ 42

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―You‘ll be all right, Talitha, once you come of age you can go where you wish. Come help me pick out something nice.‖ She ran her fingers through silk and soft cashmere. Down in town, the stores sold clothing that catered to life in the rural town. Chara‘s sat tucked away, selling the pricier fashion of clothing for those who could afford to buy their merchandise. She found two pairs of jeans, bejeweled on the pockets and two tank tops to go with them. She moved over to another rack. ―Can I assist you with anything?‖ A petite woman came to stand next to her. ―I need to find some things. Darvon told me to place them on his account.‖ Sere fingered a pretty lavender top. ―It matches your eyes. Would you care to try it on?‖ the sales woman asked, removing it from its hanger. ―I don‘t know.‖ She looked at the price tag, thinking he‘d kill her for such an extravagant piece of nothing. The backless lavender halter tank left a lot of cleavage. She bit her lip indecisively and sighed. ―I‘ll take it. Size six please.‖ ―Ohhh that‘s pretty.‖ Talitha sighed. ―Do they have one in red?‖ ―Uh. No, and if they did you‘re not old enough for that.‖ Sere handed Talitha her clothing. ―Follow me.‖ She headed toward the section for 43

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young adults and was shocked to find the tops showed as much skin as her own racks. Talitha motioned for the saleswoman and handed her the pile of clothing on her arm. ―I need a top in red like hers, less skin.‖ ―I‘ll be right back.‖ The saleswoman departed and headed toward her counter. Once there, she placed the items on it and then entered the back storeroom. When she came out, she held a oneshouldered top that cut off diagonally at the hip, one long point of material would rest on the thigh. What caught her attention was the silver shoulder clasp, a dragon wrapped down the back of the shirt. ―I think this would look nice on you, newly in.‖ She pointed to the rack holding the black slim designer jeans. ―What a lovely top.‖ Talitha headed to the jeans, rummaging through them until she found her size. ―Oh, it‘s perfect!‖ ―Good choice.‖ Sere approved of the choice. She headed to the swimsuits and picked out a bikini with bows, her choice of course lavender. She plucked her size off the wall and headed to the counter. ―Talitha?‖ She held out her hand for the outfit. ―Oh, here,‖ Talitha said, a warm smile on her face. ―Will this be all?‖ the sales woman asked. ―Yes, could you please bill it to—‖ 44

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―Of course let me wrap these up.‖ The sales woman took out two thin sheets of paper and began to fold and secure the clothing. ―One second. I need one of the tops and a pair of jeans,‖ Sere said. When the sales woman handed her a black tank and some jeans, she headed for the dressing room to get out of Darvon‘s clothing. A sigh of pleasure left her mouth as the soft fabric brushed across her skin. She felt feminine again once dressed in normal clothing for her. She made her way back to the front of the store, her stride long and quick. ―Is everything taken care of?‖ ―Yes, got his charge slip.‖ Talitha handed her two bags. ―Ready to go?‖ Sere waved at the saleswoman. ―Thank you.‖ She headed out the store with Talitha two steps behind her. ―Want to go see Milosh now?‖ Sere spun around and looked to make sure they were alone. ―Yes, we‘ve got to be quick about it though. It‘d be just my luck for Darvon to find what he needed and arrive home with me not there. Our truce might break if he found out I ignored his wishes and left the shopping district against his command. Goodness, I hate feeling like a prisoner with no rights, but being in his arms made up for the feeling of being kept track of.‖ She bit her lip, thinking… 45

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I’m going to regret this, I can feel it in my blood. ―Well, Milosh shouldn‘t be too hard to find. His home isn‘t too far from where we stand. You worry too much, Darvon won‘t have a clue.‖ Talitha looped her arm in Sere‘s. ―Tell me about gypsy life…‖ Sere toyed with a strand of her hair, twirling it around her finger as they walked down the paved road. Her nose picked up the faint smell of oncoming rain. She looked up to the clouds to see if they‘d darkened. Satisfied to see she was correct, she smiled as they passed by families interacting with one another on porches, the kids playing in their yards, their laughter infectious. ―Uncle Milosh is old school. I‘m still waiting to be told who I have to marry. This way.‖ She turned a sharp left where the road forked off, giving two directions to head in. Sere followed Talitha down the path on the right, the trees covering them from sight. ―What do you mean tell you who to marry?‖ ―Traditions are still followed. I‘ll have a dowry and my family will find a nice Rom man for me to marry.‖ Talitha smiled. Sere noticed the expression Talitha showed didn‘t meet her eyes. ―Why can‘t you marry for love?‖ ―Rom have their own set of laws inside the community. My band is led by Uncle Milosh, he‘s 46

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the kris in our community, the upholder of the law, enforcing our beliefs. I could marry a gadjo, but my family would never allow it. His place is just around the bend.‖ She pointed to a small house hidden among the trees. ―Good, the rain will be here soon. So are you allowed to date?‖ Sere found herself curious about the customs she knew nothing of. ―Yes, a few minutes more.‖ Talitha increased her speed. ―We can go out in groups, but we must remain pure for our husbands. There‘s no sex or heavy petting.‖ ―That‘s, um—old fashioned.‖ She shook her head. ―It‘s custom. Custom doesn‘t just die, Sere. We‘re here.‖ She stepped onto a weed-covered walkway. Once she reached the front door, she knocked. ―How do you, I mean…damn, there‘s no way to test the goods first? What if you‘re not compatible? What if you fell in love with a gadjo?‖ ―Falling in love with a gadjo is disastrous, at least in my band. Milosh is set in the old ways, women get married young, take care of their husband. The older the woman, the more respect, longer leash of freedom. Astraia and her teaching is why I‘m allowed out.‖ She knocked again. ―Uncle Milosh!‖ ―Coming, who is it?‖ A rough voice rumbled. 47

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―Uncle Milosh, it‘s me Talitha!‖ She turned to Sere, ―He‘s eccentric.‖ The door opened and a big burly man stepped out. ―Chavvie, why are you here?‖ A smile cracked over his leathery skin. ―I‘m hardly a child anymore, Uncle.‖ She laughed. ―Meet my friend Sere, we‘ve come to you with a problem.‖ ―Come in.‖ He looked at Sere and his niece. ―Welcome to my home.‖ Sere stepped into the house behind Talitha. ―It‘s a pleasure to meet you.‖ She took in his slacks and colorful shirt. He sported a scraggly beard and goatee. The quaint tidy house felt welcoming, giving her a semblance of peace. ―Let‘s go to my workroom,‖ Milosh said, leading the way to the back of the house where plants littered benches and a large tidy greenhouse came into view. He pointed to two stools and sat down on a third. ―Tell me, chavvie, why you bring a gadjo to my house?‖ Talitha sighed. ―Uncle, do you wish to anger Goddess Kali, our mother? Sere isn‘t a gadjo, she‘s a Goddess.‖ ―She doesn‘t have the aura, chavvie, you sure?‖ ―I‘m positive, Uncle Milosh. She‘s got a virus, you could say…‖ ―Hmm.‖ ―Elder Milosh, I‘ve harmed someone and wish 48

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to see it undone. A spell or a chant, I‘d be grateful.‖ Sere wrung her hands in her lap. ―There is a balance to magic. What is your specific need?‖ Milosh asked. Sere darted a glance over at Talitha. ―To return the use of a man‘s legs.‖ She sat waiting and watched as Talitha crossed over and put her hand on her uncle‘s. Talitha spoke in a language Sere didn‘t comprehend. Discomfort weighed heavy on her and she bit on her lower lip in consternation. A sigh left Milosh‘s mouth. ―To reverse such a thing is no easy task. We‘re not dealing with mortal issues, chavvie. Goddess powers call for one of equal or higher for removal, at a cost.‖ Milosh raspy voice broke the stiff silence in the room. Talitha nodded. ―Sere, what length are you prepared to go for this to be fixed?‖ ―I‘d sell my soul to make Darvon‘s father whole again,‖ she answered in a quiet voice. ―Talitha, go get the box,‖ Milosh ordered. ―Sere, a word of caution, everything has a purpose, altering these events could alter your path. I will give you a potion to take. Once the potion moves through your bloodstream and merges with your cellular structure, your grounded gift will be released. Then, and only then, will you make your request to the all-knowing mother, Kali, for her help. My final question is, why haven‘t you 49

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sought out your own elders for assistance?‖ A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. Sere swiped it with the back of her hand. ―Who would help that wouldn‘t say Alister‘s fate was sealed with my lack of control and his interference in stopping me?‖ She took a deep calming breath, knew seeking assistance of another deity was against the laws of her pantheon. ―I have no other recourse,‖ she humbly beseeched the Rom healer. Sere would risk Chaos coming out if it meant righting a wrong. When Talitha walked back in the room with a cherry wood ornate box inscribed in a foreign text, a shiver of ill ease passed through Sere. She swallowed past the foreboding feeling and watched Milosh run his fingers over grooves on the lid, pressing them as one presses down piano keys to bring forth music—except no music came, just the hiss of a compressed object being opened. From her perch on the stool, she watched him take out a single syringe and a cork stopped navy blue canister. ―Sere, are you sure this is what you want?‖ Talitha whispered as her uncle prepared the concoction. ―Yes,‖ Sere answered, her gaze still on Milosh. ―Are you ready, Goddess?‖ Milosh brought the syringe to her and unscrewed the top, removing the needle. ―Won‘t need that. Open up.‖ Sere opened her mouth. 50

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―Relax.‖ Milosh poured the contents into her mouth. The sour liquid made her grimace. She swallowed and brought her hand to her mouth, to keep from purging it back up. Time ticked by in slow motion. Sere didn‘t think the potion was working. Her body didn‘t feel any different though her mind became hazy. She opened her mouth to speak, but her vocal cords were paralyzed, her mind seized and her body convulsed. Froth came out of her mouth and she careened to the floor. She gripped Talitha and raised her head to speak. ―Something is wrong. I‘m suffocating,‖ she wheezed. ―Get Darvon.‖ Trapped in her body, she watched Chaos rip her to shreds from the inside, trying to get out, causing her body to flail. Her breath became jagged, her eyes lolled to the back of her head until there was nothing but darkness. **** Darvon heard his name being screamed and manifested to where he was summoned. He regarded Talitha with a cold glare as she recounted the past half hour to him. ―What do you mean she’s unconscious?‖ Even though his voice was clipped, he knew the girl before him shuddered in fear. 51

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―She— we—‖ Talitha cowered. ―Spit it out, girl.‖ He gripped her arm, propelling them both to her uncle‘s house. ―We called for Kali.‖ Talitha openly winced at the bite of the grip on her arm. Darvon‘s eyes widened. ―No. Tell me she didn‘t ingest anything.‖ He shoved Talitha through the door, not bothering with the pleasantry of knocking. ―Milosh—‖ ―She only wanted to cure your father.‖ ―Not another word. I need silence to think.‖ The thought of his woman in danger threatened to rip away the vestiges of his control. He walked briskly through the rooms until he made his way to the greenhouse. His woman lay pale, shallow in breath and near death‘s door. ―I could kill you Milosh,‖ his voice rasped out in a barely reined in snarl. He dipped his hands to Sere and ran them over her, checking her pulse. He lifted her eyelid and peered into her lifeless orbs. Above him, he sensed the presence of Kali. ―Mother Kali, your purpose here is no longer needed. You may take your leave.‖ ―I was summoned by the young woman and the liquid–apart of me–runs through her veins, she has need of me.‖ Kali shimmered from noncorporeal form to face Darvon. In a thunderous mood, Darvon snapped his head up in her direction. Having dealt with her in 52

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the past, her many arms and heads didn‘t offend him. ―We‘re not of your house. Chaos will never depart her body. It cannot.‖ He picked Sere up in his arms. ―I don‘t have time to argue with you, Goddess, my mate needs me.‖ He gifted Milosh with a parting glance and snapped his fingers at Talitha. ―Come, girl, we‘re being summoned by Astraia.‖ He kept his gaze on Milosh as the summoning worked its magic, sending them through a vortex to meet Mistress Justice.

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Chapter Four ucked away from the world, Justice‘s home rode within the clouds, enabling her to see everything going on to keep balance in the cosmos. Each time Darvon tumbled from his home to her presence, the molecular structure of his body disappearing and reappearing hurt like the very devil. Being able to transfer there on his own didn‘t affect him as much as being sucked through one of his Elder‘s vortexes. He held tight to Sere cradled in one arm and locked his other hand around Talitha‘s wrist. The beauty surrounding him never ceased to amaze. He breathed in the fresh air and regained his equilibrium. His fashionable clothes melted away from his body into nothingness as linen trousers and a charcoal grey linen shirt formed on him. His hand that had bunched in Sere‘s clothes now clutched fabric so transparent and soft, he felt the cool touch of her skin.

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He frowned down into her face and strode his way across the dark marble flooring. Servants made a wide berth to get out of his way. He nodded in a perfunctory way, but ignored the incessant ringing in his head, demanding he come to the main chamber. ―Talitha, go tell Elder Justice, I‘ll be along after I see to Sere.‖ ―Yes, Darvon.‖ Talitha obeyed and rubbed the circulation back into her wrist as she went off to her tutor‘s chambers. Darvon shifted Sere from a one-armed hold to two. He could feel the faint flutter of her heart beating, but sensed nothing else. The doors to the healing bath came into view. He pressed forward, hastening his stride and ducked into the entry. Once he cleared the doorway, he pulled the gilded rope parting the thick drapes closed, signifying the chambers in use. Down it came, the fine sheen, the mist that eased the soul, filled the spirit and allowed cleansing. He pressed a kiss to Sere‘s forehead and walked with a more relaxed stride. Steam rose from the healing waters encased in a marble pool. He toed off his sandals and removed hers to trudge down the steps. With gentle movements, he entered the water until it covered his chest. Sere floated atop the surface, secure in his grasp. Infused with cosmic properties, the water 55

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sloshed against Sere‘s body, lapping over her chest, covering her neck. All Darvon had to do was hold her while it removed the toxic potion from her pores, eliminating the poison. Relief flooded him when Sere stirred back to the living. He brushed water drops from her face and willed her eyes to open. Nothing happened. ―Come on, gataki, come back to me,‖ he murmured. The need to see her beautiful eyes crack open overrode his anger at her irresponsible choice to help. When she failed to open them, a ripple of discontentment hit him hard. He let the cerulean blue water lap at his shoulders as he stepped deeper into the heated pool, breathing in the steam. She looked innocent, with her face relaxed. He realized then how her breathing changed from shallow to long deep breaths. He was deeply in tune with her improvement. ―Difficult isn‘t it, being unable to fix the one you love immediately?‖ Astraia moved into the bathing chamber. ―Talitha came to me. The young girl is frightened half to death.‖ Darvon turned to look at Astraia. ―It wasn‘t my intent to scare her.‖ He let his hands fall from Sere‘s body and watched her float atop the water that gently lulled her. ―You could‘ve at least removed your clothing,‖ she tisked. 56

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Darvon moved into shallow water, leaving Sere‘s side for the first time since entering. ―Never know who‘ll enter.‖ He didn‘t have an exhibitionist bone in his body and only removed clothing in the privacy of his home or room. He would do no less for his woman. Astraia sighed. ―How is she?‖ ―Resting.‖ He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. ―She made a very impulsive choice.‖ Anger seethed within him and he tamped it down. Her health, at the moment, was more important than wanting to shake sense into her. ―With nothing to ground her, do you mistake her personality?‖ Astraia took a seat in one of the lounging dais scattered around the chamber. ―I grounded her and she connived a way to get out of it,‖ his voice deepened, rasped out the words. ―For your father.‖ Astraia picked up a goblet of white wine. Darvon moved around in the water, pressed a feather-light caress on Sere, turning her to float back to his arms. Her pallor improved with each moment. ―My father will regain his leg use when the jolt of power wears off.‖ He fingered strands of her hair fanned out and slipped them further to her scalp, massaging it in effort to satisfy his urge to bring her comfort. ―She‘ll no doubt feel the gravity of her mistake 57

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once she awakens. What will you do then? Lose your temper?‖ She smiled and set her goblet down. ―Me? No. I don‘t lose my temper,‖ he replied, denial lacing his voice. Astraia laughed. ―Tell me then why is Talitha hiding from you?‖ Flailing arms and splashing sent waves of water at Darvon. ―She tried to kill me.‖ The angry voice of Chaos screeched. Darvon pitched forward to grab Sere‘s body before she sunk under the water. He found himself in possession of a fiery entity that refused to settle. ―Calm down.‖ He petted her and hoisted her against the hard plains of his body. The change happened immediately, her body melted into his—her pulse stopped bounding. ―This is a farce. You hate me, everything about me.‖ Chaos wept on his shoulder. Stunned, Darvon didn‘t know what to make of her outburst. ―I don‘t hate you, Chaos.‖ He waded to the stairs and sat down, cradling her in his lap, her face turned into his neck. ―Yes. You do. Always have. Since that day I touched you and brought you into my world of darkness. You felt how lost I was and you left me. All that‘s left from that day is the scar on your face.‖ 58

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Darvon looked up at Astraia. He nodded as she vanished from his sight, giving him privacy to handle the bundle of need on his lap. ―Hate is a strong word.‖ He stumbled over emotions, trying to word them right. ―I don‘t show emotion well. I come off distant. Sere has had my heart since childhood.‖ ―Sere isn‘t me.‖ ―Let me finish. You‘re lack of control makes it challenging to like you. However, you are part of her, as she is part of you.‖ ―Denial won‘t help. How can she accept me in her when the person she idolizes the most is disgusted by the gift within her?‖ Chaos frowned. Darvon let out an aggravated growl. ―I don‘t hate you, damn it. Woman, you twist me in circles. The scar is nothing but a scar. I backed off because I wanted to feel free, to have some chaos take away being perfect. I wanted to be able to bury myself in both of you. To feel you both wrapped around me.‖ He blew out a steady breath. ―To do that, you‘ve got to quit taking her over and merge with her.‖ ―How can I trust you won‘t silence me again? Do you have any idea what it feels like to be silenced, to be bound inside someone with no voice or outlet? First you and then her—‖she said on an exhausted sigh. This side of Chaos proved an enigma to him. 59

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Could it be all these years, her acting out was a call for attention? Had he spent so much time chasing and cleaning up messes without taking time to get to the crux of her insanity? Slow but sure, he began to piece together what he should‘ve seen all along. Darvon hesitated. ―I didn‘t silence you. I took away your ability to steamroll over Sere for your own agenda.‖ The sound of someone approaching interrupted his private conversation. The look he cast at the intruder wasn‘t polite. ―Did you not see this chamber is occupied?‖ ―My apologies for disturbing.‖ A young servant came into the healing chambers. Darvon raked his gaze over the slip of a girl and bit his tongue to keep from snapping and scaring her off as he had Talitha. ―Well, why are you here?‖ He rose out of the water. ―There‘s a doctor to see to Sere, waiting.‖ The girl moved forward to assist Sere. Darvon brushed off the water dripping from his body, waiting for the magic in the room to suck out the remaining moisture. ―Work on what I said,‖ he said to Chaos who remained sitting. Darvon saw the change, in the blink of an eye, Sere was returned to him. ―There‘s a doctor here for you.‖ ―I heard.‖ Sere swallowed hard and wrapped her hands around her stomach. ―Darvon?‖ 60

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Darvon heard Sere whisper his name. He turned an ice cold gaze on her and clenched his fists at his side. With nothing polite to say to her, he raised a brow, in silent warning. She dropped her gaze and stood to go with the servant. At the door, she paused and turned to Darvon, but departed with as much haste as she could muster. Darvon followed at the pace of a snail. He veered off heading toward Astraia‘s door. When her door loomed before him, he raised his hand and rapped. ―Come in.‖ Darvon entered the gilded room and bowed to his elder. ―I‘m leaving. Sere is being assessed by your physician. I have no doubt she‘s fully healed, however, a brief separation is in her best interest.‖ Astraia rose and walked over to Darvon. She placed her hand on his heart and grinned. ―Good for you. You know your limit and when to walk away.‖ She patted his shoulder and stepped back. ―She has forty-eight hours and then I want her home.‖ He turned to the flash of color-blinding fabric and softened his tone. ―Talitha, I hope you learned something out of all of this.‖ ―Yes, God Darvon. I won‘t be repeating my mistake again.‖ She bent back over the paper and her pen. ―Good. You‘re a good girl, Talitha, just young.‖ 61

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When she looked up at him startled, he regarded her with affection. ―Thank you.‖ Talitha resumed her work. Darvon turned to Astraia. ―Until next time.‖ ―Go and be well.‖ Astraia opened up the vortex and sent him hurtling through it. **** Sere laid under three layers of bedding, sweating her ass off. The quack that examined her put her on bed rest for two days. She groaned at being stuck in bed. It could be worse you know. ―How could it be worse, Chaos? Darvon hates me.‖ Sere threw her head back against the pillow and kicked in the bed until her feet found an opening and she could wiggle her toes in the open air. Chaos laughed. He doesn’t hate you. He’s just mad. Hell, for once he’s not mad at me, it’s nice. ―You‘re not helping matters.‖ You tried to kill me! ―Only because you are always doing bad things.‖ Sere huffed in agitation. Why are you so afraid? ―I hate what we do. It‘s wrong to make others suffer and take pleasure in it.‖ Sere settled in for a long wordy battle of the mind. Okay. I admit you have a point. I do enjoy causing a 62

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ruckus. I have nothing else. You refused to merge with me. I get to watch you live a life excluded from me. ―Your behavior does nothing but cause rifts in every relationship or friendship I‘ve ever had.‖ If she‘d been in public, the people in white that carried straitjackets would have locked her up for conversing with herself. ―I feel like a fucking loon.‖ Control has always been yours. You chose to hide, not my fault. ―And now we merge after years of strife?‖ Hell yes! I want to fuck our man! ―Seriously, as if we‘re not in enough in trouble and you got sex on the brain?‖ How could Chaos really be thinking of that when they sat embroiled in dire straits? You’re the one always masturbating to his name. Because of you, I’ve been stuck in voyeur hell, not able to get off. ―You‘re insane. I can see why he‘s always yelling at you through me.‖ Sere rolled the top blanket down. ―Gods, I‘m sweltering.‖ With all that angry man, I’m sweltering, too. So why don’t we agree to disagree. ―About what?‖ The natural order of things. ―You‘re going to tone down some?‖ Yes, now how about we see about going home. Sere opened up her being to allow Chaos to shift into her skin. ―This is totally weird, just 63

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saying.‖ She stretched and resisted giggling. Sorry. Didn’t mean to smack your funny bone. Sere moved and bumped her head. ―Ouch.‖ What the fuck? Watch what you’re doing. ―You can feel that?‖ Yes! No hurting us. Sere laughed. ―Big baby.‖ I’m resting—call me when it’s time to work or when it’s time to play with our guy. ―I‘m not going to his father‘s.‖ Hmmm. What, go home? Sere yawned. ―That sounds good to me. I miss my bed, although this one feels good.‖ I think you should suck it up and face him. ―You wonder why they call you Chaos? I‘m trying to avert a storm.‖ Do you trust me? ―I don‘t like trick questions. There‘s no clear answer when I‘m somewhere in the middle.‖ Sere felt the urge to sleep wash over her, no doubt from the dip in the pool. He’ll come if we don’t show. You know that, he is prompt, making him search us out wouldn’t work in our favor. Sere took in the simple logic of her words. ―Then how do we escape his anger?‖ We don’t. We go on the offense and use his anger to our advantage. ―How is that even remotely possible?‖ Think seduction and natural springs. Getting him 64

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away from home and relaxed might defuse the problem. A good massage might put him in a more congenial mood. ―That sounds to me a whole lot like manipulation.‖ Sere curled up in the bed and flipped to her side. ―If you think it‘ll work—‖ Of course it’ll work. I’ve studied that man for years. Handling him would get her nowhere. ―We‘ll go home to Darvon and accept his anger. I don‘t believe your way will bring about a peaceful solution.‖ The thought of some grand scheme that might backfire would taint what she held as special. For years, she dreamed of sharing all she was with Darvon. To dirty that thought would ruin her vision. Fine. Leave it to a petulant entity to have a complex even worse than hers. Sere snuggled down and let Morpheus take away her worries. Even in sleep, her ways haunted her, leaving her vulnerable and shaken. Faceless children, men and women screaming, pictures of destruction and the power of Chaos reveling in it woke her hours later. She gasped for breath and slipped out of the bed. After donning her robes, she slid on her sandals and wandered about the halls. Darkness cloaked her within its shadows. How can I be so at ease in the dark but afraid in the light? ―Who‘s there?‖ A matronly voice whispered on 65

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the slight breeze, fluttering around her as the drapes to the windows rippled in the moon‘s light. ―Elder Justice, it‘s Sere.‖ She reached out and touched the silky drape, staring out into the nothing that was the universe. ―So many stars amid so much darkness.‖ ―You should be resting, my dear,‖ Astraia chided. ―I find my mind is occupied on other things, and my dreams are plagued by faceless people.‖ Astraia appeared before her, walking out of the darkness. In her hand, she held two goblets. ―Let us quench our thirst, my dear.‖ ―Thank you,‖ Sere said, accepting the cup. She ran her thumb along the rim of the chalice. ―Rakomelo?‖ She sipped the sweet honey flavored Greek wine. ―Yes, I had Darvon bring me a bottle before he left.‖ Astraia brushed her robe and conjured two chairs. ―Tell me what bothers you.‖ Sere noticed it was more an order than a request. She sat and regarded her elder. ―What bothers me is personal.‖ Astraia sampled her drink and leaned back in her chair. ―These eyes have seen many things for many centuries.‖ Astraia offered a kind smile and an ear to listen. When Sere didn‘t speak, she sighed. ―Sometimes the smallest fear can fester and become something it‘s not meant to be. Speak 66

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of it, conquer it, so you may move on, Sere.‖ ―I‘m a parasite to humanity,‖ Sere confided in a wavering voice. ―I know what you think. The dreams, are they every night?‖ ―Mostly, only worse after an event.‖ Astraia set her now empty cup down. ―Come now, you can‘t really believe that.‖ She rose to show Sere the people helping each other to rebuild. ―You rip apart so that humanity may remember how to heal. Your actions bring about change, growth and humbleness. Yours may be the hardest pill to swallow, but, my child, you are good. Your chaos is needed to reinstall values forgotten by society that has forsaken its people, forcing them to work together from the rich to the destitute.‖ ―People die because of me,‖ she whispered. ―People die because it is their time and their fate. Those who die pave the way for the next leaders of the worlds to be born.‖ Astraia paused. ―You‘ve no more control over the way of nature than the Aegean Sea‘s violent and unpredictable currents. We do what we must to prevail, balance is everything.‖ ―How can you make everything so logical?‖ Sere asked, then drank the last of her wine. ―Often people worry so much it brings on a forlorn hopelessness when in fact nothing at all is 67

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further from the truth.‖ Sere bit her lip. ―I still have to face Darvon.‖ Trepidation filled her. She no more wanted to see him than she wanted to listen to her alter ego. ―Bah, he‘s a man who worried you‘d done permanent damage to yourself. Talitha will be going with you tomorrow. I have faith you‘ll make a wise decision returning home.‖ Astraia stood and walked over to Sere. She extended her hand and Sere accepted her help up. ―Goodnight.‖ ―Sweet dreams Sere. No more dreams will plague you tonight.‖ Astraia vanished. Scary. Sere blinked in the darkness and crept back to her chambers, careful not to disturb others. Fear no longer comprised her being, anxiety departed, leaving her relaxed. Once she reached her lodgings, she slid back under the covers and drifted into a dreamless slumber. ―Good morning!‖ Sere peeked an eye open and groaned. ―Talitha it can‘t be morning yet.‖ ―Yes, and it‘s time to prepare to leave,‖ Talitha said and threw back the bedcovers. ―So come on, I get to go back with you.‖ ―Oh, that‘s right.‖ Sere swiped the sleep from her eyes and sat up. ―What‘s your hurry?‖ She stretched and fell back on the bed. 68

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―We just received news that Darvon‘s father can move his feet. What more glorious news is there than that?‖ Just beam her over the head so we can go back to sleep. Sere ignored Chaos. ―I‘ll be happy when Alister can walk again, who on earth told you?‖ She watched the over-enthused gypsy move around the room. ―There‘s so much to do.‖ Talitha skipped over to the door, taking two cups of coffee from the kitchen servant. ―Drink up, I ordered your coffee with honey like you love.‖ She handed Sere a cup. ―Thank you.‖ She took a swallow of the hot liquid, then sighed as it soothed her throat and got her brain to moving. Look at her, she’s excited about something else, she can barely contain herself. ―Talitha,‖ Sere observed her young friend. ―Why are you so anxious to leave?‖ ―I got a message from Stravos when Darvon sent the bottle of wine to Elder Astraia.‖ ―Really? What did it say?‖ She moved out of bed and plucked a skirt and top out from the closet. ―He‘s taking me out on a date. Me!‖ Talitha poked a thumb at herself. ―He could take any one out back in Nisyros. Can you believe a college boy is interested in me?‖ ―I thought your culture prevented you from 69

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dating outside members of your band.‖ Sere hooked her tank top straps and slipped into her knee length skirt. ―Uncle Milosh gave Astraia guardianship of me.‖ The grin on Talitha‘s face said it all. The young girl was smitten on Stravos. ―Talitha, you do know that young men generally have one thing on their mind.‖ ―Stravos is a good guy. I read him.‖ She is as naive as you used to be. ―Take your relationship slow, okay?‖ ―Like you did? I know you and Darvon had sex,‖ she whispered. Sere groaned. ―I‘m an adult Talitha.‖ ―So what. I‘m almost an adult and in my culture, women normally get married right at eighteen, my birthday is next month.‖ Birth control. ―Talitha,‖ Sere paused. For once, Sere agreed with her other half. ―Let‘s worry about that when it happens.‖ ―Uncle Milosh had my things delivered to Lord Order‘s home.‖ ―There‘s really no talking you into staying here?‖ Sere asked. ―Nope.‖ ―After you.‖ Sere gave a reluctant smile and followed the bounds of energy out of her 70

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chambers. The walk to Astraia‘s took minimal time. She looked at her advisor. ―Are you sure you want her with us?‖ ―Yes, have a pleasant return home.‖ Astraia initiated the vortex and sent her two youngsters through it.

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Chapter Five linding flashes of white exploded in Sere‘s vision. As always, spinning into the next plane of existence didn‘t happen without making her lose her equilibrium. If Talitha hadn‘t been with her, she‘d have toppled over in an attempt to gain her balance. They both glanced up to see the vortex shimmer and disappear. Fresh air, the smell of seaweed and saltwater assaulted her nostrils. After taking a deep gulp, she turned to Talitha. ―You okay?‖ ―Does that always make you nauseous?‖ Talitha held onto her stomach. ―Once you‘ve done it a couple thousand times, it begins to fade,‖ she said, looking at Talitha‘s pea green face. ―I‘m okay, just dizzy,‖ Talitha rasped out. ―Welcome back, ladies.‖ Sere pivoted toward the sound of Alister‘s

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voice. ―How are you doing?‖ She walked over to his wheelchair and placed a kiss on his cheek. ―Hello, sir!‖ Talitha spoke and craned her neck around to peer into the open bay doors. ―Talitha.‖ Sere laughed. ―Better by the day. Darvon is working. How would you like to play a game of cards with an old man?‖ ―I‘d love to, Alister,‖ Sere agreed and pushed his chair to the wrought iron deck table on the balcony. ―We can breathe better while we play.‖ ―Sere?‖ Talitha kept her gaze on the door as another party joined them. Sere watched Stravos approach them. ―Morning, Stravos.‖ ―Morning, Goddess,‖ Stravos said although his gaze stayed riveted on Talitha. Sere tittered at the obvious flirt. ―Why don‘t you two go spend the day together?‖ ―I‘d love to.‖ Talitha beamed a megawatt grin in her direction and then slipped her hand into Stravos‘s. ―We‘ll just go into town and hangout.‖ Stravos turned red. Alister winked at Sere. ―Bye,‖ Talitha tossed over her shoulder as Stravos led her down the spiral stairs attached to the side entrance. Sere picked up the deck of cards and shuffled. 73

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―American or Greek?‖ ―I‘ll go easy on you since you‘re young. American Go Fish?‖ ―I‘m not a child!‖ Sere laughed. ―Crazy Eights?‖ ―We could play Poleis. Darvon bought it for Stravos.‖ ―A game in strategy, you sly old man?‖ She set the deck of cards on the table and went inside to find the board game. Although the game had only been out a handful of years in Greece, it was increasingly popular with the young crowd. Tucked inside a drawer under other board games, she found the one she wanted and headed back outside with it. She nodded to the servant who brought out fresh cheese, pita bread and more honeyed coffee. ―I see you found it.‖ ―Get ready to lose.‖ Sere teased and tore off a piece of bread, then slathered the soft cheese spread onto it with a knife. ―Let the ancient warfare begin.‖ Alister chose his piece, the helmet of Alexander the Great. ―Hmmph,‖ Sere snorted and picked up a bronzed Aspis, a shield from the Corinthian War, and put it down in favor of the duro, a long spear. Alister opened the board and placed his soldiers strategically. Sere picked up her first card. ―Advance two 74

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places to the left.‖ She moved her javalier and bit her lip. ―How‘s Darvon?‖ Alister rolled the tali, a Greek dice, and picked up his card. He eyed Sere cautiously before advancing his man and adding the tactical advantage of moving his vessels in the water. ―My son is—‖ ―Yes?‖ Sere took the tali and rolled it. With a sourpuss expression on her face, she moved her own vessels ahead, placing them in line of fire. ―To be truthful, he hasn‘t spoken of you or him, he‘s a private man. Ah yes,‖ Alister drew another card. ―There goes your line of ships.‖ He chuckled and took them off the board. ―You‘re a coldhearted man, Alister.‖ Sere sighed at the loss of her water patrol and plucked a card, hoping she‘d get to roll the tali again. No such luck. It seemed her men were in the dregs of war and must wait out the battle until she could pull a card enabling her to add to her dwindling numbers. ―How are you feeling?‖ Alister made his next move. ―Fine, nervous, nauseous.‖ Sere engaged in battle. Alister swiped out her javaliers and chuckled when she groaned and thumped the table. ―Am I interrupting?‖ The deep resonant voice could only belong to 75

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one person, one man. Sere craned her head around to see Darvon leaning against the marble pillar. ―We‘re playing a game.‖ Her eyes continued to follow the path he took leading to her. When his hand brushed across her cheek, she knew her worry was for nothing. She let the next card flutter from her hand. ―Father,‖ Darvon acknowledged. ―Son.‖ Alister addressed Darvon. ―Here to join us?‖ ―No, I came for her. Would you excuse us please?‖ ―Of course. Rain check, my dear.‖ ―I‘d love to.‖ Sere stood and felt the butterflies go topsy-turvy in her stomach. She cast a fervent glance back at Alister for support. His nod of reassurance was all it took. She clasped her hand in Darvon‘s and let him lead her down the spiral stairs, to his sports car. ―Where are we going?‖ ―You‘ll see.‖ Darvon helped her get settled into the passenger side and walked around the front, getting in himself and buckling up. Without a word, he reached over and secured Sere‘s seatbelt. ―Mysterious?‖ ―Not at all, I just want time with you, without the interruptions of family.‖ Oh my! She blinked at his words and stumbled over her tongue. She thought she heard hidden intent, masked with his smooth baritone voice. 76

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Observing him while she waited for her brain to form something to say, she saw how relaxed he was and calm. ―Speechless, gataki?‖ He started the car and eased out of the drive. ―No.‖ Wind whipped her hair into her face as they picked up speed up. ―Time alone, to talk, among other more pleasurable activities.‖ Darvon winked at her. ―Who are you and what did you do with the current God of Order?‖ Sere leaned back against the door. Darvon laughed. ―Don‘t be frightened, gataki.‖ ―You‘re acting odd.‖ Sere kept her body on alert to bolt if need be. Darvon slid his hand onto her leg and stroked her thigh. ―Would you feel more at ease if I said that I‘m on a vacation of sorts?‖ ―I‘d say you‘d gone straight crazy and lost your mind. You don‘t know the meaning of the word vacation.‖ His words struck a chord of hope in her. What if he did take time off? Toying with her seatbelt, she regarded him with interest. ―Try having a glass of wine with Astraia and arguing with her, it‘s easier just to pacify her and take her advice—to take care of you.‖ ―By that you mean you‘re only here on vacy with me because our boss told you to?‖ Sere frowned and crossed her arms. 77

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―Uh, no. She just suggested it.‖ ―Hmm, it‘s whatever.‖ ―What does it’s whatever mean?‖ Darvon said, his voice dropping in a low growl, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. Chaos rose up in Sere, poking her in the temple. Play nice. ―It means even if whisking me away wasn‘t your idea, telling me who put the bug in your ear wasn‘t a smart move.‖ Sere bit her cheek. Darvon kept the wheel steady and looked at her. ―Trust me, if I didn‘t want to be with you, I‘d be home, working. Do you think I‘d pander to someone else‘s directions or follow my gut?‖ ―Well, no I suppose not.‖ ―Good girl. Now, that we have that taken care of, rest while I drive.‖ A smile played on her lips. There was the man she knew and loved. ―I think I‘m about as rested as I can get.‖ She slipped her sunglasses out of her bag and slid them on her face. ―The sun feels so good on my face.‖ As he drove, she watched the scenery. Instead of heading down the beach where they could find a villa to relax, he drove toward the mountains. Barren land came into view, seemingly void of animal life. She inhaled the smell of the soil and sighed. Soon they‘d pass Santorini‘s Volcano. Sere wiped her damp palms on her skirt and placed her 78

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hand on Darvon‘s thigh. ―Enjoying the view?‖ he asked. ―I haven‘t seen this side of Nisyros for a long time.‖ ―You‘re different somehow.‖ Darvon picked her hand up and kissed the tops of her knuckles. ―Peaceful. I feel whole.‖ In a moment of clarity, Sere realized she could handle chaos. What a delightful feeling, to no longer fret about what might be. She had right now and nothing else mattered. For the first time in her life, she wasn‘t alone. She had the strength of her man to draw on and strength deep within she‘d yet to tap into. ―When you don‘t let fear prevent you from seeing what‘s in front of you, the vibrancy of life‘s colors brighten and draw the sun kissed heat to warm your face.‖ She turned and laid her head on his shoulder. **** Darvon stroked Sere‘s head. Ahead of them lay the stretch of beach leading into the mouth of the Katsouni caves. During the busy season, the public and tourists used the hot springs during the day. Reserving the caves took coaxing and a promise of returning a favor. When they arrived, he parked the car and woke Sere up with a gentle shake. ―Beautiful, we‘ve 79

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arrived.‖ He exited the car and rounded it to open her door. ―Oh, we haven‘t been here in forever.‖ She laughed in pleasure. Darvon slipped his hand in hers. ―Not since we were kids and ran away from home. Let‘s go see how much it‘s changed.‖ He failed to mention he‘d come and laid out their things for the night. ―Oh, smell the earth.‖ Sere tugged his hand. Once they entered, she rubbed her hand over his in excitement. ―Do you think the stalagmites and stalactites have changed much? Remember the bear‘s teeth in the rock you scared me with?‖ ―I‘m more interested in the springs, gataki,‖ he said and winked. ―A dip sounds heavenly.‖ She leaned into his embrace. ―We can explore later if we‘ve time.‖ He planned to run his hands over every inch of her body, both in the water and out. He smelled her arousal and her hesitancy and grinned. The dark nature in him coaxed him, prodded him to fulfill his needs. ―You‘re bad.‖ She swatted him. ―No, well behaved, till now.‖ He spun her to face him and crushed his lips to hers. She tasted of sweet honey. He dipped his tongue in deeper and mashed his body against hers. Need longing to be 80

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filled slammed into his gut, hardened his cock against her. ―Darvon.‖ Sere moaned and slid her hands up his chest. He broke away and stepped back. He ran his finger over her bottom lip and walked backward, leading her further in the depths of the cave. Her confusion ate at him. He was in no way done with her, not yet by a long shot. His ears picked up the faint trickle of water. He guided her through the pillars, following the sound. Running water pinged off the cave walls near the hot springs, branching off into an open sky vegetative landscape ripe with bushes and plant life in a multitude of pastel colored flowered buds. Her enjoyment pleased him. ―Beautiful,‖ Sere exclaimed. Up above them, the cave walls rose, leading to a crystal clear blue sky without the heat index. Serenity surrounded them. She breathed in the aroma of their private paradise. Darvon leaned against a pillar, removed his shirt, button by button, and slipped his shirt off onto a limestone ledge. His dick hurt in his pants, constricted by the zipper. He didn‘t look from her eyes as he stripped his jeans off. ―Why don‘t you get comfortable?‖ Hunger for her increased tenfold, the gentle hitch in her breath, the tilt of her head and her eyes gazing at his throbbing 81

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cock. He‘d never encountered the gut clenching need to possess before. The pheromones she radiated consumed him, rivaling the scents enveloping them. Sere‘s hands shook as she unclasped the back of her haltertop. The silk scraps of material slid down, folding over the v shape of her cleavage, giving a tantalizing view of her rosy areolas. ―Like that?‖ ―Hell yeah.‖ Darvon took his cock in his hand and stroked it, once then twice, and crooked his finger at her. ―Come closer, lose more.‖ Sere hooked her fingers around her soft skirt, approaching him. At a hand‘s reach away, she turned and bent over at the waist, drawing her skirt to the cavern floor. Darvon‘s eyes bugged out of his head. Beautiful pink lips winked at him, glistened with arousal. ―Now that is sexy,‖ he growled in appreciation of her bare pussy. ―It feels deliciously naughty,‖ Sere said, straightening to turn around and take his cock in her hand. ―I‘ve wanted this so bad.‖ ―Show me.‖ She‘d become bold in his absence. He let her take the lead and stifled back a groan of pleasure as she stroked him from tip to base. ****

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Sere shivered from his intense gaze on her. She stroked tighter and knelt down, enough to take his cock into her mouth. Stiff and smooth, she slid him in slowly, his vein throbbing against her tongue. Headiness washed over her, her sex weeping with the need to be fucked, but first she wanted to savor the cock that made her salivate. But first—she wanted to submerse herself in water. In the true nature of a tease, she winked and sucked while slowly taking her mouth off him. Her hand remaining, she rose. Only instead of letting go, she gripped his thick length and motioned for him to follow her. With each step, she stroked and paused to look at him. The ferocious hunger written across his face stole her breath. She faltered and felt his arm clamp around her, bringing her balance back. His chuckle sent shards of anticipation down her spine. One step—then two and she slid into the warm water. Unlike the public springs that fit a large amount of people, this private one had very little room. Crowded, she bumped against his chest while her free hand searched under the water‘s surface for a bench or shallow seat. ―Come here,‖ Darvon ordered and placed his hand over hers, taking it from his dick. Sere had no choice but to let go and did so with a pout. ―I wasn‘t done playing.‖ 83

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Darvon snorted. ―Gataki, I‘m a man, not a toy.‖ He pulled her flush up against his body, his hands gripping the flesh of her waist. Angling his head down, he pressed a slow kiss to her lips, forcing her to part her own. She moaned as he brought her to a raging need with sweeping strokes of his tongue. He held onto her, moving in the water, his cock jerked against the seam of her labia. Finding his seat, he sank down and took her with him, her long legs straddling his muscular thighs. His name but a sigh on her lips, Sere ground her cunt over his cock. Her clit ached, her body was wound so tight, she sought the release friction would appease. ―Ah-ah.‖ Darvon chuckled. ―Patience is a good virtue.‖ When he trailed his fingers to her core, slipping a digit into her pussy, she whimpered as he fucked her. To her aggravation, he steered clear from her bud. Extreme arousal bowed her when he rocked his cock against her labia, teasing her further. Her hair curled around her face, preventing her from seeing his expression. ―Darvon?‖ Sere begged, squirming on his lap. ―You want it, but first,‖ he murmured and leaned forward, licking her pebbled nipple into his mouth, working her into a frenzy. ―A promise.‖ ―Anything, you want just…please,‖ she whimpered and gripped his sinewy arms. 84

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―Be careful what you say, I might call you on it.‖ He bit down. ―Oh God.‖ Darvon popped her nipple from his mouth and tangled his hand in her wet hair, bringing her face down to meet his. ―Promise me, you‘ll think before you act.‖ After uttering the last word, he poised his cock at her entrance. ―I promise.‖ She angled over him and sheathed his cock. ―Don‘t ever put me through a hell of that nature again.‖ He placed his hands on her breasts, squeezing as she rose and fell over his erection. Sere gasped and dug her nails into his skin. ―I won‘t, we won‘t.‖ She felt it then, the pure delight of him filling her, his essence, mixing with hers. Water sloshed around them. She released the hold on her own, disabling the shield she‘d placed up long ago. ―I don‘t want to hurt you,‖ she whispered. ―We belong together. My ying to your yang.‖ He nipped her earlobe and hugged her to his body, pushing up deeper into her, welcoming the dark void she‘d hid for so long. ―You‘ll never be alone again,‖ he repeated his vow. ―I need you so bad,‖ she bit out, a storm brewing inside of her, threatening to overwhelm. ―For eternity, gataki, I‘m yours.‖ Darvon transported them instantly, no longer in the 85

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cavern they‘d haunted as children, but in his bed, his body poised over hers, his cock drilling into her, marking her. ―Yes.‖ Her back arched off his bed, she spread her legs wider, brushed them up and down his back, digging her fingernails into his muscular ass. ―God, you‘re sexy.‖ She writhed underneath him, her raging body demanding more. Darvon brushed his day‘s growth along the line of her neck. His lips moved down to place small light kisses along her cleavage, then up the slope of her neck to her soft jaw line. He moved a snail‘s pace inside of her, ran his hand down the length of her body, not missing one sweet spot of skin. Anchoring along her thigh, he rose and fell, increasing, pounding into her responsive body. ―Oh. I‘m so close!‖ ―Come on then, baby,‖ he coaxed. Her body shattered and her cream covered his cock, she forgot everything as his seed erupted from him and filled her. She hoped it would take root. Whoa? Where’d that thought come from? Sere stilled over Darvon and pressed her head to his. ―I love you.‖ ―I have loved you all my life, but if you ever tell anyone about this moment of mush, I‘ll deny it.‖ He dropped a kiss on her forehead and moved his weight off her, rolling them so that she fit up against his body, facing him. 86

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―You‘re so beautiful.‖ Sere sniffled and curled up into his warmth, her hand stroking his back. Life couldn‘t get better. Love healed all, provided a cocoon so tight, so grounded Sere sung with joy. In front of her, Darvon played Koupas, a Greek card game, similar to the American version of Hearts. She sat perched on his lap as his good luck charm. ―Stop cheating, gataki.‖ The rumbled drawl of warning sent a tremor through her body. She couldn‘t resist helping Alister. ―I‘m not cheating,‖ her innocent response was cut off by an ice-cold glare. ―He‘s always been competitive,‖ Alister said. ―True.‖ Sere slipped off his lap and peered into the other room to spy on Talitha and Stravos. ―Sere!‖ Darvon hollered. Alister chuckled. ―Come back, pet, leave the teens alone.‖ ―Do you remember when he was a teen?‖ She pointed a finger at Darvon. ―Yes, just as you were one, too. They‘re respectful.‖ Alister shuffled cards and dealt them out. ―American Twenty-one Draw.‖ ―Least she can‘t tell you my hand if she‘s nosing.‖ ―Hey! I heard that!‖ Sere crossed her arms. ―Truth hurt, gataki?‖ Darvon chuckled. 87

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―You and your devilish grin,‖ Sere teased. ―You must get it from your father.‖ She waltzed over to Alister and pressed a kiss to his cheek. ―How‘s the legs doing?‖ ―I walked with a cane this morning. I‘ll be back to myself in no time and you‘ll see you fretted for nothing.‖ He patted her hand with affection. ―You‘re a good woman, Serephine. Don‘t forget that.‖ ―Biased old man.‖ ―Stubborn daughter-in-law.‖ ―Your son told me he loved me.‖ Darvon quirked a brow at his mate. ―I what?‖ ―I‘ll just bet he did. Would be nice to hear some young laughter in this house.‖ ―Father.‖ Darvon put his cards down. ―Nothing wrong with planting the idea.‖ Sere gazed into Darvon‘s hawkish eyes. ―Alister, what did you do?‖ ―Oh, planted a bug in my son‘s ear.‖ ―Really now, what kinda bug would that be?‖ Sere asked. ―The pitter-patter of little feet kind of bug.‖ The old man grinned big. ―Dear Lord. Every time you do that he—‖ ―Say goodnight to Father, Sere, it‘s time to go home.‖ ―I wasn‘t done spying,‖ Sere mumbled and waved at Alister. ―Goodnight.‖ 88

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―Till next family day, goodnight.‖ Darvon smiled at Talitha and used a pinch of godhood to transfer them to their secret place. ―We should‘ve told him.‖ Darvon laughed. ―No, let‘s make him suffer another month or so. My father hasn‘t had this much attention since my mother passed. The servants told me he‘s walking fine. I think he loves your doting attention too much. He has the daughter he never had now.‖ He rubbed her belly and hugged her tight.

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About the Author Being smart and sassy with a great sense of humor comes easily for Mahalia Levey. An avid reader of books, she found herself enchanted with disappearing completely into the worlds authors created. One day she vowed to herself she‘d be one of them. Then family life came, and college right after. Swayed from her childhood course of action, it took many years for her to get back to that place she held dear as a child. Now she is running full steam ahead to keep up with the many ideas flowing freely. She plans on taking her work to higher levels and expanding her genres. Her main focus is giving her readers variety. Her works in progress include paranormal, fantasy and mainstream romance. Taking characters and watching them grow past what she‘s imagined is her true passion. In her personal life, she vowed never to own a minivan and has so far succeeded in not being the soccer mom. The proud mother of one teen and two pre-teens is not easily flustered. Between sports and art classes for the eldest, she takes time out during the day for herself. Her one love, best friend of twelve years has finally caught her. They bought their first house together and are compromising over interior decorations.