Juliet
On one side of the bed, I knelt on my knees, holding Nami's hand through her delivery; on the other, Kaia dabbed sweat away from her brow. Any moment, we would have another addition, and I'd be a grandmother. Yuk! And a daunting prospect. Time passed so quickly. I was officially old and felt ancient. Alive for too long. My mind alert, although not what it used to be…
In one final push, the baby came into the world instantly, a little shadowy figure with every cry, only to be human when he had to take a breath. I chuckled. So small, so cute. But with those manners, he would be a handful.
The midwife handed the boy to Kaia. She wrapped him in a blanket: her eyes alight with adoration. Kaia was broody… Resting a hand on his little chest, golden veins stilled his little heart. The sudden quiet in the room as she carried him out drew my attention to Nami's tired tears, waiting for the afterbirth.
"Hold on," I whispered. She gripped my hand and groaned. "It's over. You can relax now."
Another dheka dulled her, and she was no longer crying or in any pain. Many hands healed her, and for a long moment, they gave her body time to recover. It was so easy to have babies there.
I lifted her off the sheet and carried her to the bath. First, it was empty, so she could sit and be rinsed off. She closed her eyes, being continuously drenched with warm water as I rubbed a soft cloth over her skin. Coming to her feet on the silky fabric—so you didn't slip—she washed off all the blood.
I wiped off all the stains of childbirth from my arms before I draped a clean towel over them to sweep her off her feet and lay her in a bath filled with clean water. No, it wasn't necessary, but I wanted her to know she was my daughter. No matter how old she was. She would not be as alone as I was when Basaam was born.
Nami sank in, releasing a heavy sigh. Meeting my eye, she said, "Thank you."
I laughed reassuringly. "I'm the one who should say thank you. For giving Basaam a son."
"It was not so bad."
"No, the moment the baby is out, it's really all over. You deserve what comes next."
As if on cue, the men cheered, and voices boomed outside. Chants resonated to congratulate the proud father. Nami smiled, yet we were both teary-eyed. Louis was here for it. I wished I could've been there to see both their faces. The two were probably also in tears.
Kaia brought in a tumbler with a nourishing drink. "Here, sister," she said, going down on her knees. "How do you feel?"
Nami sat up and took it, "Well. I will be well."
We waited while she took a moment for herself. I had become much more patient… I didn't run around or feel like I had to be involved in everything.
Nami fell asleep in the bath. I dragged her limp body out of the water toward the bed to be dried off and covered with a light sheet.
Kaia brought the baby in after the men were done meeting him.
"And?" I asked.
Kaia lay him in Nami's arms, chest to chest, "He named him Dauda. The one who is loved." Dauda. I swiped away a few tears. Beautiful name. Basaam wouldn't be allowed to see her for a few days. It meant Kaia and I would be beside the bed to keep vigil. It was where I would be and where I wanted to be.
Charlene came through the door, "Goodness, we're really in the eighteen hundreds again… This might as well be a Regency romance."
The day we entered the city, Charlene found out she was pregnant and didn't want to know who the father was. Secretly, I was sure she hoped it would be Carl's. "They grew up here. They're used to all the culture stuff."
Charlene took her place beside me. Soon, all the women in our group filtered in to take seats all around Nami on the floor. A village to raise the children—we all had. Never alone. Or without a helping hand. Great-grandmother sat close to Nami and took a good look at her great-grandson. I handed Cindy a clean tissue, knowing she'd need it.
***
After the confinement period, Nami and Dauda were allowed to enter the palace... All the rooms were filled to capacity with our group of wanderers who had nowhere to call home. However, everyone had chosen, during the week we'd been there, where they would or could integrate into the society to be a benefit to the dheka. My group of women had joined the army life and were doing patrols all around the city. My four men had stayed true to their decisions and came home every night to dinners with the family. Marcus said they had made some progress with the stone. Michael and Chris were traveling with Romero all over Mirach to make sure the wolves were making their way out of the cities they were in and at least heading in the right direction.
Louis's legs were already halfway cleared of snakeskin, and his episodes had drastically dulled down to only tiny fits of uncontrollability. Although this meant he and Sammy were still locked up daily together on En-gannim until she relented in her anger. I didn't think she would. Three months had been a long time nursing him while he went through his treatment, and for them to heal the bridge, yet she was still ignoring him. Sammy reminded me so much of Ira; riphath grudges lasted much longer than a vamp's could. At some point, I'd have to talk to her, and when she walked through the greenhouse doors that night looking weary to the bone, I called her over.
Dauda was nestled in my arms; I couldn't put the little guy down. Sammy sat beside me and asked for the bundle, "Will I really have only one baby in all my life?"
"I don't know? Do you want to have children?"
"Yes… I do feel a little stuck."
"What about Omar? Do you think you guys formed a lasting connection?"
She shook her head slightly, "He has been seen with one of the girls in the army."
"And Jaali, has he and Zinnia kept their relationship going?"
"Iiii don't know. He never speaks."
I chuckled, "True."
"They're at least the same species… Seeing da— Louis going through the pain—" I held back my amusement at the slip. "I don't know if I want to do it. Even if there are no more physical consequences, there will still be the pain of the process… A mask and the maintenance of it."
"Yes, it will still take time for your body to come to terms with the spells… Maybe in ten years, the men would've fine-tuned it too."
"I know we're surrounded by so many people who care, but… sometimes I'm so lonely… At least on the Island Omar was there in some way to have a type of relationship with."
I frowned slightly, "Are you in love with him? Did he hurt you by forgetting about you and moving on?"
Sammy sat up straighter, looked around the greenery to see if anyone was in there with us, "I don't know? I don't really know what type of relationship I want… I'm disappointed… if that makes sense."
"From someone who falls in love at the drop of a hat, it would've broken my heart. After so long together, he just forgot about you… He basically used you and never really cared. Or… did he keep his vampire distance, and you grew attached to him?"
"I… couldn't take the chance to stay in my manifestation… At night or even for a nap, I had to be tied down… So… yeah, I developed some human feelings for him."
"Sammy, that's terrible. I'm sorry you had to go through that…"
"In the beginning, Silvanus had to stay so close to me for any laps I might have; it had to have been exhausting for him to constantly watch me… I think I was thirty when they eased up a bit. Ira helped a lot. They had shifts with me… I was constantly scared I would get either of them killed."
"I can't even imagine what you all went through; I'm sorry I wasn't there… I left you too… in a way… Went off on an adventure and left you with your grandfather."
Her voice was a little brittle, "I was so happy as a kid… Until—."
"Louis left."
"Yeah… You changed… I can't really remember it, but my body still feels the losses… Minè, you and… I missed Louis..." Sammy nestled into the little boy's neck and kissed his cheek. She really was extraordinarily beautiful… Where did Chris and I create such a loving creature… Where did she fall out of? She deserved so much more than what I had to give at the time… Michael tried to tell me to focus on my children, and I was consumed with making my relationships work. Fixing En-gannim… So happy Caleb was back in our lives.
I closed my eyes and lifted my chin to the sun beaming in so late in the day. Not too hot; perfect. Lips met mine. I smiled because I had no idea who it was. With the sweat and work of a whole day, they all smelled the same. "May I sit with you guys?"
Chris didn't wait for an answer and fell down next to me. He held out his hands for the bundle. "Remember how awkward I was with Caleb? I didn't even know how to hold a newborn."
"Do you want more children, Chris?" Sammy asked.
He didn't answer straight away… His finger caressed Dauda's cheek. "I don't know…?" Chris chuckled, looking at me, "I didn't once think about it when we went into that car."
I laughed with him, "Neither did I, not even for weeks after, until I began eating so much."
Chris kissed me. "Honestly, with Sammy, I didn't even consider our honeymoon would produce another one… And then Ira told me I'd only have one baby… No," he looked down, "It's different now… We're all so different… A life—shouldn't be brought into the world on a whim or a feeling… Maybe once I'm over this phase, I'm in."
Sammy laughed and put her head on my shoulder. "I was just telling Sammy to find a rebound guy."
Chris's head came up, ready to create any type of entertainment. "Really? Well, there are a few who would love to fill the spot."
"Why, because of her looks! Who is it? Warden?" I said hurriedly.
"Calm down, woman," Chris said sternly, but his eyes were on my lips.
"I don't mind using my assets," Sammy tried to diffuse my anger.
"Your mother was as beautiful back in the day… when she was younger."
I chuckled sarcastically. The man was looking for angry sex.
"How do I even approach the subject? With the humans, it's one type of courting ritual. The vampires look at me like I should fall at their feet, and the only other riphath is taken."
"There are Leo and Jessy? They aren't like the other vamps… Maybe a wolf? I can vouch for Jack and Francis…." I tried to throw out names.
"Leo seems like a stand-up guy… He's been fitting in well… Lillian is a bit preppy but kind and sweet," Chris said.
"If I were you, I'd choose between the humans… There is a fifty-fifty chance for your baby being a riphath, and either way, I think even if you have only one child, you won't mind if they're not a creature."
A throat cleared behind us, "Good afternoon. I see you have annexed my favorite spot."
"We could leave," I said, standing up halfway to give him back his territory.
Saleh stayed me with a hand on my shoulder, "No, please sit. Only a joke… If I may, I will join you."
"Of course."
"May I?" He held his hands out to ask for the baby. Chris lifted the bundle and passed him along. "When will you guys set out for the dark city?" Saleh asked.
"Tired of us already?"
"No! I think I want to go with you."
"You're more than welcome."
"I don't think you want to give birth on the road? And then Charlene will be due," Chris burst my bubble.
"At that rate, we'll never get there, and Caleb will never forgive us."
"Will you and Chris go into the room?" Saleh asked.
I rested my head on his chest, "What a joke if it doesn't work."
Chris held me tight, "It will work. I'll make it work."
"Well, Soren's little experiment didn't work," Sammy said with a tone. Chris and I looked at her. "Oh, I met the guy."
"Be careful of that one, daughter," Chris warned.
"Louis doesn't leave me alone with any of them… And he can read Soren's mind… He says the branding with Pharea was a disaster and cruel even for him."
"Soren forced her!"
"With the branding, yes… After the trauma, she was shipped off to Ian's home to get used to Rana."
"What?!"
"Soren hasn't seen his new bride for months… He stayed at the tower all this time. Louis says he's really in love with her. The disappointment that she didn't feel the same way overwhelmed him."
"His disappointment!?" I almost yelled. The old Juliet resurfaced, only hearing about all he had done. "I knew I should've saved her. She would've come with us in a heartbeat… Idiot! Argh! I should've killed him ages ago."
"Louis also said Mael told Soren everything!" Sammy went on.
"What!" My head flung to Chris.
He touched my cheek, "I didn't want to say anything… I knew you would overreact." I flung his hand off me and closed my eyes. Chris was prodding, and it gave me whiplash. I wanted to laugh about how desperate he was, but I kept forgetting how much they were still struggling to process. The other little voice in my head urged me to take him to a room to get him off. My irritation made the decision for me. How was this initiating sex!
"Juliet, the universe's choice for you in men is deplorable."
"Thank You, Saleh!" I pointed my hand at him and stared at Chris, "That is what you could've said."
Chris chuckled, "Juliet, you and I have been married for what? Three years in total at this point. We haven't spent any real amount of time together. So maybe leave the lecture on good communication for another day."
Dauda stirred, suddenly awake by the raised voices. Saleh stood, and so did Sammy. "I'll take him to his father." The two exchanged the baby from one set of arms to the other's.
Chris and I were in a staring contest; one was livid, and the other sat with a smirk. He flicked his chin in their direction. My eyes drifted to both their faces; Saleh was adoringly staring at Sammy, his gaze fixed on her perfect face as she smiled down at the baby. Before she left, Sammy looked up to catch his fixation on her, searching his face in confusion. And really, in that moment, Saleh's palpable lusting was a little like his older brother had for me, warning me he'd take me to his room later. My daughter had more breeding than to make a scene or scold a royal subject and averted her gaze, manifested, and disappeared.
I jumped to my feet and slapped Saleh with the back of my hand—hard—across his upper arm. "It is not the way. How can you let your thoughts wander? About my daughter! I will cut you up while you're still alive and feed you to a ganga."
Chris tugged on my shirt. "What!" He flicked his chin at Saleh. What! I didn't see anything but lust. I looked him up and down, and my eyes came to a revelatory halt at his hand hanging by his side. Black fingers flexed and closed as the purple lightning shot in bursts over his skin. By now, I should be used to the beautiful display slowly consuming his arm, and then his whole body. He had held back for Sammy's sake. "Chris. Take him away."
"Yes, dear!"
"Mr. Rheed, that was the last time."
"Not until I get what Marcus got!" he stamped his foot.
"Argh! I can't think about blowjobs right now… I have to go tell his brother and speak to my daughter!"
"You'd better think about it because it's all I can! And soon! Or I'll only get worse." I dragged him off the chair and pushed him toward Saleh, who was struggling to control himself.
***
While he bamfed out of there, I headed into the corridor to ask a servant where his majesty was. No one had seen him. "Romero!" I yelled, ambling through the many halls past the many rooms. "Romero! Have you seen him?" Everyone shook their heads at me. The group could've left on one of their meetings with all the officials of the lands… "Romero!"
"Juliet! Can you please stop!" I stuck my head into the room. Jacklin pointed at the baby. Repenting, I pouted my lips and went in. The redhead lay on her side, her knees bent.
"Are you okay?" I whispered. "Why don't you ask the dheka to put her to sleep? You could have some kind of routine going that way. Get out of the room for a while." She stayed quiet. "Are you depressed? They could help with that, too." Jacklin stared out in front of her. What was wrong with her? "If you need help, we're all more than happy to take her for a few hours or even a night... I could assign one of my girls to you."
"No, Louis helps every other night. He'll be here in a little bit… When you have time with… Your other men," she sneered.
"So that's the problem! You feel you have a claim on him! Well, good luck with that. You had two hundred years, and he still doesn't want you… When will you stop!"
Jacklin sat up, "If you had left him alone, he would've changed his mind! Your constant reminders were cruel! We were happy! We had a life! Family…" She stared me down.
I tilted my head, "Louis wasn't happy… And you caused his pain! Trapped him there! You caused all our f—ing pain. How can you call that family… You only care about what you want… Not once in your speech did you mention him… And I will never stop fighting until he asks me to stop."
"He did repeatedly."
"You don't understand him at all. Or what he needs… He would've traded your lie—this stupid story you keep telling yourself in an instant to come home… You're so much like Ahasuerus, you don't even realize it."
She scoffed, "You have no idea what it was like to be married to him."
"I can imagine, but you want Louis to make up for what another man did to you… You're the one who can't let this fantasy go… You've had a lot of time to figure out what you wanted, and all you can come up with is another woman's man!"
"Oh, please. I can guarantee you, if you were never in the picture, Louis and I would've ended up together."
A frown clouded my brow. Was it true? Fifty years is a long time to reject someone. "You know what he told me." Jacklin looked my way. "Louis would've if you really wanted him… He could see it in your eyes… You never loved him the way I do. And he could read your mind for a hundred years. Do you think he doesn't know you don't love him?"
"You, out of everyone, should know love is built; it's not a magical little thing… It's a choice."
"He made his, so get the f— over it… Louis! In a marriage of convenience! You… don't know him at all… I'm too old for this s—," I turned on my heel, "If you want to stay in this room for the rest of your life, be my guest. If you like, I'll give you to Soren once we force them to the Colony planet... You can live there because no one will allow you to stay here, thinking the way you do… And it won't be me who sends you away, but Romero… The dheka will never allow it… Here, Louis will actually have to kill himself if he sleeps with you… You don't even care about your kids… Maybe you should start thinking about other people more than yourself."
"Like you. Not really the person to preach the sermon."
I walked out, fuming, and crashed into Louis's chest. He spun me and pushed me against the wall. "Don't." He kissed me anyway—hard. I turned my face and shoved him. He grabbed both my wrists and took away my resistance. "Let me go!" I struggled.
"I didn't once mean it, baby… Not even when I said I won't survive… I was so scared you would actually give up… I missed you so much… And I did want to come home. The moment I read your letter, I knew I screwed up. It wasn't only Marcus who forced you to doubt everything! I was so scared you would go back in time and choose…" He softened his tone, "And it won't be me." His lips came around to catch mine again.
I looked the other way and pulled on his grip, "Let go!" Louis stared at me for a few seconds and slowly loosened his hold to step back and give me some room. I walked away, holding back tears... He didn't even tell me he was with her every other night… What did he do on the road? F—that was why he didn't sleep with us. F—! Louis's voice drifted down the hall, going into the room, "How is our little girl?" My teeth clenched, gritted, ground down… I held my breath and cursed her very being. The last time I checked, we weren't in an open relationship! He doesn't even want to sleep with me. Sammy! S—! I had to find Romero. Hey! Why was I wandering the palace? I closed my eyes and thought of Michael. I had four husbands for a reason.
My other half appeared with a snack in hand. He held it out to me for a bite. "What's wrong?"
"I need to find Romero, please."
"We're across the planet."
"Oh. Sorry."
"I'm glad you called. I'm bored. All they do is talk and talk and talk… Where's Chris? He's supposed to be with you."
"Saleh received his colors for Sammy."
The sandwich stopped on its way to his mouth. I took it out of his fingers and bit into it. I was hungry. I was pregnant. It was weird to remember. I rested a hand on my baby bump. "How is our child?"
"Good."
He placed two hands on my body and stroked over my belly, "You're so beautiful, pregnant, and it suits you… When I left you this morning, you were glowing… What's wrong?"
I pointed down the hall.
"Did she hurt you?"
"She said some things… I'm just emotional."
"Well, I gotta go. I'll hear what Romero thinks about it. We might spend the night." He placed an irritating, placating hand on my shoulder and patted. Yes, patted—ME! He disappeared.
I took a deep breath, shook my hands by my sides, laughing angrily. Okay! Even Michael was acting weird… Since the fights, he'd become even less the guy I found in the desert. He was the happiest person alive, and now he was busy… Absent. Rubbed my belly and left. He doesn't even sleep with me anymore. Urgh, what was wrong with everyone!
***
My day was ending with so much grief; I had to get out. I could do both! So, I shook my head, getting rid of all the feelings, and headed through the many twists and turns to reach Nami's room. Sammy was by her bedside, where I thought she'd be. Neither of them could really have a conversation, but both were trying and learning the languages nonstop. Back and forth. "Hey, Mom, there you are!"
"Do you want to go somewhere with me?"
Always willing for an adventure, she stood eagerly, "Sure."
We left Nami and headed for the kitchen pantry to dig out clay flasks of alcohol. I filled a whole bag. "Okay, we need to head East. You can't really get stuck."
"How far?"
"For as long as you can manage." I grabbed two mats and shoved them into the bag, draping it over my neck.
Sammy teleported far out of the city on the first jump. "Wow. You've improved a lot." I pointed in a general direction. She kept going; I had a little town in mind not far from there for a riphath.
Once we reached the little oasis, she wasn't even out of breath. The dheka greeted us, and we made our way to the town center, built around a well dug deep into the ground. I laid out the mats and pulled out the flasks. Sitting down, I emptied one whether I was pregnant or not. Sammy copied me and didn't say one word about my irresponsible behavior.
In companionable silence, we watched the men and women in tiny groups, ending the night in camaraderie before dinner. A few instruments practiced the same song from different homes.
"What do you think of Saleh?"
"Did you see the way he looked at me! I was mortified… It's been two guys, now! Like I'm asking for it!"
"Two?" Sammy shook her head. I didn't want to force her to talk to me, so I let it go. "Okay… Anyway, it's why I asked… If Saleh wasn't a dheka. Do you find him attractive?"
"I think anyone would with those dimples."
"Yes, his mouth is something else."
"It lights up his whole face. He's always happy and laid back at the same time."
"He still works hard."
"Yes! It's a large city to run." She looked around. "He's probably in charge of even these smaller settlements and their safety."
"His territory is big… Would you like to live there? I like it. He's created this atmosphere; it's hard to explain."
"I understand and feel it too… He is handsome… If he could just do something about his hair." I laughed and opened my second clay pot. "Although I don't think he would want toilets and showers installed."
"Have you asked Michael to take you to Zoreah? You haven't even seen it yet. Ogling will never happen there… You'll fit right in… Not to be mean, but you'll not be the prettiest there."
Sammy took a long drink. "Michael is weird."
"What!?"
"I don't know… He's changed over the last few months. We connected and then we didn't."
"He has, hasn't he! What do you think is wrong?"
Sammy dragged her hand through the sand and sifted some through her fingers… "I can't remember when he last mentioned the baby… It was something we could all connect about… Why does it feel like men—leave suddenly?"
After a moment's silence, I said, "Did you know werewolf women sleep in their manifestations…"
Sammy looked my way, "You mean… Michael has been in one form for too long."
"The wrong one… Will you ever forgive Louis?"
"No! And he knows I won't. It's been too long; does it really matter if we have a strong bond or not?"
"I guess not, but who will be your father then? If Michael goes on like this, he will fall away."
"Chris is really my dad, so I might as well put all my energy into him. He's trying… In his own way… Louis is so busy with Jacklin's baby… Lillian and Leo… The four really have a connection. It ticks me off… Once his treatments are done… He won't force me to go to En-gannim anymore, and really, I don't want to be there… The vamps are disgusting."
I drained the second flask and lay back on the mat, staring up at the stars. Sammy joined me. "Saleh received his colors today," I whispered.
"What? For wh— Oh! Well, that changes everything."
I gave her about ten minutes to process. I needed time to cool down after everything she said. Neither did I want to think. "How do you feel?"
"I don't know. Weird when you suddenly have to like someone." She yawned. My own reflexes copied her. "May I?"
"Sure."
She turned on her side to rub over my little baby bump. "She's moving."
"A girl?"
"I hope so… We need more females in the ranks."
"If she's anything like you, we'll have all our days."
Slowly, Sammy's hand came to a stop, and I closed my eyes.
***
A shriek pierced the air; I sat up. Sammy was scurrying on her hands and knees away from our spot. "What? Is it a beast? Where?" Eyes still scratchy and half-closed, I scanned the surroundings.
"No!" she yelled.
Saleh sat up on his knees and held two hands in the air, "We were just protecting you."
"How—dare you!" Her voice was filled with real censure.
Two arms dragged me into an embrace. One hand caressed my bump. What was it with everyone touching me? It wasn't the first time I'd been pregnant. I looked down to see brown skin. "It was my night… I was looking forward to my night!" Marcus complained.
"What did you have in mind?"
"I can't show you here." I laughed and turned into him and lay my head on his chest.
"I can't believe you would sleep next to me!" Sammy raised her voice. "I haven't given any consent. Do you even know what that means?"
"Sam, forgive me."
I chuckled. Marcus giggled and whispered, "He'll have his hands full."
"Can I get you some water?"
"I don't want water!"
"More wine?" Saleh held up a flask.
Sammy caved and snatched it from his hand, "I'm going for a walk."
"No, you're not. Not alone. The beasts come out at night," Marcus scolded.
"I will go with you," Saleh offered.
"Urgh! I want to go alone! I can't stand this coddling from everyone! I'm not a child! Nor am I a princess who needs five servants!"
She was now! And Charlene's successor. Marcus lifted my chin and kissed me. I pulled away, "Morning breath. "He reached for some wine. "Thank you."
"I'm not going to work today… I want to spend time with you." I climbed over him and straddled his waist, taking a large sip. "Do you want to come watch me train?"
I smiled and nodded emphatically yes. There was at least one of my men who wanted me. Tears built up, and one spilled over. Marcus sat up to kiss it away. He followed with slow ones to my lips and took them with aggressive desire. What! I didn't even have time to catch up. Keeping my head in place, he dragged my core against his, closing every inch between us, giving me no time to think. He abruptly unlocked our lips and rocked me against his hard length, staring at my mouth. I wasn't crying anymore, and this was a much better display of initiation. It needed a reward.
I looked down the road to see Sammy stomping away and Saleh trailing behind. There was no one else in the street so early; it was so quiet around us, and made me aware of everything. Even the air smelled crispy. I had to get there and could feel his eyes on me, waiting. A hand drifted up my body and lovingly attacked my breast. "Where?" I asked.
Marcus stood and lifted me with him, looking for an alleyway between two buildings with no windows. While he did that, I stared at his neck. When last did I give anyone a hickey? Jerry? I chuckled and rested a flat tongue on his skin, closing my lips to suck, lick, and nibble. He stumbled. My knees clenched at his reaction and in anticipation of my efforts. "You're going to pay for that."
Moving into a dark shadow, he had me against a wall, taking my lips with desperation. Frantic clothes rustled in the stillness. The only barrier between us got tugged off. Soft skin connected with mine, and he drove in with one rough thrust. I whimpered with his unrelenting withdrawal and panted my moans with the hard pace that followed. Marcus covered my mouth with one hand, "Do you want to wake up the neighborhood?" Responding, my body clenched all over. He growled, locking eyes with mine. Tightening my hold on him, he groaned and pressed his forehead into my face and rubbed against me. Unable to stay silent anymore, his grunts were harsh in my ear. Even louder than I was. Overcome, the hold on my mouth slacked and slid across my neck and chest to possess my breast. We both let go and forgot about the world around us; the sudden demand and need more important. And really, this was all I needed. A good f—ing. My manifestation came naturally; every sense heightened. His rhythm became raw and unguarded. Pleasured moans escaped at his own efforts. I adjusted a little, waiting for his next thrust to be just right. It was. Shuddering with desire, I gave him all my subtle signals, not needing to say anything. Faster and harder, he took me over, pinching my nipple between two fingers. I thought about nothing. Only enjoying every last sensation of my orgasm.
Coming down from my pleasure, my knees faltered, my legs sluggishly slid off his waist. Marcus grabbed my ass, lifted me, and carried himself over. "Fuuu— I love you—"
My head dropped onto his shoulder, tears already pooling to spill over. "I don't want to put you down; can you hold on for a second.
"No," I complained, but did while he pulled up his pants.
Sweeping my legs together, he had me in his arms, collapsing against the wall. I clung to him and sniffled against his chest. Too overcome. Too many differences between the men. I missed his steadiness. This.
He lifted my chin, "Thank you." I laughed through my tears and took a deep sniff. "I do love you, Julie… So much it hurts. I hate being on En-gannim. I wish Soren would just disappear so you could be there with me and irritate Mael and the other men." His words were all I needed. "I would do anything if you could come with me. We could finally work together." My sobs deepened. He remembered all the tiny things. "I think about you all the time… After this, I regret the years we could've been together. I feel so stupid."
Wiping my own tears away, I relaxed against him. Marcus traced my furry ears, caressing to the tips. For a moment, there was only his rhythmic breathing and the smell of us.
In his abrupt way, he whispered, "I want the next baby." I nodded, placing a hand on his neck, stroking my nails up into his hair. "You will?" I lifted my face to kiss him and let go of my manifestation. His lips softened too, and his arms had less strength in their hold on me.
Not quite ready to end this time we had, and wanting him to touch me, I placed his hand on my calf. Marcus never disappointed my suggestions and savored his way up my leg, kneading the hollow of my thigh. I deepened the kiss, urging him to get there already. He only eased my knees apart and came right back to his teasing pace, taking his time to play with my lips and in the wet mess. Moaning, he said, "This is where I want to be."
Laughing, I wriggled my hips, "That's where I want you to be." He gave in and slid in. I pulled him closer, our kiss now filthy—licking with breathless urgency.
With his other arm around my waist, he dragged the soft neckline of my dress over my breast, exposing me to the cool air. Panting, I lifted my mouth to catch my breath. Fingers caressed to find the one spot that connected to my core. He watched my reactions, knowing me so well. My body. Brushing over a few times, back and forth, his two hands stayed in rhythm; one entering me with fluid strokes, the other excruciatingly tender. Thank the stars he could do two things at the same time. My body agreed, coating him with moisture, creating enticing sounds. "Yes. I've been dreaming about this," he moaned. His fingers kept flicking my nipple with every crossing, sending sparks of pleasure down my body. "F— Juliet, I can't any more. Please."
I loved it when he was polite. I gripped his wrist to stop his attentions, swung my legs over, and went onto my hands and knees in the dirt. As if the aching tension had not built up enough, Marcus took his time to settle between my legs, spreading my knees apart. Sensually, he bunched the long dress and slowly slid it over my ass. One hand took hold of my hip while a thumb played with my entrance, stroking up and down. Anticipation ran through me, hearing him busy with his pants. I trembled as he dipped in and out, torturing me. With a slow touch up my back, he took hold of my shoulder and with one thrust, rocked hard, bumping deep inside. He stayed there, moved around a bit, and lost control. Another fit of swearing and groaning accompanied his heavy, rough slaps of skin against skin. Visceral sounds filled the air. He let go of my shoulder, leaned down to circle my body, and a hand slid between my legs. A few strokes and my walls contracted around him, my body pulsing with every wave.
My head slowly dropped. He gripped both my hips and worked into me, erupting with jarring jerks of his hips. I moved my hands to balance my knees, digging into the coarse ground. They suddenly stung; reality setting in. Marcus came to a languid end… touching his way up my body, taking a breast in each, rolling his hips. His touch softened. My body and emotions had been exquisitely wrought to their last lines of defense.
A little wobbly, I pushed my dress down and sat with my knees to the side to look at him. His chest rose and fell, shoving himself back into hiding. A gentle gust of cold wind swept through the narrow alley. I shivered for all the good reasons. He sat down on his heels, resting his two hands on his legs. Our eyes held—always saying so much—without speaking. "I nearly came undone when you turned over… It was f—ing perfect." I closed my arms around myself, hugging. "Oh no, I do that." He stood and lifted me into the air. Mine circled his neck, and I landed on my feet, legs lazy, rescued by his tight hold on me. "After the blowjob and now this… What's gotten into you?"
"You have." Marcus laughed a little. "Your blowjob was months ago."
"I remember every second of it. And all the other times in between." His hand caressed up and down my back, "I'm not complaining. I feel so blessed with you. You make me so happy." He held me until I was ready to let go.
We walked out hand in hand, the sun slightly out by now. Saleh and Sammy sat on the mat, waiting. She had a slight blush on her cheeks. Did they hear us? Marcus squeezed my hand. "Everything okay?" I asked.
"Yes. You guys ready to go?" Sammy said flatly.
"Should I call Michael?"
"You'll have to. I think it will take me forever to get us home."
Saleh smiled at the reference. Sammy kept giving herself away. "You didn't use your purple ability on her, did you?"
"That was my first thought," Marcus whispered. "She's so docile."
"No!" Saleh said and stood, "We had to sit here and listen to the two of you."
I dug my face into Marcus's shoulder. "Forgive us. Juliet is a little emotional."
"Is that what we call it now?" Sammy joked, still a little irritated. "At least it made me consider Saleh as a mate."
"It did! So you'll give me a chance to prove myself."
Sammy was dragging her hands through the sand and waited a moment before she said, "Yes." At least with a hidden smile on her lips.
The man jumped to his feet and whooped. He ran down the road yelling, each time louder, "She said yes! She said yes! She said yes." Marcus laughed and rested a hand on my cheek. Ah, how beautiful…
A few dheka stuck their heads out of doors and windows. When they saw who it was, they stepped out to watch the spectacle. Saleh went over into their language, proclaiming the three-word declaration, "Na sami abokina!" The others clapped for him. Those who could sleep through this spectacle, he knocked on their doors, going from one to the other, waking up the whole neighborhood.
"They make a cute couple," Marcus whispered.
"Both are so pretty; what would their daughters look like?"
"What will ours look like?"
"A girl this time?"
"Several of each, thank you."
"Very well."
My emotions were restored with the time Marcus and I had spent together. Knowing Sammy would be loved all her life gave me all the wonderful feelings only a mother could have. I closed my eyes and nudged on Michael, ready to go home.
It took him and the other four several minutes to appear. He usually came instantly. No need to get offended. You had a good time with Marcus. Logistics must have taken longer.
Carl and Charlene cursed. "What the hell has been going on in these streets. F— all I smell is sex." Marcus chuckled. I didn't have anything to clean up with, and down and between my legs was a well-deserved mess.
"Juliet was emotional," Sammy joked, watching Saleh still meeting with the locals, telling them the good news.
Everyone wanted to come meet Sammy. Then they saw Romero and fell quickly to a knee… After being released, the women of the city let a torrent of words flow about the pale faces and their leader's choice of mate. While congratulating them, Sammy had no idea what to do with what she couldn't understand. Her head moved back and forth as she looked at the different faces addressing her.
I jumped in to help. "She doesn't know your ways yet. It only happened yesterday. Saleh was still trying to convince her." They all cheered.
Romero and Saleh embraced. "I told you not to touch anyone."
"It was an accident," Saleh sounded so relieved and not sorry at all.
"Your patience and mine paid off."
"I am so happy!"
"Don't make the same mistakes as me. Cherish her."
I glanced at Michael, who was staring down the alley we corrupted. Deep in thought, the thick fur around his arms brushed one way with the wind. Great, the scent was right up his nose. His eyes came to mine, and he instinctively held out a paw. I turned away from him and into Marcus's arms. "Are you angry at Michael?" I nodded silently.
"What did you do?" Charlene snapped.
"I think it is time Michael takes a break, and we make our way to the village," Romero took over. "I want to see my parents. We walk in seven days… We will take the tunnels, which will shorten the journey time. Juliet, only the ones who plan on going into the room and immediate family are allowed."
Romero had a tone in his voice. He had also been difficult since the fights. What happened there? I shook it off. "Yes, Your Majesty." It suited me anyway. We'd be a bit more intimate.
"I want to be there," Marcus said, "If you and Chris change."
"Of course, you have to be; we will all be connected to Mirach."
"First, Juliet needs to take a bath. Come on, let's go home. Saleh and Sammy have to spend time together," Charlene said, and opened her arms for me.
The man in question (Saleh) probably had just one thing on his mind. How would he get Sammy to go into a room with him?
***
Back at base camp, the palace was a buzz with activity, although Chris was still asleep and Louis wasn't in bed with him. Michael, Marcus, and I got comfortable on the sofas, waiting for the bath to be filled. Strange. There would always be someone coming and going from now on, with no running water. I wasn't used to the constant interference of servants in the privacy of a room… Out in the desert, the three of us bathed when we came to a natural water source… I missed it. The simple life. Sammy also felt the constant, overwhelming presence of servants as an intrusion instead of help. I nestled into Marcus's side, playing with a string of his shirt; it was either that or addressing the uncomfortable quiet in the room.
Michael twisted in his seat to dig in a pants pocket. A packet of cigarettes emerged. Inwardly, I shifted uncomfortably, unable to ask him for one or show my distress at craving one. Where did he get it? Louis's gift from Basaam had been depleted a long time ago on our travels. Michel pulled on one, leaving it halfway inside the pack, and leaned forward to hold it out to me. Did I take the peace offering? I had no choice in the matter; my feelings of habit overrode my ability to stay firm in my anger. I reached out; Michael pulled the pack away. Marcus laughed.
Michael was a little smug at my low self-control and held my very neutral gaze, "I'm sorry, I've been absent… I think it's worse that I ignore you when we just got back together than him making the choice to wander alone… Marcus is never absent, and I get that's why you gravitate to him… to fix everything."
"He's either in or out and makes the choice consciously… I don't think I want either, nor do I want those to be my only options. Will you tell me why I was discarded?"
Michael winced and flung his hand to the bed, "Maybe the same reason why Chris is so crazy right now."
I frowned. Michael was right. It was hard on all of us. I kept forgetting… He held out the pack again and let me take one.
Marcus was ready with a lighter, "Thank you."
"I think Chris deserves to act out a bit," Marcus said.
"And sleep in…" We all looked at the bed. "Why do you think they treated you so well, and him they broke down? Oh, right, they needed you… For what, though? Did they really think you'll take them all home! How did they try to convince you?"
Michael lit his own stick, and Marcus held out his hand for the pack. What? Marcus was going to smoke? I had to see this. As if my heart didn't work enough today, it still beat faster. What would be next? Drinking? Did a hundred years make us all a little crazy? I chuckled desperately and wantonly at the picture he painted. Sexy lure to his eyes; perfect lips and no awkwardness like he'd done it a million times. I finally remembered what I had asked Michael. Then I realized what I had asked and that he hadn't answered yet, and my gaze came back to him.
He was waiting patiently for me and said, "The women in the city took it as a competition of who could—" he took a deep breath, "Make me fold… Because the one who did—"
My insides churned at where this was going; an overwhelming uneasiness set my body alight. Make him…! I could handle them being mistreated. Constantly bombarded with who knows what— I know we said we let all the wolves live— I shot to my feet out of sheer bombarded, overwhelmed senses, "I can't hear this right now." Marcus also stood watching me with a threat detection surveillance; so it was true. F—. I waved him away.
My hand went to my heart and rubbed over my chest. No, it couldn't be… Not that. Please… If they didn't want him to only change his mind… The only other things they would've wanted. I groaned audibly and raggedly tried to keep it together… Did they force him? To have babies! Tie him up and mount him. Were there little baby ittoqures running around we didn't know about? I couldn't. I'd go mad.
I stood aimlessly, letting the truth sink in, staring out over the view of a courtyard behind the palace, finishing my cigarette with very deep, unrelenting drags. At each exhale, my heart rate rose at what it meant. Sex. With— however many women they chose. The cigarette shook between my fingers as the images my mind conjured up sent me down to a disturbing place of hatred… My body shook at the pictures and feelings. Michael would drug me… But then I would have to wake up again… Even if I went back in time, for me, it would all still have happened. My whole body racked; I rushed to a copper pot and threw up.
The tree servants stared at me, ready to help… Everyone was staring at me. "Out! Everyone out!" I screamed. They scurried away. I ripped my dress and rolled into the bathwater. Is that why he was so different? Time had passed for it all to surface; he wished he were still there... I just presumed because he wanted me the way he did, it was all torture, mental brainwashing, not sexual slavery. How could the wolves sell themselves? Disappointment in myself competed with my jealousy. It was such a big issue— I couldn't be there for him—
No one would tell me if they did cheat, would they? Marcus and Selena. Louis and Jacklin… They would let their secrets die in the dirt of this place... And because it was my one issue, it was bound to happen to test me. Michael didn't even have the choice! Forced! Would I go over the edge like Ahasuerus and Brylee… A constant anxiousness in the pit of my gut—driving me insane. Broken down to a crazy—no one had ever seen.
The baby! I would lose the baby. A firm hand grabbed the back of my neck and dragged me out of the water. I gasped for air, and then—I screamed—like I had never screamed before.