The Goddess And The Artist Give A Lecture
DELILAH
A loud slam at the door downstairs startles us, and we jump.
He groans, “Bloody hell. I forgot the lockdown.” With an eye roll, he opens the wards, unlocking the doors while leaving everything else closed to the outer world. Sitting up against the pillows, he takes a deep breath and squeezes my hand. I rub my tummy and clasp his as we wait.
Talia storms in, dressed in leather from head to toe, her knife blades flashing in several places on her body. Her expression is concerned rather than angry, though she’s glaring at us both. “Okay, does someone want to explain to me what the hell is going on? What do you mean, you drained each other completely? You’re both noticeably not dead,” she grits her teeth and growls, “though I can’t say how long that will last for one of you.”
I blink at her, feeling a wall of emotion slam into me. Taurus mentioned she was an empath; he did not mention that she was an extraordinarily strong empath who loses control of her shields when she gets upset. Sucking in a deep breath, I put a hand over my face. “Oh, fuck, dude.”
Talia doesn’t notice because she’s too caught up in her rant. “What was the enormous wall of woozy earlier? I was driving, and I almost wrecked my car. One minute I thought I was going to pass out; the next minute, everything was fine. I thought I had PMS.”
She stares at him, then me. Her eyes widening as she realizes that I’m swaying a bit. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby? Are you okay?” She turns to Taurus and hisses. “What did you do now, you nit?”
Reeling, I croak, “We’re not dead; that’s true.”
I squeeze my eyes shut and wave my hand at the fridge, opening the panel of the wall and floating a bottle of orange juice and a few homemade nausea tablets towards the bed. Her eyes follow them until they land in my palm and I sip and chew. Once I feel my amped-up metabolism breaking them down, I sigh in relief. “He didn’t do it. You’re emoting huge and it’s—‘whoa’ is the best word.”
Taurus roars at his primary. “ Talia ! Block your sodding emotions, damn it. You’re hurting her!”
“You’re not hurting me. It’s okay. Everyone needs to chill out.” I wave my hand dismissively. It was making me a little woozy because of the size and the fact that my blood sugar hasn’t evened out yet.
She looks a bit gobsmacked because I feel it and closes her eyes for a minute, ostensibly blocking her emotions. “Better?”
I nod. “You didn’t have to do that. I just needed to rehydrate and replenish a little. Normally, it wouldn’t bother me, but I’m on the weak side.” I grin.
Talia shrugs. “No problem for me to do it, if it’s easier for you.”
Calming now that I’m okay, Taurus says, “Sit, love. I believe we’ve got company coming in the form of Deli’s family and I’ll explain what happened once or not at all.”
She gives him another look as if she’s going to kill him where he sits, but she nods. I apologize for worrying her because it feels like the polite thing to do, but it diverts my attention as I feel my mate lope into the room from the back stairs.
I look over and see him leaning against the doorjamb, eyebrow arched as he surveys the scene. “Anyone want to tell me what the bloody hell’s going on?” He pushes off the doorway, slinking in, his long tresses windblown from the convertible ride over. He drops into a chair, draping over it like he’s always been there. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my family knows how to enter.
I can’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that, though, so I wrinkle my nose and give him a look. “Nice pose. Too bad we’re not filming a sexy soft core.” Rolling my eyes, I mutter, “Drama queen.”
He snorts at me. “Don’t get me started on what this scene looks like. It feels like I stepped into a cross between Blade,” he looks at Talia, “and the Queen of the Damned. Not that any of it is unattractive, I’m a mite confused since it felt like you fucking died .”
Taurus whips his head around to glare at him. “We didn’t die, mate. We—hell, I’m really not clear on that point, but we’re obviously not sodding dead.
The leather-clad woman chuckles, used to clone drama tactics. Having given up on getting a rise from Taurus, she turns to my mate, saying, “You’re Rafe. I’ve heard interesting things about you. Jury’s still out on if this is better than the first time we met, so I’ll say that it’s good to officially meet you. Sorry about the hair.”
The long-haired clone turns his brilliant smile to Talia, ignoring Taurus’ snarl for the moment. He blows her a kiss as he rolls to his feet. “I am at that, pet. It’s nice to meet you when you’re not throwing weaponry at my head. It makes the view a lot more pleasant.” His eyes twinkle as he turns back to Taurus. “Sure, not dead now . Otherwise, this’d be a lot more disturbing. Good to meet you, as well.” Chuckling, he moves a chair to face the crowd before settling into it like the boneless git he is.
I roll my eyes again and mutter under my breath, “Bastard. You’re a complete, utter bastard.”
Talia eyes him, smiling at his grace before looking back at us. “What happened?”
“I wondered that myself. Does anyone in the brain trust know?” He considers for a moment, then looks back at her. “Have a seat, pet. Let’s take the tension in the room down a notch and we’ll all feel a lot better, I’d wager.”
I narrow my eyes at him, and then my gaze turns to my husband. “Do we know what happened? I mean, besides…” I flush a bit.
Taurus grins down at me, strumming a caress down my back with a thought, and then faces the others. Talia drops into a chair as she waits for his response, looking no less dangerous sitting than standing. “Not a clue. I mean, I heard stories, but it turns out they don’t tell the tale.” He shrugs. “The plan was to go past the line—a touch—nothing major. We wanted to push the envelope a bit. We’d been sharing a lot of fluids of late and spending a lot of blood. We wanted to take it to the last possible moment.”
Talia crosses her arms over her chest and glares. “Remind me to renew your membership with intelligence, as it looks like your last term has lapsed.”
I purr softly as he strokes me inside, soothing me, and I sip my OJ before joining in. “Yeah. We didn’t intend to keep going all the way. It kind of got out of hand.”
Rafe arches a brow and snorts sarcastically. “Are you trying to tell me you , queen of self-control that you are, never had a clue that you might push too far?”
Talia nods and points at him. “What he said.”
I give him a peeved look. “Oh, yes, and you’re known for your restraint. Pull on the other one, cause that one’s getting uneven.”
The clone wrapped around me growls a low warning. “I can’t explain it. We couldn’t stop. Sod that; we didn’t want to.”
My mate pushes his long hair back in aggravation. “Okay. Then you didn’t stop, and then what? I felt empty for a few minutes, like she was gone—poof. It’s why I said dead, because that’s what I felt like—a minute of screaming agony and then nothing.”
“Yeah,” Talia pipes up. “When I felt you guys come back, it was so incredible, such a huge feeling, that I thought my emotion sensors were on the fritz. It happens sometimes when I have PM… er, when I’m not feeling well.” Her eyes cut to Rafe before continuing, “Was that empathy or did you feel it, too, Rafe?”
Chuckling, he waves his hand at her. “Not a worry, pet. There are lots of women folk around our place, so feel free. Yeah, I felt it. She was gone and then boom —almost fell off the bloody stool.”
Sighing, Taurus shakes his head. “That’s the part I can’t tell you. I figured we’d pass out, planned for that, but we ended up going a couple of deep darks past the level we should have. Then, near as I figure, something didn’t want us croaking.”
I shrug. “I don’t have a clue. One minute here, and the next time I know anything, it’s two hours later.” Looking down at myself, I furrow my brows. “I’m feeling remarkably unblemished at that.”
A rush of panic floods through our bond as he notices the scratches and bruises are missing. He’s trying to remember whether we called for a healing before we went out when his hand flies to his neck, looking worried.
Not looking at him, I sip my water, adding, “Nothing is out of place or anything.” I knew he’d worry about our marks —the outward signs of our mating—being erased or healed permanently. Those scars stand for much more than possession: they’re a promise and a commitment. Losing them for any reason would be like decimating an integral part of our relationship. His freaking out is not only warranted, but a shared feeling.
I take a mental inventory, trying to find the truth of my words. He looks at me in concern, having figured out that our marks are still in place, though he waits for me to finish, ensuring that I’m okay.
The assertion of my well-being sends a flood of relief through the bond and his arm tightens around me as he murmurs to me in my mind, letting me know how relieved he is that all of our marks and scars are still in place. I smile, concurring, and snuggle into him more as we communicate mentally, not paying a bit of attention to the guests in front of us.
The lounging clone looks over at Talia with a grin as Taurus gazes at me. “Do you feel like parents who caught their kids doing the naughty in the back seat of the car yet? I’m pondering the ‘I can’t believe you’d do something so stupid’ speech.”
I glare at Rafe, then retort. “You are cruising for a bruising, buster.”
Talia laughs throatily, relaxing a bit. “If you did that, your image of laid back and easy going goes poof. Maybe I should? I’m more known for my not-so-blustery.”
He smirks at her. “I didn’t say I had to do it. You be the bad cop, pet. I’m thinking you’ve got it down better than I do, anyway.”
Tongue in cheek, she looks at herself. “Oh, yeah, what with the Blade look I’ve got going on,” she grins devilishly.
“It’s a sexy movie, and it’s not unattractive in the least. It’s right fetching, in fact. I like dangerous women.” He smirks and shrugs, every inch of him moving as he does so.
Looking over at Taurus, I whisper into his mind. ~ Now do you feel like we’re interrupting something? ~ I chuckle.
Talia rolls her eyes at Rafe and shakes her head. “Oh yeah, you’re a clone, alright. Great sexy banter.”
“I didn’t know my clone-ness was in question. I would have dressed nicer for sure.”
Taurus smiles at me, running his fingers down my arm, sending shivers down both our spines. ~At least they stopped bellowing at us like a deranged Mum dearest. ~
She eyes him up and down, from his toes to his long hair, and drawls, “I wouldn’t worry about that, baby. You’re looking fine as you are. Besides, peacocks are…” she pauses, eyes dancing, “too bloody high maintenance.”
Taurus’ eyes slide from me to glare at his primary. “I can hear , you know.”
I giggle into his head. ~Distract them with each other. It’s a perfect plan. We are devious. ~ Leaning into his hand, I scoot closer, feeling like I need him to touch me.
Rafe laughs, all his attention on the other woman now. “Keep that up and I might blush—or he might blow a gasket—who knows which? Though, I can think of much better ways to heat the skin.”
Her tinkling laugh is knowing. “I bet you do, you big hedonist. As for the blush, I’ll believe it when I see. No way, buddy.”
My mate grins more, his hair streaming over the arm of the chair, legs dangling over the side. “It happens, but it takes the right touch, you see.”
Taurus wraps his arm around my shoulder and seeps into me, calming us both as joy spreads through us. ~It wasn’t my original plan, but then, I’m not one to pass up an opportunity to improvise. ~
I reply, smiling a bit as I know it’s been a while since my mate has been this playful. It’s good to see him get some of his spark back. I relax into Taurus with a pleasurable sigh. ~It’s almost amusing to watch, anyway. ~
Taurus leans over and nuzzles my neck, whispering into my head. ~ I’m going to boot the golden goddess in about two minutes as she’s feeling much better about our almost deaths and I want to be alone with you, so enjoy it while you can. ~
I chuckle, tilting my head into him. ~He’ll take off when you do. I think once he saw we were okay, he was fine. ~
Talia smirks boldly at Rafe, eyes flashing. “Oh, is that what it takes? What gets touched for that momentous occasion?”
He tilts his head, giving her a return smirk. “That’s for me to know, pet.”
She shakes her head and matches his expression. “You clones are all about your big secrets. You do remember the rest of that little ditty, don’t you? If I follow you around with a teeny stick, will I find it if I poke often enough?” Pausing, the other woman seems to rethink. “Though, as you stay immobile, the following is less of an issue.”
Lips pressed together, eyes dancing with mirth, Rafe replies, and “You never know. I was never one to complain about a good poking. You’re welcome to find out anytime you like.” She blinks at him and he blinks back, looking innocent. “Is something wrong?”
I giggle, but Taurus glowers at him. “Are you macking on my woman, you long haired Leonidas?”
Talia turns and snaps at him. “Don’t even go there, you arrogant fowl.”
Grinning mischievously, Rafe shakes his head. “Leo cooks. I’m Rafe—try to get us straight. I’m just being me. Though, nice choice of words. Macking? Wonder where that phrase comes from?”
I roll my eyes. “You are such a pain.”
“Besides, my hair being long has nothing to do with it, Simba,” he quirks a brow, looking amused.
Ignoring Talia, Taurus growls. “That’s it. Out.”
Talia frowns. “Taurus. Be nice.”
Arching a brow at her, he says, “You, too. Out. Go flirt with Sampson over there someplace else.”
My mate looks at Talia and winks. “It’s okay, pet. I’m being a pain on purpose,” he chuckles and offers his arm. “Shall we, my dear? It looks like we’ve worn out the proverbial welcome.”
Giggling, I grin, “Sampson—that’s a good one.”
She glares at Taurus, standing and defiantly taking Rafe’s arm. “Nice to know there is still a gentleman around.” She sniffs over at her primary, ignoring him, though I can tell that she’s glad we’re okay. “I’m with you, Rafe. Let’s blow this place. It’s gone to the cats and birds.”
“Chuckling, he gives me a wink and a mental pinch. “It’s a bloody zoo in here, alright. Off we go then, Blade, your choice. I’m game for anything you want to throw at me.”
Taurus groans into my head. ~Bloody buggering hell. Doesn’t he know that she’s worse with the challenges than you are, Minx? He’ll get no relief now.~
I chuckle, replying to him mentally. ~He wasn’t lying; he likes it dangerous. He’ll take it all with a smile and a flip of the mane, love. Trust me. ~
As he and I whisper to one another, Talia grins. “Are you now? Good. I’ve got a kitchen sink that I’ve been storing away for just such an occasion. Let’s go.”
“Then plumbing it is. Later, kids! Be good so we don’t have to come back.”
Taurus watches as they leave, then sinks back into the pillows. “Christ, that was bloody exhausting.”
“We got spanked,” I snort.
He chuckles. “Yeah, we did. I like our way better.” His expression turns serious. “You know, Talia was a little concerned with Rafe’s flirting. I don’t know if you felt it or not.”
“Concerned? No, I didn’t, but I’m used to him being that way.” That would be true until recently. He hasn’t since Alistair. He’s not shown even a whiff of interest in doing anything, even this party for him, since that happened.
Hell, I don’t care if she’s a ten-foot purple Martian; I’d do anything to see his gorgeous smile again. I may be ensconced with Taurus, but I love my primary and his melancholia has gone on long enough. I made it past them; he needs to now.
“It’s not that. She’s—she’d not want you to think she’s moving in where she’s not wanted. I think she enjoyed the banter, though.”
“Honey, I’m not in the least worried. Rafe and I are very free with one another. Sure, I asked him about the marks, but only to let him know more than anything else. If he and Talia like each other, then good for them. It’s good to see him socializing again. He needs to.”
He sighs. “So you and me and this?” His hand strokes my arm, then shudders in pleasure.
I lean into his touch and my eyes close. “Feels marvelous.”
“Yeah, it does. But if it doesn’t wane at all or I don’t get used to it, I’ll be soiling pants left and right anytime I’m near you.”
I laugh. “Isn’t that what you do, anyway?”
He grumbles, feeling my mirth, and nips my shoulder in reproach. I groan, straining towards him, whispering, “If it makes you feel better, it affects me, too.”
“Bugger.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, swaying a little as I feel his pleasure. “Like that.”
I see him struggling to shake it off. “As I’m too drained to do you up right, we will have to persevere.”
“Uh huh,” I nod, laying back and stretching in a feline manner, my purr kicking up. “Perseverance is good.”
Growling, he shakes his head. “I hate perseverance.”
Smiling, I say, “We have plenty of time tomorrow, too, baby.”
He rolls to his side. “We’re…” he pinches me, and then winces. “Ow.”
My nose wrinkles. “Ow is right.”
Arching a brow, he shakes his head. “Near as I can figure, it connected us. I’ve not one clue what to do about it.”
“Do we need to do anything? Maybe it’ll get less, or we’ll get used to it, like you said.”
He looks down and mumbles, “I don’t want it to get less or used to it.”
I smile. “I don’t either. You sounded like you wanted it to change.”
He looks surprised and horrified, shaking his head. “Bloody hell, no. It’s deep for me—very deep. I’ve never, nor can I conceive, of ever wanting anyone as I want you. Even falling asleep, I want you.”
“I know, baby. It’s like I feel you inside me and me inside you, all at once. Overwhelming.”
Nodding, he grins ruefully. “I have this urge to slay dragons for you, too. That’s new.”
“You want to protect me now, love?” I wrap my length against him as he nods. “Me, too. I’d kill someone if they hurt you.”
He whispers, “Never had that before. I like it.”
I flush a little, scrunching. “You’re that important to me.”
“I’m familiar with the feeling. I’m a little awed by what we did and the effects.” He shakes his head and yawns. “Sleep now. We’ll suss it all out later.”
Pulling me into his arms, he sets his chin on my chest and I grin. “I’m sure we’ll find new stuff all the time.”
“It will make sparring a blast. I can’t wait to get you in the field.”
I chuckle. “Oh, yeah. We’ll be dangerous when we do that blood/sex/death thing.” It occurs to me and I blink. “Um, unless someone has me terminated for fifteen unscheduled deaths from earlier.”
“You’re not an agent, so you don’t have to worry. But…” He doesn’t look at me for a moment, then mumbles, “Want a job with the Company? With me?”
I tilt my head, feeling shocked. I’ve been fighting the power with those people and the Cabal since the beginning of my time in the Rift and now, to make everything weird beyond weird, I’m mated to one and being offered a job at the other. “Would they take me? I mean, I’m not a clone. Or trained. Or docile. Or respectful. Or obedient.”
Pondering for a moment, he nods. “There’d be shouts and protests and irritation that I’m a bad clone who abuses his privilege. That’s a normal day for me.”
“Well, you don’t have to make a stink if it’s trouble. I guess I could give them a blood sample if I were feeling generous, and that’d make it better.”
“I’ll wear them down. It might help if you go out on some kills with me. Show them what you can do. Because you’re not a clone, but you’re not human, either.”
“You decide if you want to take that on. I’ll go wherever or do whatever. You know I’m always willing to come help you, baby.”
“I’d prefer you on the payroll as my partner, but we’ll think about it tomorrow.”
I smile and snuggle closer. “We’ll talk more later. You need sleep.”
“You, too,” he yawns, clinging to me. “I will see you after this coma, love of my heart.”
Drifting out of consciousness, I fall asleep knowing we’ll deal with the ramifications when the new day comes. We have plenty more where those came from.”
That is, as long as this doesn’t start another fire that will consume our fragile community.
Preorder TBA Title (Book Three of Rise of the Resistance)