12. Madness
F rustration gnawed at me. Katherine’s poisoned mead still hadn’t proven effective. The bastard was still roaming the damn island, eluding my wrath like some kind of specter, able to appear and disappear at a moment’s thought. I lit a cigar and focused on the map. Where would I hide if I were a young cocksure prick?
Katherine opened the door, standing silently in the entryway. She’d been missing all afternoon. She knew I’d be upset. I could feel the guilt radiating off her slight frame.
“I’m going to take Meadow away from you if you don’t stop sneaking off without leaving word. I’ve already told you my feelings on the matter. If something happens to you, your little pixie will pay the ultimate price,” I chided, keeping my eyes focused on the map of Neverland.
I hated having to reprimand her, but she was going to get herself killed running off alone. It was a thought I didn’t want to entertain. She was my anchor, keeping me tethered to the last bits of my sanity. Without her, I had nothing but vengeance and venom running through my veins. She was the light in my darkness.
Katherine stared at me, her eyes red and damp. Her chin quivering. Something was wrong.
“Love? Why are you crying? I’m simply trying to keep you safe.”
“I’m… I’m—” An outburst of sobbing cut her words short.
“Are you having one of your womanly moments?”
“I’m a horrible wife.”
“Wife?” I’d seen Katherine upset before, but this was some kind of madness. I pushed the bottle of rum towards her, urging her to drink.
“Us… we keep fighting, and then that bitch, Tiger Lily, I don’t like her. And the stupid poisoned mead…” she rambled as the tears continued to fall.
“Katherine, what happened today? Do I need to kill someone?”
“That’s exactly the problem, James, I couldn’t even kill him when I had the chance.”
She had gone off the deep end. Between the sobbing and mad rambling, I was beginning to fear the worst. Fits of hysteria weren’t uncommon among women her age. Either that, or she’d been poisoned. Something was very wrong.
“Kill who, Katherine? Who were you trying to kill?”
She dropped her head, wringing her wrists and staring at the ground. “Peter.”
“I’m sorry, did you say Peter ?” I must have misheard. I lifted her chin, catching her gaze. “Did you run into Peter fucking Pan today?” Anger crept up like a dark grey mist rolling in, obscuring a calm sea beneath it.
“I… I… James, your eyes. They just flashed red.”
“Never mind my eyes,” I said, dismissing her delusions. I wasn’t about to let her change the subject. “Did you see Peter today?”
“I thought if I could just finish him, once and for all, we could be happy. Just the two of us. I brought my pistol. He was sound asleep. It should have been easy. But I couldn’t, James, I couldn’t pull the trigger.” Her eyes welled up again.
“Why don’t you tell me exactly what happened today?” I tried to conceal my anger. If I wanted answers, I was going to have to stay calm.
“I took Meadow in search of Peter. Like I said, I just wanted it all to end. We found him sleeping in the grotto. I had the perfect opportunity. He would have been none the wiser,” she shook her head, “I froze. I couldn’t kill a sleeping babe.” More sobbing interrupted her story. “I can’t even fulfill my own destiny.”
“It’s not your destiny to fulfill, Katherine. I don’t need you to fight my battles,” I sighed. “What happened next?”
“My crying roused him. He remembered me, James. He thought I was your mother.”
This made me laugh. “My mother?”
“Yes,” she huffed. “I told him I was your wife.”
“My wife?” I had never really considered marriage before. Katherine referring to herself as my wife, even though we lived as such without the title, felt somehow foreign.
“I didn’t know how else to put it. I wasn’t about to teach the boy how relationships work.”
“He’s hundreds of years old, Kat.”
“Well, he looks like a child. It’s unsettling.” She paused, rubbing her heart. “He asked me to be his mother. To tell them stories and sing to them. James, I know what it’s like to lose your mom. To crave that unconditional love.”
“Pish,” I dismissed her comments. Peter didn’t deserve her empathy. “Nothing has changed. He’s been looking for a ‘mother’ since the day we met.” I often wondered why he was forever searching for a mother when he chose to leave his actual mum for Neverland.
“I was able to—” A loud knock at the door startled Katherine.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Captain, forgive my interruption.” Smee smiled as he entered the cabin. “The gnomes have delivered a package for you.”
“Ah, yes. Please, bring it here. I’ve been expecting its arrival. Thank you, Smee. You may show yourself out.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Perfect timing. I commissioned a gift for you.” I offered Kat the box, a smile spread across her tear-soaked face.
“For me?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes, it dawned on me that I haven’t been the best… husband.” Katherine’s eyes lit up.
“Go ahead, kitten, open it. I’m dying to see it myself.”
Kat slowly opened the box. “Um.” Her head tilted to the side, and her lips pursed.
“Well? What do you think?”
“What is it?” she asked, staring into the box awkwardly.
“According to Smee, the gnomes, who are mostly tailors, are quite the tradesmen when they aren't tailoring. He said there was nothing they couldn’t make. By the look on your face, he was right.”
“But what exactly is it?” she asked again, pulling it from the box. “It’s jiggly,” she said, giggling. “Is it… it looks like a tentacle?”
“Indeed.” I smiled. The gnomes had outdone themselves. The toy was perfect. A burnt orange replica of the real thing. There were knobby suckers all along the underside. While the delicate tip grew quickly in girth, promising a delectable stretch. I was eager to use it on her. “Since our escape from the Kraken, I’ve been having dreams about you being ravished by one of its massive tentacles. You seem to enjoy it greatly. I figured, why not appease my subconscious mind? I want to see you squirm in the flesh.”
“James, I… I don’t know?”
“Oh, don’t play coy, little kitten. We both know you’ll like it.”
“I’ve never. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Why, Miss Hawkins, are you worried about what polite society would say if you were sexually aroused by a— gasp— girthy tentacle?”
Katherine blushed, and I knew at that moment she was intrigued. Even if she didn’t want to admit it. Her body gave her away. “It’s not about what society thinks, James. It’s simply just strange. I’ve had a horribly heavy day. I need to clear my head. Thank you for the gift. I think I’m going to draw a bit before bed.”
“Why don’t I make you some tea? It will help you relax.”
“I would love that. Thank you.”
When I returned to our cabin, Kat was scribbling furiously by the window. Lost in her drawings. “Here’s some tea, love. Why don’t you take a moment and share a drink with me?”
“Thank you,” she said, blowing the steam from the cup.
“What exactly is that creature you are drawing?” I asked, eyeing the beast that was taking shape on the canvas.
“It’s a crocodile. I saw one in my visions. It’s been haunting my mind. Does Neverland have crocodiles?”
“I know of at least one. I’ve only seen it a few times. It’s nothing to fear.”
“Hmm.” She paused for a moment before taking a sip. “This tea is delicious. It almost tastes like sassafras. What is it?”
“It’s a ceremonial tea among the Neverlanders. They call it Lush .” I watched as Kat sipped deeply on her cup, knowing exactly what was about to happen.
“Lush, that’s the tea Meadow asked me for. She said her mate, Porthos, loved Lush tea.”
“I’m sure he did,” I chuckled. “It’s often reserved for special occasions.” Lush tea was a potent aphrodisiac used to help enhance sexual experiences and connection. It makes one feel… amazing.
“And what makes this a special occasion?”
“Simply having you home safe after a run-in with Pan is reason enough to celebrate.” I placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. “I love you, Katherine Hawkins. Please don’t attempt to kill Peter Pan without me ever again. I’d be lost without you.”
“Do you feel that?” Her lips parted, and a gentle sigh escaped.
“Feel what, love?”
“The way the ship sways with the sea. It’s as though they are one. Close your eyes.” She stood up and walked to the large window. “Do you feel it?” she asked, again swaying her hips with the gentle rocking.
The Lush was beginning to take hold. It wouldn’t be long before she’d be begging for my touch. I closed in on her, pressing myself against her undulating back, and wrapped my hands around her tiny waist. Breathing in her delectable scent, I placed a gentle kiss atop her shoulder. “You smell divine.” I trailed my tongue up along her neck, stopping just below her ear. “You taste even better.”
Katherine hummed in approval, gripping the back of my head and rousing my cock.
“Tell me, kitten.” I ran my hands over her breasts. “Are you still focused on the sway of the ship?”
Kat’s breath hitched as I dipped a finger under her stays, finding her pebbled nipple. “James, what was in that tea? My head is spinning.”
“It’s just what Lush does, love. Don’t be afraid of it. Let the feeling take over.”
“I want to feel… everything.” She writhed, tugging at her clothes. “The air. The sway of the ship. Your hands. Help me get my stays off.”
“Say no more.” I wasted no time. I pulled my dagger and sliced up the back of her laces, freeing her from the confines of her clothing. She had never looked more beautiful. I was feeling the Lush myself. The scent of her drove a primal need. I wanted to taste every inch of her nakedness. I wanted to dominate her tiny frame. Make her scream my name in the throes of ecstasy.
Katherine spun around to face me. I reached for her, pulling her in and kissing her hard. I let my tongue take over and explore her sinful mouth. She met me with a moan and kissed me back with fervor. It was as if we had never really kissed before. She was the air I needed to survive, and all this time, I’d been suffocating.
I wanted more. I needed to consume her, fill her, and the Lush would not let me wait. I reluctantly pulled away, ripping my shirt from my body. The air swirled around me, and I mindlessly caressed my own chest. My nipples were hard and seeking touch, much like the rest of my body. I wanted to watch her squirm while I defiled her, and that desire consumed my mind.
I quickly scanned the room, stopping at the full-length mirror. I grabbed a chair and dragged it in front of the looking glass, angling it so whoever sat in it would have a close-up view of themselves. “Katherine, you’d better run because once I get my hands on you, it’s over. I will have my way with you.” I stalked towards her naked frame. And she squealed, running around the table. My demon loved it when she ran. “The longer it takes for me to catch you, the more ideas I come up with.”
Katherine’s eyes widened. “Lucky me,” she giggled and ran back across the room, effectively cornering herself. I chuckled, grabbing a piece of her disheveled stays and ripped a length of linen from the remnants.
“Enjoying the Lush?” I asked as her hands mindlessly roamed her curves.
“It’s intoxicating. Everything’s so… carnal. I can feel the air around me.”
“Come here, kitty, kitty.”
“You want me?” She looked at me through her lashes and bit her lip. “Come get me.”
“Done,” I growled. My demon purred as I slowly stalked closer. Closing in on our meek prey.
“James, your eyes, they’re red again.”
“All the better to see you with, my dear.”
Katherine screamed as I darted across the room. Her fear intoxicated the predator within me. I had her trapped. Grabbing her by the waist, I hauled her over my shoulder, slapping her ass and squeezing hard, drawing out a moan of approval. I grabbed the boxed tentacle from the table and made my way over to the chair.
“James—”
“Shhh, let the Lush soothe your fears. Give in to the sensation.”
I placed Kat in front of me and sat in the chair. Her perfect ass reflected in the mirror. A blossoming red welt in the shape of my hand was spreading across her cheek. “Close your eyes and focus on what you feel.” I dragged the torn linen across her body, swirling the fabric around her breasts. Goose bumps erupted along her porcelain skin, and she purred. I allowed it to catch along her nipples, teasing them with a soft flick.
She started to sway again in a speechless demand for more as her body chased the linen’s caress.
I slid my hands down her arms, wrapping the fabric over her wrists, securing them tightly, and spun her around to face the mirror. “Open your eyes. Do you see how beautiful you look bound before me?”
She hesitated for a moment before relaxing into herself and relishing in her reflection. I circled her waist, allowing my hands to explore the soft curve of her belly. Standing up, watching her intently, I slid my hands up her sides, encouraging her to lift her arms, and hooked her bound hands behind my head. The gentle arch in her spine pushed her breasts forward, displaying them in the most erotic way.
“Your body is a masterpiece,” I whispered into her ear while cupping her breasts and pinching her taught nipples.
Katherine let out a heavy breath.
“Did you like that?”
“Mmhm, do it again.”
I circled her breasts, denying her request, barely touching her skin.
“Please.” She arched her back farther, begging.
I couldn’t deny her any longer. I ran my tongue along the shell of her ear and rolled her nipples between my fingers, deepening the pinch.
She moaned, instinctively pulling away from the pain, and my cock twitched with excitement. I reached for my breaches, loosening the ties, and freeing myself. “I wanna show you just how pretty your flower looks when you’re excited.” I pulled Kat down on my lap, reclining her back against my chest. Lifting her legs, one at a time, I draped them over the arms of the chair. Reaching between her thighs, I pushed them farther apart, spreading her wide and exposing every inch of her glistening slit. “Look at how beautiful you bloom for me. Spread wide and dripping with need.”
“Touch me, please, James. I ache for you.”
I reached between her legs, gliding my fingers over her slick skin. Katherine groaned at my touch, throwing her head back on my shoulder and biting her lip. Her body tensed as her legs pushed against the arms of the chair, straining for more friction, spreading herself even wider. I circled her clit ever-so-gently teasing the delicate bud. Her breathing had become panting, and her thighs began to tremble.
“You like that, don’t you, kitty Kat?” She didn’t answer, but the look on her face told me everything I needed. I removed my hand from her clit and sampled her sweet nectar. “You taste so good. You're so wet and ready for me.” I reached under the chair, grabbing the tentacle. “Now, be a good girl, and let me take care of you.” My cock was rock hard and throbbing with excitement. I slid the knobby toy slowly through her wetness, coating it in her arousal. The sensation of that alone had her writhing on my lap.
“James,” she protested between mews of pleasure.
“What’s your safe word, kitten?” I continued sliding the toy delicately through her folds, giving her time to get used to the foreign sensations.
“Poison,” she breathed out the word, bringing a sinister smile to my lips.
Once she relaxed back into me, I inserted the tip of the tentacle, teasing her opening slowly before sliding it past the first set of thick suckers.
Katherine gasped.
“That’s my good girl. Let’s see how much you can take?” I slowly pushed past the next two sets, watching in the looking glass as her tight pussy stretched to accommodate the growing girth. I paused, giving her a moment to adjust, and twisted the tentacle, drawing out the most animalistic groan from Kat I had ever heard. She was loving it, lost in the sensation, and it was driving me wild. “Shall we try a bit more?”
“Yes, please,” she groaned.
I pushed up to the edge of the next row of suckers. “Don’t hold your breath, beautiful. Breathe. That’s it. You take it so well.” She pulled in a deep breath, and as she exhaled, I pushed past another row of ridged suckers. Her opening stretched to the brink as she cried out in painful pleasure. I reached for her clit and circled her bud. Her body began to tremble. Within mere moments, she was falling over the edge into an explosive orgasm. Her hips grinding in my lap, riding out her pleasure on the tentacle, just like I had dreamed she would. It was a beautiful sight. Her nipples peaked, a blush forming along her cheeks, and her mouth agape, moaning like a cat in heat.
Watching alone was almost enough to take me with her. My cock begged for release. I slid the tentacle out, lifted her ass off my lap, and seated her back on my cock, burring myself to the root in her dripping wet pussy. “Fuuck, Katherine,” I growled in her ear. “I could watch you take my cock all day.” Our reflection in the looking glass was pure debauchery. We were lost in the moment. Consumed with pleasure. I pumped my hips against her bucking frame. Her pussy gripped my cock tightly as she fell into another orgasm. Her core pulsing with pleasure pushed me over the edge into ecstasy. I quickly came undone, losing myself deep within her.
“You will never fail to astound me, Katherine.” I unbound her wrists and cradled her against my chest. Your body was made for my pleasure.”
Katherine beamed with the praise. “I love you, James.” She smiled, a sweet blush blooming on her cheeks. “And I think I love Lush tea,” she giggled. “Thank you for pushing my boundaries. But maybe next time you tell me before drugging me?”
“But then there is no surprise,” I chuckled. “I love you too, Kitty Kat.” I picked her up and carried her to our bed. “Are you okay? Did I push you too hard?”
“I’m a little sore, but it was worth the pain.” She smiled. “You were right about the toy. I loved it.”
I kissed her forehead and tucked her in. “Rest, love, you earned it.”
“Are you not coming to bed?”
“I’ll be there in a moment.” I wanted nothing more than to curl up next to Katherine and fall into a deep sleep. My body and mind were spent and pleasantly satiated. But there was a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that someone had been watching our little escapade. I made my way to the window and looked around. Nothing but the rippling waters and starry skies. I reached for the rum, taking a heavy pull to settle my nerves, and joined Katherine in bed.