In the predawn
blackness snow falls on Mystic Canyon. Sipping hot honey and tea I pound out
another thrilling chapter of Captain Sharky’s latest adventure. The sun rises
and soon the powder will melt. I snap a pic quick before it’s gone. I love this
time of year.
I’m also
looking forward to our Blood Moon Social Club reunion. This will be the first
time I’ve seen some of you in so many years. I’ve missed you all. Don’t forget
Jan. 16th at the old Kool Kollectables in Commercial Center. 953 E.
Sahara av. 9-B.
CHAPTER
THIRTYFOUR ROG’AN OF NEXUKHAN
By
the time Andre had the Cutlass secured to the dock everyone had disembarked and
were looking around for any sign of life. The fog had reduce visibility to but
mere feet. Even werewolf eyes had difficulty but Norris could hear and smell
humans all around them.
“We
are not alone in fact there is quite a crowd gathering.”
“I
sense them too.” Barron said. “Thirty or forty at least but I don’t detect any
hostile thoughts.”
Sharky
was in no mood for hide and seek.
“Hello!
I’m pretty hungry and I could really use a drink about now.” She shook a pouch
and the jingle of gold was loud and clear.
“Captain
Sharky, the creatures of the sea sing of your exploits. I have been
breathlessly awaiting your arrival. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rog’an
of Nexukhan.”
She
looked up toward a large flickering lamp where she heard the voice and saw a
dark figure standing amidst swirling tendrils of gray mist. He seemed
impossibly tall. Perhaps it was because he was standing on an elevated deck looking
down or maybe her expectations had been hyped by all the stories. His shoulders
seemed broader than a normal man but then his black and silver armor could
account for that. The shoulder guards looked as if they came from thick
polished shells. A brace of brightly colored scarves hung from the wide scaly leather
belt synched around his narrow waist. His breeches were made from the same finely
crafted skin layered with shimmering scales. She couldn’t determine if it was reptilian
or some kind of fish. It reminded her of a beautiful dragon she had once seen
in a fantasy art book. He took a step forward disturbing the fog. Even in the
low light reflective glints sparked off the buckles of his knee high boots. His
face was long and angular but his eyes were hidden behind a black lace scarf
tied around his head.
He
pulled on a silver chain where a strange key hung and just below that an even
stranger looking object. He pressed a knob causing the face to flip open and he
glanced at it.
“Ah!
You are perfect in your timing. You and your officers have just enough time to
freshen up then we will have a lovely meal prepared for you.”
Suddenly,
without warning a troop of young humans appeared. Three females and three
males. All were topless and they all wore a colorful sash wrapped around their
hips. They seemed well fed and none bore slave tags or bit marks. None carried
any weapons either but each held a goblet filled with a dark red liquid.
Norris
took the goblet from a pretty young girl and as did everyone else; suspiciously
sniffed the offered beverage.
“It
smells like wine.” He took a sip. “It is wine.”
The
girl serving Bedelia smiled and pushed the goblet into her hand.
“It
came from me,” she said proudly.
Bedelia
took a sip.
“This
is fine wine but not from fruit.” She took another drink. “Thank you this is
perfect.”
Bret
and Barron both discovered they too were offered fresh blood from the young men.
Andre
had wine like Norris and nodded approvingly.
Sharky
took a sniff then a taste and was surprised.
“This
is wonderful it’s like a blend of berries from my juice bar. How did you know?”
She looked up to where their host stood only to discover he had vanished.
Each
of the servers took their charge and led them to a small room with a lamp
illuminating a simple bed and a basin with fresh water and wash cloth.
Sharky
noticed a comb made of carved wood and a scarf like the others wore.
“What’s
your name?” she asked the handsome lad who appeared to be in his early
twenties.
“Paky-ju.”
“Is
that for me to wear?”
He
smiled. “Yes it will be very comfortable in all this fog.”
The
humidity was oppressive but she wasn’t’ going topless.
“Where
is the top to it?”
He
was perplexed then smiled at her.
“Here.”
He opened a small door and hanging in the little closet were several garments.
She
finished her juice and handed him the goblet.
“Thanks
Paky-ju. I’ll be a few minutes then you can take me to dinner.”
***
Bret’s
guide seated him at a long rectangular table near the end.
Bedelia
was across from him and as the rest of their party arrived they too were seated
along the sides.
The
ends were left open and eventually Rog’an entered and took his place at the head
of the table. He had shed his armor and was sporting a purple shirt with wide sleeves
and open collar.
“We
are simple folk but I think you will find our board of fair pleasing at least
for those of you that eat food.”
Your
hospitality is a far cry from what we are used to good sir we thank you,” Barron
said.
At
that moment Paky-ju entered followed by Sharky. She was wearing a long scarlet
shirt with puffy sleeves and her knife belt snug around her waist. The shirt
fell to her naked thighs and she still had her boots on. She had combed her
hair out for the first time in a long while her dark locks cascaded down over
her shoulders. She looked around and saw no one had dressed for dinner they all
wore their usual garb.
Bedelia
was the first to compliment her new look.
“No
matter what you put on you make it look stunning.”
“Sit
here.” Paky-ju said as he pulled the end chair out for her. She was seated
directly across from the intriguing Rog’an.
“Bedelia
is quite right you burn away the fog by you brilliant presence.” Rog’an chimed.
Sharky
looked expectantly at Bret but he was quiet on the subject.
“Thank
you Rog’an you are very kind and I do feel better after cleaning up it was a
long voyage to find your place. I’ve heard many exciting things about you.”
He
roared with laughter as did all the servers who were bringing in platters of
fresh fruit and baked fish. There was also roasted foul and steamed shell fish.
For the vampires, endless refills of their goblets.”
Sharky
was confused.
“I’m
sorry did I say something wrong?”
“On
the contrary you are most amusing but you needn’t hedge words here. We are well
aware of what people say about us. In fact we encourage the tales of horror.
Such nonsense keeps our enemies at bay.”
“How
do you know we’re not here for mischief? While we’re at it how the hell do you
know our names and what we drink? Are you some kind of mind reader?”
He
laughed again as did his choir of servers.
“Mind
reader? No, not I. I have no special powers I am just a poor farmer and
merchant. We built this place from the wrecks left behind from many storms. Now
please try the food everyone eat, drink, enjoy.”
In
spite of her suspicions Sharky was starving. She had eaten very little in the
last few days and that was either miserable fish stew or a frozen pizza. Here
in front of her was a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables. She dove on the
goose like a lioness over a fresh kill. She ate like a long haul trucker until
sated.
Even
Norris who was not particular about table manners watched her with some measure
bemusement.
“Were
you going to leave any of that bird for the rest of us, Captain Sharky, or
should we fight over the bones?”
Low
chuckles made their way around the room.
She
quickly wiped her face with a linen napkin.
“Sorry
didn’t mean to make a pig of myself.”
“Nonsense!”
Rog’an leaned forward with a carving knife in his left hand. “Paky-ju bring her
another one I’d love to see that again.”
“No!”
she cried. “I’ve had plenty, thank you.”
Rog’an
clinked his wine glass with the knife.
“A
toast to the incomparable Captain Sharky may all her foes fall before her as
that goose just did.”
Glasses
were raise to a chorus of “To Captain Sharky”. This only embarrassed her more.
“Please
tell us of your next adventure,” Rog’an begged. “I’m starving for a little
preview of your next move now that you are so popular with the mighty Lord
Admiral.?”
Sharky
was suddenly struck at how the crafty Rog’an was interrogating her.
“Right
now my crew are as hungry as I was and I would like to buy food for them. We came
to you for supplies. We need a lot and are willing to pay with gold.”
“Rainhaven’s
gold has little value here. We are a quaint little fishing village our people
hunt birds and boar. We gather wild yams and tropical fruit. What use do we
have for gold we make everything we need from the sea?”
“The
pleasantries were over and she saw clearly she was dealing with clever man.
Bret had warned her Rog’an was slippery.
“You said you were a merchant therefore I
assume you do have a price for whatever we wish to buy from you?”
He
stared at her with his lace covered eyes which was disconcerting. He toyed with
his long sharp knife before answering which also annoyed her. She felt as if
she were a cornered cat being poked by a bully with a sharp stick. She was
patient for she was sure at some point she would seize an opening and claw that
mask off and expose his true face.
“My
dear Captain Sharky you are a breath of clear cool sea breeze and I deduce that
you and I may have similar interests. Paky-ju is head of the village council.
Tomorrow he will call a meeting of the elders and they will decide if they want
to open our market place to strangers. Your officers can negotiate with them. This
will involve much discussion over local cuisine and will take most of the day.
As
for myself I will negotiate directly with you as to what I need in return for
my services as… how should I phrase it in terms you will appreciate? Ah yes,
think of me as a broker. I will send for you just after dawn and we will engage
in a lively sparing of words while I guide you on a tour of our humble little
hamlet on the water. Sadly, it is late and we are but simple working folk who
rise early. We must retire but you and your crew may have use of this room for as
long as you like. Eat, drink, enjoy.” Without another word he rose and left. Like
ducks in a row all six severs followed him out.
Everyone
but Bret was staring at her waiting for a comment. Bret was nonchalantly
sipping from his glass. She knew from the smirk on his face he was insufferably
amused.
“You
find this hysterically funny don’t you?”
“I
warned you he was slippery.”
“Not
as slippery as you I suspect.”
“Oh
you haven’t seen him at his best. But like our gracious host I am a simple
working man and must rise early. The council will want to see all of us. Norris
you have something these people have never seen and that may be worth more than
gold around here.”
“Really
and what might that be?”
“The
Catalina Cutlass. Imagine a group of natives seeing a blue ray movie on a wide
screen TV for the first time ever. Or hearing rock music in wrap around stereo.
I know it was amazing my first time.”
“What
about me? Rog’an want’s me to spend the day with him. I don’t trust him at all.
His spies are probably listening to us right now!”
“Actually
I detect no one within hearing range and I doubt they have any electronic
bugging devices,” Barron said.
“What
about all that poor farmer crap? A plantation owner is more like it. How many
blood slaves did it take to keep your glasses full tonight? Did you see the silly
expressions on their faces? They bow to him like a king. I know he has some kind
of power over them.”
“I’ll
stay with you. If he gets out of hand I’ll rip his throat out,” Bedelia
offered.
“That
won’t get us what we need,” Bret cautioned. “He will just dance around wasting
our time until he gets what he wants anyway.”
“So
you want me to be alone with him?”
“What
I’m saying is you have made yourself into this legend and now you must act the
part. Besides after the way you threw down on Rainhaven this should be no
challenge at all. Even after he nearly crushed your rib cage you flashed him
that come hither smile. I think when next we meet the Admiral may want to spend
some alone time with you too.” He rose
and casually strolled out the door.
There
was an uncomfortable silence from which Barron, Norris and Andre excused
themselves and exited.
Bedelia
waited watching Sharky’s face. After a moment of study she spoke.
“I’ll
bet right now if I offered to turn you into a vampire you would do it.”
“What
makes you say that?”
“I
can tell by the dark look in your eyes, at this moment you would love to rip
out Bret’s throat,” there was a lilt of glee in her voice.
A
twisted sneer crossed Sharky’s lips.
“I
would drain the son of a bastard dry!”
CHAPTER
THIRTYFIVE BEHIND THE MASK
In
a world ruled by creatures that could crush bone into dust, door locks had little
use. Still it was irritating to Sharky that she could not rest comfortably in
her small room with no lock. Her knife never left her hand. The next morning
she rose and rummaged through the closet. Her own clothes were soiled and she
had left her wardrobe pilfered from the Duke of Orleans on the ship. All she
had to wear was the scarlet pirate shirt and some native garb. This was mostly
wraparound scarves of fishnet fabric made from supple fibers and were quite colorful.
She had gotten drunk at Mardi Gras once and flashed her boobs but running
around topless all day was just a little too much. On the floor next to her bed
she found sandals made from something resembling eel skin. She laid everything
out and went to work creating something she could own.
***
Norris
had chosen to stay the night on the cutlass and that’s where everyone gathered
for a short meeting before engaging the locals. Everyone was there except
Sharky.
“Shall
I go check on her?” Bedelia asked.
Bret
shook his head. “No I heard her cursing and grumbling when I walked past a few
minutes ago. She will be along when she’s ready. Trust me when she is trying to
put it all together in the morning you don’t want to rush her. However when you
hear the drum and horn signal it means the elders are gathering and it would be
rude to not be ready. Just remember the thing with the locals is flattery. Like
everything, tell them how impressed you are with their creations and let the
old men do most of the talking. They like to think they don’t need what you
have but these people love to bargain. Once we get an agreement Andre can ferry
Quartermaster Megan up here to shop for the galley she will know best what we
need and after that we can bring the crew up a few at a time to spend their
loot. A little shore leave will boost morale.”
In
the distance they heard the drum thumping and a horn blast.
***
Sharky
didn’t need to hear Bret’s instructions to know the signal meant something important
was happening. She strolled along towards the sound and took in her
surroundings. There were potted fruit plants in abundance. She stole a
beautiful flower from one and wove the stem into her hair. As Bret had
described, the flotilla was a jigsaw puzzle of many old boats and raft-like
vessels roped together. Many were painted brightly and floral décor was
popular. They were connected by a system of gang planks and wobbly rope
bridges. Between many of the boats were pools lined with netting inside she saw
schools of fish.
“Fish
farmers. Very resourceful,” she muttered aloud. Then she heard the signal
again.
She
stopped and asked a local boy of twelve where the elders met and he was happy
to show her. When she arrived at a large round raft made of millions of thick
woven reeds she saw a large pavilion with a few dozen folks gather around a
feast. Bret and the crew were already seated on floor mats.
Before
they parted she asked the boy a question.
“Who
is your master?”
He
acted as if he didn’t understand and shrugged, then trotted off to play with
friends.
She
entered the pavilion and was greeted by smiles from the locals and surprised
looks from her gathered officers. She had taken the fishnet scarves and tied
them together into a sarong of sorts. Then borrowing Bret’s wrapping technique
and with a little creativity of her own she managed to cover up the critical
areas. The rest of her exquisite body was exposed. Her ever ready blade hung loosely
at her hip and her long lustrous hair was tied to the side in the fashion of
the girls who served them the night before. The short hem of her skirt hung at a
sexy angle and she had fashioned a crossover top accentuating her tiny waist.
She did feel a little exposed for underneath the nit arraignment she was totally
nude.
Bedelia
came to her.
“You
never show up without causing a stir do you? Where did you get that beautiful
flower?”
“Thanks,
I just found it somewhere.”
“Come
on over they have prepared food for everyone. I learned that they draw blood
like you do and serve it in containers.”
“Okay
but I’m not hungry after last night.”
“Have
you forgotten about me?”
Sharky
had not forgotten his distinctive voice it was deep and strong like a radio disk
jockey she loved to listen to back in Vegas. She turned and saw him just
outside the pavilion. Behind him stood a young man and a girl each held a
basket laden with food and beverages.
“What’s
all that for?”
“I
just thought it might be a good idea to pack a lunch. A woman with your apatite
needs provisions.”
She
laughed. Which was made easy by his casual appearance. He wore white shorts to
his knees and a loose white shirt. He had changed his lacy mask from black to
white and sported a huge sombrero thatched from palm leaves. Not at all what
she expected.
“You
look like a beach bum.”
“I’m
not familiar with that term but I can change if you desire it.”
“No,
it’s perfect.”
“Very
good, now we will let your crew do their work and as I promised you a tour we
should start over here. I think you will find this interesting.” He strolled
off with his basket bearers in tow.
Sharky
turned back to see what Bret was doing. His attention seemed to be on a topless
native girl filling his goblet.
“Surly
you know what he’s after?” Bedelia said.
“Oh
I know exactly what he wants,” Sharky responded, her angry stare glued to Bret.
“Not
him, love. I mean tall dark and mysterious.”
Sharky
forced her eyes to follow Rog’an.
“Him
too, they all want the same thing. But don’t worry I can handle the Island
King.” They hugged and Sharky caught up with her guide.
For
hours they walked around the entire flotilla as Rog’an explained how they found
storm blown boats or recovered ships that had run aground on the reefs. Then he
launched into a lecture on their amazing agricultural accomplishments. The tour
finally came to a long rope bridge that led to a house boat made of thatched
roof and walls. They entered and the servers laid out their baskets on a wooden
table lit oil lamps and then quietly disappeared.
“You
must be famished by now try this melon I think you’ll find it very sweet?”
Sharky
stood near the door watching his preparations.
“I
take it this is your place?”
“Yes
it’s humble but keeps the rain off.”
“Were
did your little helpers run off too?”
“Oh
they have families to attend to.” He was busy pouring juice into her glass.
“Did
you really think this would work?”
He
stopped pouring and watched her face through white lace.
“First
you take me on this long zig zag tour that ends up way out here in your bachelor
bungalow. Did you think I would get confused and not remember the way back?
Then what? You’ll promise me anything I want if I just spend the night with
you? Really? My first boyfriend had a better plan than that and he was only
sixteen.”
Rog’an
continued filling her glass. He was smiling.
“I’m
sure you have seen all the lovely young eager to please girls about. I find
their company pleasurable when the need arises. But my luring you here has
little to with sex. Well, let’s not rule it out altogether but in truth I find
you fascinating for another reason. That is not to say that you’re
unattractive. On the contrary in that outfit it’s difficult not to picture us
together.” He pulled out a chair for her then seated himself opposite her.
“However, I want to talk to you about this place you call Earth. I came to this
realm three hundred and sixty two years ago. I use to hear stories from the new
arrivals but that all stopped a little over a century ago and no new arrivals
have brought me news. Then I learned that something had changed and now you are
here. So let’s eat and you can tell me all about your world. Did that telephone
invention ever work out?”
Sharky
was surprised and yet she wasn’t sure if the shock was from this incredible
revelation or the fact that he was indeed planning to seduce her and made no
bones about it.
“Before
I tell you anything I think you need to elaborate on what you just said.”
“Try
this flat bread it’s made from a sweet potato flower. It’s quite tasty with this
fruit compote.” He spread the bread for her.
“You
said you came to this world but not from Earth?”
He
stirred the jam with his knife while watching her.
“Okay
now you’re doing the knife thing it really bugs me.”
He
smiled and laid it down.
“Yes
I know it’s a rather annoying habit. It’s just that virtually no one knows my
history and I’ve had to be careful with whom I share it with. You have been
wondering if all these people are my slaves. Well the answer is no. In fact
most of them have never known that horror.”
“How
is that even possible every human was brought here as food for the vampires?”
“Yes
that is true and you probably know most of the story of how Da Gamma found this
realm. What you may not know is that he was human when he found it. Yes he was.
He had four ships with him and he left two behind when he returned to Earth.
The plan was to bring the news of this new realm to the scholars of higher learning.
Accolades and riches would be lavished upon him or so he thought.
Then
he met a vampire and that change the course of history. This vampire turned him
and they returned with a cargo hold full of captives. You see when this undead
creature learned of an open uninhabited realm he came up with the idea of a
vampire world. Some of the captives were brought here to this remote
archipelagos and set free. The idea was to keep this place as a hunting
preserve for the sport of it. Later they turned the original crew and they
became immortal lords too. They built towns and they also came up with the war
games. That required more ships and more lords and more humans for the expanding
empire. Well you’ve seen how it has been going.”
When
I came along I discovered this little Garden of Eden populated with the
children of Eve. They were wild and fearful of strangers. I convinced them I
did not want to eat them and we became friends and built our own sanctuary. I
use fear and intimidation to keep the vampire hunters away from here. Now tell me
of your home. Has much changed in the last hundred years?”
She
unclipped her phone from her short skirt.
The
old telephone you heard about was really big and used wires to talk. She showed
him hers and tapped the screen she then selected a song to play. This is wireless
and can perform a thousand functions. Just not interdimensional travel.”
He
held it as if it were a holy relic.
She
did not eat with the same gusto as the night before. For she was engrossed with
his tale and wanted to hear more.
“So
where did you come from? If you don’t mind me asking again?”
“You
are most persistent. I try not to give that away but I trust you will keep what
I’m about to tell a secret between just us?”
“A
little over a year ago I never knew anything about vampires or werewolves. Then
one night I learned the truth. Trust me that is a big secret to have to keep
back home.”
“Yes
but you have friends you share it with. This you must tell no one not even Bret.
I know that the two of you are intimate.”
She
popped a large berry into her mouth and crushed it.
“Don’t
worry that sneaky son of a bastard has more secrets than you and I put together.
Every time he speaks I learn something he’s been holding back. And now I find
out from you that Rainhaven may not be the most powerful vampire around.”
“Very
well, I will trust you with this bit of truth. There are many such realms as
this one and they are all separated from Earth by an interdimensional wall.
With the right tools you can slip through cracks in the wall like you did.” He
pulled on his watch fob and the shiny round device appeared.”
“So
that’s not really one of those old time pocket watches is it?”
“No,
nor does it work like Rainhaven’s astrolabe that allows the user to seek out a
brief opening in the wall. This actually creates a portal. Unfortunately, after
I came here it lost some of its power and I can’t get it to open the portal. It
has other functions that allow me to see things from far away.”
“Ha!
I knew it you were watching us that’s how you knew so much about us.” She
picked up a mango and threw it at him. He deftly caught it just before hitting
his face. “You sick peeping Tom you’ve been spying on me, watching me in the
bedroom that’s how you know about me and Bret.”
He
sliced off a wedge of the fruit and took a bite.
“I
apologize if you feel your privacy was violated but I assure you it was not as
invasive as you think.” He pushed the button and the lid flipped open. Inside
were a system of little dials and gears. As they turned a spectrum of light
waves appeared and fluctuated. “You see the waves detect movements in the
energy stream. I can interpret these movements.”
“That’s
all you can see?” she was skeptical.
“Well
to the trained eye this tells me quite a lot. Like when you are near Bret or Bedelia
I see a rise in certain energy waves. Armed with that information all I need do
is ask the creatures of the sea and they tell me the rest.”
She
studied his demeanor for deception for his eyes were cloaked.
“You
don’t mean fish or sea birds that’s not who you talk to. You mean sailors they
come here to trade and you get your news from them.”
He
smiled slyly.
“Now
you know why I brought you here. I knew you were different.” He rose and took
her hand in his. “Come I want you to see why I chose this spot to make my… what
was it you called it?”
“Bachelor
bungalow,” she replied.
He
led her to the back out onto an open deck. The horizon was a deep red and
purple.
There
are only a few places in all of Oceanus where you will see this. It is a rare
sight and you are fortunate to be here at this time. Perhaps it is a good omen
if you take such things to heart.” As they stood watching she was aware that he
still had her hand in his. She was about pull free when it happened.
“There
it comes. Watch closely,” he became excited.
The
thick fog had rolled away and the moon was rising from the sea. Then from out
of the dense clouds the sun slowly sank. The transition took several minutes
and when the two heavenly orbs were about even a glowing arc of light briefly
joined the two.
When
it was over the sun had set and the moon had vanished into the dark clouds
above. He turned to face her.
“The
natives tell me that the goddess of the sun and the god of the moon meet in
secret and at that moment they make love. They believe it to be a blessing to
this world.
“It
was beautiful. I’ve never seen anything as special as that. Thank you for
sharing it with me.” She pulled free from him. “I think we should get back to
business what do you want from me for your service as a broker. I need supplies
for three ships and apparently you don’t need gold.”
“You
already know what I want.”
“Yeah,
I figured as much but you already know I’m with Bret.”
“You
are incorrect in your assumption. I asked you to spend the day with me not the
night. I want to talk to you.”
“So
you are satisfied with just that, nothing else? I can go now and tomorrow we
can resupply?”
“There
is one thing I should tell you before you go. I’ve come this far and you may as
well know the whole truth. The reason I came here so long ago was to escape a
particularly gruesome fate. It is called a Deathalon Quirt and in the hands of
an expert the punishment will be horrific.”
“Oh
shit! I knew it, you’re an outlaw.”
“I’m
afraid it is much worse than that. Where I come from I’m wanted for the highest
order of crimes. My realm is called Nexukhan. There we have a Tribunal of the
Twelve. They are the judges over all Nexukhan affairs. Each one is entrusted
with one of these.” He dangled the device from its chain.” This key activates
the portal function, or at least it did. Every time I use this it sends out
signals and it can be traced.
I
stole this from one of the judges. That was bad enough. But they all agreed
that if I gave it back I would be spared the Deathalon Quirt. At the time I was
deeply in love and had a reason to live. She was a wondrous woman and I agreed
to surrender. We met in secret and made love. When I awoke she was gone and so
was this. I arose and caught her before she could escape. I was further
betrayed when her lover attacked me. They had planned to steal this and collect
the reward. I was enraged and attacked. In the fight he was killed she mortally
wounded. As she lay dying in my arms she told me everything including how the tribunal
never intended to honor the deal.
He
reached up and undid the mask.
“You
must not be frightened when you see this.” As he removed the lace his eyes were
radiant with emerald lights.
“Oh
my God green eyes!” She gasped.
“The
glow is a side effect of using the device. I keep them covered because it
frightens most people and if a Nexukhanian Tracker hears of a man with lights
in his eyes. Well you see my dilemma.”
“They’re
beautiful, I’m not frightened.” Sharky was trying hard not to show it but she
was overcome by his story. In a moment of weakness she let her guard down. Rog’an
slid his arms around her and pulled her close.
“No!
You said you wouldn’t do this.” She was forcing herself to think about a
blueberry power crunch smoothy but her body was leaning hard into his.
He
spoke softly into her ear.
“I am but a humble villain
in search of a wicked woman.
She will be like a good
sword; elegant and sharp.
Always at my side ready
to slash my enemies.
If I respect her she will
serve me faithful.
If I mistreat her she
will cut me hard and deep.
I bear many a scare as
reminders of such lessons.
I will clad her in fine
leather and stroke her in delicate silk.
She will never judge my
transgressions. Nay!
She will, intimidate
those who do with her gleaming smile.
I will know her when our
eyes meet.
In that moment sparks of
clashing blades will flash between us.
Woe unto the world when
that day comes!”
She resisted him but his
hold was too strong and her legendary willpower was failing her. In desperation
she reached for her dagger.
“Don’t make me cut you,”
her words came in a breathless whisper.
“Ah yes, Sharky’s fang. I
wondered when I would see it. Please, plunge that blade deep into my heart.
I’ll not feel any greater pain than what I feel every time I gaze upon your
scintillating lips and long to kiss them just once before I die.”
“Just once? You’re a
liar, a thief and a murderer. How can I believe you would let me go?” His lips
hovered so close to hers she felt his hot breath against her face.
“Just one kiss is all I
ask. If ever I would break my word to you it will be now and then you will know
you can never trust me for anything I say. Marilena my love will you kiss me
just once?”
She closed her eyes and
parted her lips. Something low and raspy resembling a “yes”, came out of her. He
hesitated then slowly took her with gentleness at first then with electric
force. A quivering current ran from her lips and down her spine. She held her
breath so long her lungs began to burn or was she on fire? She suddenly pushed
him back drawing in cool humid air to quell the flame inside her.
“Stop! You promised. I’m
going now.” She took a step back and he released her.
She was free of his arms
but his intense gaze still held her.
“I will treasure this
moment forever,” he said softly. “Now you must go I will honor our deal but you
may not see me again. I could not bear to say goodbye to you.” His hand
motioned toward the door. “Please go.”
She half turned to exit.
Then in a blind rush she threw herself in to his arms once more. There was no
hesitation no tender teasing. This time it was a kiss of raw animal hunger. She
tore open his shirt and dug her nails into his chest.
He took this as license
to explore her craving body and his hands easily slid under the delicate fabric
covering her breasts. The fire in her lungs had ignited her whole body. She was
seconds away from complete surrender when Bret intruded and she ripped herself
from Rog’an’s embrace.
“Bret!” She blinked her
eyes and realized it was just a flash of him in her mind. A memory of him
holding her hand when she was near death. “No! Stop!” The command was to
herself rather than Rog’an. “I’m sorry I should never have done that.” She
bolted for the door, then halted and looked back to see if he was following.
“Go. I understand now. I’m
a lire, thief and a murderer but I will not destroy true love.” He closed his
eyes and turned away.
***
Tears flooding her eyes
and chaotic thoughts clouding her mind Sharky somehow found her way back to the
cabanas near the dock. She halted outside her room then cursed herself low
under her breath.
“What the hell have I
done? Sweet Jesus why didn’t my mother make me go to church more often?” She
changed her mind and slipped quietly into Bedelia’s room. Her resting friend
appeared to be dead. Vampires did not sleep but rather they lay in a coma like
rest. Sharky knelt beside her and whispered.
“I know you can’t hear me
but I have to tell you this. I did something stupid. I let Rog’an kiss me if he
promised it would just be once. You know men never stop at one, I know they
never stop at one and like a fool I agreed.
Oh God it was wonderful! Then
he stopped and let me go after just on kiss. Who does that? I was weak and
stupid and now I’m cursed with the memory of how much I liked it. I keep
telling myself it will never happen again but when he held me it was like I was
burning alive.
I know you will hate this
part but only one thought stopped me. It was like Bret was there protecting me
from myself.” She kissed Bedelia on the cheek then rose, there was no sign of her
waking. Sharky left as quietly as she entered. Her cathartic confession gave
her no absolution.
