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Episode 32
Lark’s grip on my arm immediately softened, and he pulled my body into his. The smooth, swiftness of his movements was graceful. Sauve. Elegantly undignified. Against instinct, I allowed him to lead me. The tingling that the touch of his skin on mine caused was a sensation I never knew, and I found it positively delightful. The longer the touch lingered, the longer I wanted it to stay as if I were growing to crave it. It’s… true. It was increasingly complex to deny it to myself, and it frightened me. With his hands placed gently on my sides, I relaxed into him as we started to bounce in beat with the crowd.
Just how long had he been watching me, and why? Maybe his eyes were those I felt on my back by the jeep. That left me feeling… unnerved. Not that’s not it. Angry? Flattered? It was hard to discern through the new levels of my vastly growing range of emotions. “I daresay, I’ve never known a brute like you to move their body so gracefully in dance. That aside, are you following me, sir?” His body kept surprisingly well in time with the music and was natural at pulling my own along. He silently manipulated my movements in a way that made me feel I’d been dancing like this for years.
“Dance? This is dancing?” He raised his brow at me incredulously. “You know Thea… I’ve noticed you’re pretty slick about evading questions. A true master of distraction.” The look that was once stern on his face now significantly softened. “Thank you, by the way, I guess. Not all brutes are giant dumb lugs.” His smile was bright and kind, the whiteness of his teeth a pleasant contrast, like the green of his eyes against the warm brown hue of his skin. His smile reached them, causing them to seem relaxed even further as he spoke. “Would you like to see some dancing? Cuz I’ll show you some real dancing.”
He didn’t allow me time to respond. Instead, he slid one hand to the small of my back. I didn’t think it was possible, but he pulled me in closer, grabbed my hand, and placed it on his chest. It was still rhythmic and in time with the music but less visceral than those around us. Less ual, more sensual. For as calm and smooth as he appeared on the outside, I felt his heart trembling with each beat in his chest. You could never tell it from the outside as he effortlessly led me to move in ways that forced me to rely on his abilities. He actually did have some talent. The smile on his face that appeared occasionally never once left his eyes. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were rather enjoying yourself, Alaric.” His chest rumbled slightly beneath my hand.
“It’s Lark, please. And if you wanted to know what I’m thinking or feeling, you could just hop in and find out, right? So do it already.” I looked up at him questioningly. It sounded like it was an invitation, which was also a slight horror on its own, allowing that feeling in my stomach to return. No one is usually so openly willing to have their privacy invaded. I felt my brows involuntarily furrow, and my eyes started to squint as I pondered his motives. As if knowing what I was thinking, he gave a slight reassuring nod. Delicately, I pushed my way into his mind. There was no physical reaction from him, so it was a good sign that I did not cause him any actual harm, or even pain, for that matter. It was equally impressive that he was not only receptive to me, but also aware of my presence once I was within. He knew as if on instinct and began speaking to me with his inner monologue.
Thea, seriously. What are you doing here? His tone internally was much different than the one he used outwardly. Soft and gentle as much of his touch. Warm, like being wrapped in fur. The way he was able to hold the speech in his mind was rather admirable as well. It’s hard for many to form an entire thought into words as they tend to think sporadically. Usually, my typical invasion was sifting through a mix of random phrases, images, emotions, scents, and sounds. He was talented in his way of putting the other noise out. The words were well formed and together in order. Emotion was present but not overpowering. Maybe it was due to him consenting? It was all new territory. As I said, receiving an invitation is not usually the case.
What does it look like, Lark?
He looked around us and then raised that eyebrow at me. You know, if you needed to feel someone’s hands on your body, I was already more than avail
I’m hunting. Besides, as hard as it may be sometimes in my travels, I try my best not to… how do you say? Mix business with pleasure. It’s true. It got very messy every time. These creatures and their complicated emotions. Many would always try to linger a lot longer than I wished them to once was involved. Or feeding. Even that had longerlasting side effects. It’s nice to feel like the drug to the addict, but after a while, and I hate to admit this even now, I would feel sorry for them. True pity.
Ahh… all business then. Well, this, my dear new Ancient friend, is a Fertility festivalone of the biggest around, by the wayand here everyone is looking at you, ready to help keep the population up. You being… you? Not smart, Thea. Not very smart. The words, when he thought them, flowed through me with a feeling of apprehension, and I noticed then he was still periodically scanning our surroundings. He was very much a natural protector and would have been quite a formidable warrior in another time. Still, his implying that I was a simpleton was starting to annoy me. The impudence of this creature was frustrating and bothersome. Not to mention, he was getting in the way of what was supposed to be a quick and easy meal.
I’m an Ancient, and I ooze uality. People will always be looking at me! You’d think the boy would get it by this point. He’s felt and witnessed the effects firsthand. My patience was wearing thin, and my hunger was rapidly growing.
It seemed his own impatience was growing as well. The tone in his mind shifted to a different menagerie of emotions I’d not yet experienced before. I’ve been aware of its presence during invasions in the past but never intimately familiar with it. Don’t be an idiot. The last thing I’m trying to deal with on this adventure from hell is a God getting pregnant and having a baby. It was sharp and clipped. The smile was now missing from his eyes, and his lips were pressed in a tight line.
Do not ever imply that I am lacking in intelligence. I may be fresh, but I’m not new here. He winced a bit at the anger I allowed to flow through. It was an excellent visual reminder that I needed to back off before I made his head pop. And as for insemination, I am unable to hold life within, so there is no reason to fret. I watched his face relax slightly into a questioning glance. That strange recipe of his emotions disappeared and was replaced by an unwavering anxiousness. I watched him as his eyes shifted from left and right, scanning. He afforded me his attention briefly to look at me and scowl, but his expression dropped abruptly. I cocked my head to the side, my own questions evident. What is it?
Over there on your six… I could feel the tense energy spilling off him as he thought it. He was on high alert, though again, his body outwardly didn’t give it away. He remained as I usually saw him: calm and collected. Though I had exactly zero clue as to what he was talking about.
What?
Your six. He repeated simply as if I were to know precisely what he meant the first time.
My… six? Was he talking about my family? How was he to know that there are seven of us? Alaric let out a heavy, impatient sigh.
I’m going to touch you inappropriately now. Is that alright? The dialogue flitted through his mind and was followed by what felt like a held breath. Every thought and emotion within went utterly silent. It was still and felt heavy.
His perplexing question stole away my attention, and I couldn’t stop the incredulous look from forming on my face. I was much more used to men taking what they wanted from me. Or trying to, at least. They do not ask. Not ever. What was this kid playing at? And were you not already? To this, Lark smirked, and his eyes fell to near slits that were just barely visible beneath his thick lashes. He grabbed my hand from his chest and spun me around, facing away from him. With one hand still in his, he rested ours both on my waist and pulled me in. His body was warm and strong, cupped perfectly against mine. The scent of sandalwood and his being nearly enveloped me. I could feel the heat of his breath on my ear, the pace steady, but his heart pounded hard against my back. His free hand explored its way to my inner thigh. His body slowly rippled against mine in a way that was positively titillating. My own heart betrayed me and started to quicken its pace as he moved his hand up slightly and gently squeezed my thigh.
I felt a rumble on my back and pressure being applied as Lark squeezed me to him firmly, tucking his head into the crease of my neck while still moving us in time. The addictive tingling returned as he started assaulting me gently with kisses. He got up to my ear before returning to the crease of my neck to give it a quick nibble. A gasp escaped my lips, and I felt my knees weaken as I pressed them tightly together. I felt like I could drop, but he held all my weight effortlessly; all the while, his defiant hand stayed tucked between my thighs, excruciatingly close. I fell instantly hot, like a burning furnace.
He took a deep breath while he lingered there and thought loudly, Focussss… I’m not certain if it was directed at me or himself, but it was very much there and extremely obvious. He either didn’t notice, or he didn’t care. Slowly, he removed his hand and repositioned it on my lower stomach. It’s like the face of a clock. You are twelve, so your six is directly behind you. I think it’s a military thing. So, look dead ahead right next to the sign for Nutrition Distribution. At least three. They’ve had their eyes on you for some time. Do you see them?
Regardless of who the thought was toward, it was increasingly difficult to continue paying attention to what he was trying to communicate. Most of my focus lay on his hands, their current location, and where my body longed for them to be. Whoever these people were, they were no match for me once I fed correctly. It didn’t require as much attention as he was urging to be drawn to it. Admittedly, I didn’t have much attention to provide it. An aching began to rage right beneath his hand as he shifted its position a fraction. Only the slightest of motion and I was thrusted painfully into a territory where I wanted him to do so much more. Pins and needles moved across my skin, craving to be touched to ensure their retreat. It spread to my knees once again as he continued his assault on my neck. My breathing quickened as feelings of fear began to trickle in. Fear due to the preservation of one’s life is another . I did not like this kind of fear. I thought we established this as business. My heart began beating faster still, and I couldn’t help but let my eyes fall shut.
Getting out of here without causing a scene is business. Do you see them? Look without looking and stay moving with me. As he said it, the pace of the music slowed a bit, and our bodies fell into more of a sultry sway. I forced myself to follow his direction but couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. As ordinary as I would think it to be in this type of atmosphere, mind you. Truth be told, I didn’t look very diligently. I was too entranced by the sensation of his lips moving across my flesh and the warmth of his breath that accompanied them. We need to leave. I want to make this look like we’re just here for the party and then dip out the second they aren’t paying attention.
So, you rub up against and feel upon the bodies of those you do business with? Customs have really changed since I’ve been gone. I needed this to end quickly. The desire that his touch was generating was becoming almost to the point of being overwhelming. I needed to eat. Wouldn’t your Ryn be upset with you?
He chuckled, allowed by my ear. Feel upon? Not normally, no, but if the purpose serves. And my Ryn? Really? We have our thing, sure. We’ve been friends forever, and we sometimes fool around, but it really is that simple. She’s not the jealous type, and none of that matters anyway. Stop with the fake worrying, smart ass, and act natural. I’m trying to blend in.
Blend in? I gently pushed back into him. Judging by the poking in my backside increasing with fervor, I’d imagine you’re taking advantage of the situation. It was extremely hard indeed. An intrusive thought entered, telling me to reach back and firmly grasp it. I heard him clear his throat and then swallow.
You’re an Ancient, and you ‘ooze uality,’ remember? Body response. Just a natural, unplanned result of close proximity. I felt the rumbling once again, only this time, a low growl accompanied it. I could feel him actively trying to fight a silent war within himself. His thoughts were still evident but becoming more sporadic. More of his background noise was beginning to bleed through. Mmmm damn, why do you always smell so good?
His feigned modesty made me smile. I’ve not known many men to play coy with me. Usually, it’s a pissing contest to prove who is the most manly of men, even if there is only one man present. Never a denial of desires and needs. Those strong hands had a firm but gentle touch as he finally allowed them to explore further. It was odd in a way at first, as I was unaccustomed to the way of his movements. He grabbed without grabbing and held without holding. In a way, his hands encased me as they moved. Not timid nor holding purchase. They slid down my thighs and then up the sides of me, across my stomach, to firmly hold onto my hips while keeping us in rhythm with the music. Still, he paid close attention not to touch my most intimate places, causing the needles I still felt to dance and burn. Perfect… just a natural result… His thoughts and shower of emotions flitted through my own mind as clearly as a polished crystalline structure.
My eyes widened at the sudden invasion, and I all but flew out of his arms. No no no no no no no… I turned around to face Alaric. My heart was ready to burst, and I didn’t realize I had been holding onto my chest. He watched me anxiously, and then I saw his eyes scanning the crowd once again before looking back at me. I stood there motionless, frozen by the insurmountable.
Look, Thea, I’m sorry. I’ve obviously overstepped, and I’ll stop being so handsy. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but I need you to please play the part. His eyes were pleading as he held out his hand toward me. Please…
Play the part? I had difficulty focusing in his mind. My own thoughts were rushing by as I tried to hold onto his words. I stared deeply into his brilliant and panicstricken green eyes. I regarded him with my own panic and wonder. How he did it, I did not know. What I did know is that it should be impossible to do. Definitely not possible with his blood being this mixed and never conceivable to do to me. Not even with the purest of blood. Not even my own family.
Yes, Thea, please. He shook his outstretched hand quickly and with a slight desperation to his movements. I’ve lost your tails in the crowd. Please. To everyone else, we need to look like another pair of lovers here to save the population. I didn’t offer him anything else to refute this explanation for my sudden breakaway. How could I? I couldn’t even explain it to myself. Even though I was still shaken by it, I accepted his hand and allowed him to pull me close again. Just as before, even with the acid now bubbling in my stomach, my body effortlessly relaxed into his.
Save the population? That explained a festival of fertility and not one dedicated to the fertility goddess as it used to be. Why would the population need saving? In my last life of length, births were trending upwards and had just reached numbers beyond the rate of death.
Yes, but another time, Thea. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but you’re the only white person here. Not even passable as a Pale. You’re white, white. You practically glow. You stand out big time. I looked around again, and found he was absolutely correct. There was not a single ‘white’ person around, and I felt foolish about having to have another point that out to me. Everyone’s skin was beautiful shades of brown. Every variation you could think of. These creatures were always so sensitive about their tones and hues, but I never paid it any mind. Just as I’d been both a man and a woman before, I’ve been every shade imaginable. The pride they felt for their own specific roots had separated them significantly and made them blind to the web we are all tied to. Upon even further examination, geologically based features were mixed as well. Everyone belonged to every part of the Earth. Truly blended, they now embodied the web. Yet here I stand, looking so… European and out of time. I immediately became tense, and my heart began to throb even harder against my rib cage.
Alaric then bent down slightly as if to say something. Instead, he placed my arms around his neck and, with his hands on my waist, hoisted me up into a warm and tight embrace. Teakwood began to invade my senses as I relaxed right into him. It was quite easy, too, as I closed my eyes to enjoy his scent more fully. My feet dangled as he held me there, and after a gentle squeeze in return, my oncetight muscles quickly lost their constriction. I welcomed the relief. I knew then that no matter how bleak or undesirable the circumstances may seem, these people were caring. Who truly knew how long it would last, but accepting it while it was here was a great feeling. Not having to constantly use my power to push people into helping me was a warm welcome indeed. It provided some temporary sense of security. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to find my face incredibly close to his neck. The visible pulsing against his skin in time with every beat of his heart only helped me become more intimately aware of my intensely growing hunger.
Delicious…
ero
