Caress The Dark God [Scions of the Ankh 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (10 page)

I hoped you would like it.

Tessa watched as he closed the door behind them and automatically the water switched on. The huge, plate-sized showerhead let loose a light, massaging torrent of warm water. Torian turned her around and began to gently stroke her hair, allowing the water to penetrate the thick tresses. His fingers felt so good in her hair. He stopped for a moment and through the mirrors Tessa watched as he plucked a blossom from one of the vines and crushed it in his hands. A beautiful scent began to permeate the air and he began to rub the crushed blossom into her hair. Tessa was astounded to see the blossom produced a thick lather. This had to be the oddest dream she’d ever had.

As he worked the lather, he massaged her scalp, sending Tessa into a trancelike state. A girl could get used to this. As the lather snaked its way down her body, so did his hands as he rubbed it into her skin, first her shoulders, then his hands cupped her breasts. He began to knead her breasts. The slickness of the lather plus the abundance of Torian’s skill made it a heady experience. Tessa leaned back against his hard body as he alternated between squeezing and kneading her breast. His hands traveled even lower until he could work the soapy substance between her legs. Her core instantly reacted and she pushed her hips forward.

A deep chuckle vibrated in his chest and he began to pay special attention to her clitoris. While one hand still attended her breast, the other slipped further between her thighs. Tessa widened her stance a bit more to give him better access. Rhythmically his fingers began to slide in and out of her and Tessa couldn’t believe she was ready to have sex again so soon. She could feel his hardened cock nestled between them and she wanted it inside of her again.

Tessa reached behind her, pulling the thick member between her legs. Slowly he began to slide it between her folds, causing such delicious friction she was soon on the cusp of another orgasm. He picked up the pace of his fondling and Tessa could feel herself getting wetter and wetter.
Open your eyes. Watch as we make love, Tessa.

Tessa opened her eyes and looked into the mirrors. In them, two slick, water-soaked bodies rubbed against each other. The picture was so erotic she couldn’t stop watching. As the water poured down their bodies, the tempo of their desire rose. Torian’s strokes became stronger and more intense. His fingers worked her clitoris so vigorously that soon Tessa was crying out as the climax slammed into her. As the effects worked their way through her body, Torian entered her, stealing her breath for a moment.

I love the way your body grips mine, Tessa. I can feel you orgasm on my cock. It is the most wonderful sensation.
His words coupled with the image of him pumping into her sent her over the edge again, and this time she wasn’t alone. He almost growled as he came, tweaking her nipples and still rubbing her clit.

Tessa didn’t know how long it was before she was able to stand on her own. Somewhere between her first and second orgasm, her knees had buckled and she felt Torian catch her against his hard body. He stayed inside her as he rinsed the blossom lather from her hair. Reluctantly, he had to end the connection between them.
Time for bed, Tessa. You’ve had a long day.
She wasn’t about to argue with him. Her strength now eluded her. Not one iota of protest slipped from her mouth when he picked her up and carried her out of the shower. She didn’t even remember going back through the gardens. It was as if one second they were in the shower and the next, they were back in his bedroom.

This time a fire roared in the fireplace. He settled her against the pillows, and somehow she was completely dry. All dry except for her hair, which she knew was just a tangled mess. He sat on one side and gathered a small mass of her hair and began to gently comb out the tangles.
Where did you get a comb?

He said nothing as he tended to her hair. His touch was so gentle Tessa found herself getting sleepy. Section by section he combed the tangles from her hair. She could smell the sweet scent of the blossom in her hair. It was now her favorite scent. Well, at least in this dream it was. He combed her hair until it was tangle free. When she reached up to touch it she was at a loss as to how it could be completely dry so soon. Not only that — it held beautiful, thick, shiny curls.
I have to get me some of those flowers
, she mused.

Torian nudged her until she was completely lying down. He spread her hair around the pillow before he nestled next to her. Tessa found herself curling against him, her hand against his chest. Tessa thought it odd that she was falling asleep while she was in the middle of a dream.
Sleep, beautiful one
. She heard his words, and yet this time they didn’t bother her. Her eyes grew too heavy to keep open. She opened them one last time to see Torian looking at her with a tender expression. There was no lust, no teasing, just an expression so soft that Tessa immediately recognized it. It was the expression of one who had been lonely for a long time and finally found contentment.

She knew it because, somehow, she could see the reflection of her own expression in his dark eyes. It was the same expression, slightly sleepier, but the same. As her eyelids finally shut, Tessa couldn’t help but think what a shame that this was all a dream. She knew she would never find this sort of companionship and connection in her waking hours.

Anubis, where are you?
Jonathan’s urgent call brought him out of sleep. Tessa’s warm body was against his and he had no desire to move.

What is it?

He was not there.

Anubis knew the chances of that creature breaking free had been good. Still, he had not regretted his decision to tend to Tessa.
What of the bodies of the family?

I took care of it.

This thing, Thoth, I have not encountered anything like it. It takes their souls and uses it as energy.

Why did you not make sure it was securely apprehended?

There were other matters to attend to.
Anubis could not keep the irritation from his voice.

What exactly has happened to the doctor?

I am tending to her.

You know the side effects of the pyramids on humans.

You’ve no need to remind me.

Are you prepared for that Anubis? Is she?

I will deal with this, Thoth. If you will keep me informed about the creature, I would appreciate it. I will see you in two days.
Anubis cut the contact with Thoth. There would be no guilt. He had chosen and had not regretted it. When it came time to tell Tessa the truth, he would do it. He pulled her closer and inhaled her scent. She was his. Whether she knew it or not, she belonged with him. He had waited too long to find a mate who excited him, in the bedroom and out of it.

All he needed was two more days to heal her. What she would become or what she would be able to do would only remain a mystery until time unraveled it. Meanwhile, Thoth and Hathor and anyone else he could call upon for aid could help with the traveler. He knew he needed to get back to the pyramid to make sure the fire burned continuously. Not to mention he had to make sure the proper herbs were administered to keep her body in stasis until it completely healed.

He phased into the chamber where Tessa’s body slept. He examined her closely and saw the tag upon her body like the others, only hers was fading. It was eerily familiar and yet Anubis couldn’t bring to mind the one who owned this tag. He fed the fire and threw more herbs upon it. That thing was out there, killing — no,
feeding
— off humans. It was a soul eater. He had known no traveler that ate souls, not in the thousands of years in his life. Perhaps this thing was some sort of hybrid. His senses told him Tessa was stirring. He checked the fire and the perimeter of the pyramid one more time before he phased back into bed with Tessa.

* * * *

“How long have I been sleeping?” Anubis watched as her sleep-ridden brown eyes opened in curiosity. She stretched languidly as she eyed him. The moment the realization hit her, her eyes opened wider. She put her hand to her lips as she spoke. “Oh. This seems odd. Before it seemed like—”

“What?” Anubis asked, already knowing what she couldn’t quite understand.

“It just seemed like, I don’t know, I can hear my voice. I know this sounds crazy, but for a while there it was as if I heard you here.” She pointed to her head a little warily. “I know, I’m a loon.”

Anubis pulled her body close to his. The fact that she was now speaking out loud instead of telepathically let him know she was healing fast. Soon, he would have to explain things to her. “You are not completely crazy.” She playfully punched him. “However, you do need to eat.”

“I do feel a little weak.”

“Well,” he pulled her up with him, “come with me and we will see what my abode has to offer you.”

“Wait a second.” She pulled the sheet up with her. “Don’t you have anything here for me to wear?”

“I’m sure I could find you something. But I think the real question would be, do I want to?”

“I can’t just walk around naked.”

“I am.”

“It’s your house. No one is going to say anything.”

“No one is here but you and I.” Anubis watched as her jaw dropped.

“You mean to tell me in this big place, we are the only two occupants?”

“Yes, now come along. Take the sheet if you want. I must admit you are the most modest doctor I have ever known.” He led her out of the bedroom and down one of many long corridors. He didn’t miss the fact that she held the sheet around her for dear life.

“Is that admitting you have known many doctors?”

“I admit no such thing. But doctors by profession should have no modesty. The naked body is a common sight to you.”

“Just so you know, it’s not like all of my patients
have
to be naked. If I were your patient, I would insist on it whether it was necessary or not.” She teased him.

Anubis stopped and kissed her hard and quick. The small sound of surprise was quickly swallowed by her immediate response to him. He broke the kiss, loving the way her eyes smoldered. “As you can see, I like being naked.”

Tessa’s eyes combed his body from head to foot. Her eyes lingered on his arousal. He liked her lusting after him. Already he could smell her desire for him building. It would seem her appetite was as insatiable as his. He chuckled lightly as he continued to lead her down the dining hall. “I have servants who come here periodically. I am sure there is something for you to eat.”

“This has got to be the longest, most realistic dream I’ve ever had,” Tessa murmured as she followed him.

Anubis chose not to comment. He had so much explaining to do. Perhaps it would be easier once she was fully healed. There was no doubt that she would gain something paranormal from the healing pyramids. Maybe once those new gifts were revealed it would be easier to explain things to her. He shook his head; right now he was going to enjoy just being with her. There would be plenty of hard stuff to deal with later.

On the dining room table, a bowl of fruit sat in decoration. Of course, it was edible. “What about fruit?” he asked as they approached the highly polished oak table. Tessa eyed the fruit greedily as she chose a delicious-looking green apple. He indicated that they should sit while she snacked. As soon as Tessa sat with the first bite of apple in her mouth she spat it out. She clawed at her throat as she gagged.

“What is it?” he asked, alarmed.

“I’ve never tasted anything so repulsive. I’m sorry for my manners, but that was just gross.”

“You don’t like apples then?”

“No, I love them. Maybe that was just a really tart one.”

“I’ll get you some water.” His curiosity was piqued as his suspicions rose. In little time, he had retrieved water for her. He set the glass in front of her and suggested she try a different fruit. Picking an orange and peeling it quickly she placed a slice in her mouth and chewed slowly. In seconds the orange suffered the same fate as the apple.

“Torian, I am really sorry and I will clean this up.” She rose, tightening the sheet around her. “I hate to say this, but that tasted as bad as the apple. Are you sure your servants are bringing you fresh food?”

Torian eyed her for a moment before responding. “It was more for decoration. It could be the fruit had been sitting out much too long. We can always go to the beach and see if we can catch you something. Maybe fresh fish cooked over an open fire would be more to your taste?”

Tessa squealed at his suggestion. “I love fishing. I haven’t been able to do it often since I started practicing. That’s a great idea.”

“Then let’s go to the beach.”

Tessa eyed him as if he were crazy. “Like this?” she looked down at the sheet she was wearing.

“I own this property. There is no one here but me.” It was partially true. The spirit zone was his domain. He could come and go as he pleased. He could do whatever he wanted in this plane. Still, she looked hesitant. “Doctor, heal thyself, isn’t that the saying? Let yourself go, Tessa, have some fun. But if you’re afraid of me I understand.”

“I am
not
afraid of you.”