Stone Dead The Stonegars, Book Two J Hali Steele Published 2010 ISBN 978-1-59578-741-5 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2010, J Hali Steele. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://LSbooks.com Email:
[email protected] Editor Maria Rogers Cover Artist April Martinez This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
Blurb Etah Dane is finally free and she is hell-bent on vengeance. Cursed by a witch, she spent twenty-five intolerable years locked in her rock hard shell—aware of everything. Etah is Stonegar, a statue created using pieces from mythical Stonehenge. Like all of her kind, she’s proud of her constant state of arousal and her insatiable sexual appetite. One man who mysteriously watched, and sometimes caressed her stony form, set her blood on fire. Etah’s body aches to know him intimately. Slander Weldon is a sculptor who experiences a frightening and life changing event. He’d unwittingly created a monster. Even his male lover, Grant Rawlins, didn’t believe him. Then he met Etah Dane. Not only does she know the truth, she stirs a latent and uncontrollable desire in him. Slander wants to have Etah—and he wants Grant to watch. Can they survive Etah’s consuming need for sex and revenge—or will it tear their lives apart?
Chapter One She was pissed off and had been pissed on for the last five days by the same soon-tobe-dead son of a bitch. Weren’t there any bathrooms in this godforsaken place? His alcohol-laced breath reached her on the breeze and if she could, she’d have vomited on his damn feet. Etah Dane could see the town clock. In less than a half an hour it’d be over—the curse would be lifted and she’d be free. She needed release badly. Her life had been punctuated by dalliances with men and women, and right now her body shuddered inside her hard shell at the mere idea of sex. To push the thought of physical release away, to abate the pain, she let her mind drift to the one man who had influenced her life the most. Thinking back, there was nothing she would have done differently. At a young age, Etah had traveled alone back to the place she’d been born. She needed to know the man who was the closest thing to a father she would ever have. Seeing him for the first time, he appeared kind and caring on the surface. Etah soon learned better. Though she’d never shared the information with anyone, discovering what he was affected her tremendously. Night after night of watching his drunken debauchery, the meanness, Etah hated him. Afraid of becoming like him, she pushed the memory deep into the recess of her mind. She returned to Falmouth, Massachusetts, and tried to forget. What she wanted to forget most was what he’d done to her. Etah had been so naïve. The wall she wrapped around her heart became harder than the stone that covered her. Sex for her kind was a way of life. It was beautiful and more than physical. Etah smothered that part of herself. Using it to assuage the pain, she wouldn’t allow feeling to enter into it. She wasn’t brutal like him unless she had to be, and though she mimicked his drinking alcohol, it didn’t affect her in the numbing way it did humans, but uncaring and unfeeling took on a whole new meaning. Etah became what she feared most. Like her creator, she was angry and mean. Bong. Snatched back to the here and now, she saw there was only minutes left. The creep in front of her with his cock hanging out was going to die. Bong. Bong. Nine more. The second hand of the clock slowly inched its way around the gigantic face. Her heart beat matched each tick tock of the antique contraption. Bong. Rock crumbled down her torso, freeing her upper body first. When shaped by her creator, Etah’s arms had been raised high, palms pressed together in prayer. She hated the sappy and pious pose. Because of her crafted stance, she’d been passed from one parish church to the next until she ended up in a square near a cathedral in a tiny suburb of Philadelphia. For the first time in twenty five years, she felt the wind in her waist length blonde hair, a warm, albeit urine scented, breeze buffeted her cheeks. Free. “Oh God, Mother of Mary, forgive me!” The man’s eyes were saucers in his head as
he tilted his wine bottle and took the last swallow. “Forgive you my ass. You’ve pissed on my feet for the last time you drunken piece of shit.” Stepping from her pedestal, Etah grasped the man by the shirt collar and hoisted him in the air, slamming his back against the side of the rectory. “Don’t you know how to use a toilet? Goddamn men.” Cool air rushed around her naked body and it felt good. She stood taller than the derelict and her shoulders were broader. Etah’s maker came from good Viking stock. “You’re an angel come to take me to our Lord.” “No, I’m Satan’s plaything and I’m going to cut your dick off, stuff it up your ass and personally deliver you to him.” “Jesus, have mercy.” “You’ve pissed on every statue in this square. Why don’t you use the toilet at the convenience store on the corner?” She’d watch customers bustle in and out of its doors from her trapped position for years. “No key for me ‘cause I’m a homeless drunkard. Fell asleep in there once.” His words slurred but she understood him. Aww Christ. Now she felt bad. She had seen him bundle himself under newspapers on a bench in the park across the street a few nights a week. Facing the spot she had emerged from, she formed an O with her lips, and sucked the dust into her living body. Etah watched the sparkling stream of material, making sure she had every last bit. Like a fairy’s dust, she needed it all to remain whole in the form of a person, needed it to return to her statue. “Come with me.” “Uh, miss,” Teetering from side to side, eyes barely focused, the bum stared drunkenly up and down her body. “You’re naked.” “I’ll fix that. Follow me.” She strode down the street dragging him in her wake. At the store, Etah yanked the door open and stepped in. A lady waiting to be cashed out dropped a loaf of bread and ran past crossing herself. “Whore,” she yelled before disappearing out the door. Over two hundred pounds of store clerk leered at her from behind the counter licking his lips. “Well now, honey, how can I help you?” At least he’s clean. “Give me your shirt.” “What?” “I’m speaking English, I said give me your shirt.” Reaching over, she took hold of a handful of his top and hauled his ass across the counter, dropping him to the floor. He glared at her, dumbfounded, from his knees. “Lady, you’re crazy.” “I’m naked, I’m hungry as hell, and I’m not asking again. Shirt. Now.” He unbuttoned it, shrugged it off his meaty shoulders and handed it over. Etah pulled the soft, warm material on and began to button it up. From his position on the floor, the clerk grabbed her around the knees and tried to take her down. “You don’t want to do that.” Since he no longer had a top on, she grasped his thick forearms, and pulling him up, she settled his ass on the counter. “What kind of freak are you? You on drugs or something?” “I’m not a freak.” But she was. To humans her kind would always be freaks. Abominations.
Etah was Stonegar, an ancient race of statues with the ability to come alive and take a human form. They were created unknowingly by sculptors who’d over the years ransacked and stole bits and pieces of stone from the site at Stonehenge and incorporated them in the completion process of their stone and statue creations. Stonehenge was rumored to have mythical powers. It was true. There were millions of Gar, even cats and dogs, with hair the color of their creators. Hers was a Dane, big and blond. One thing all Stonegar had in common was gray eyes. Often when working with the coarse rasps or rifflers in the end stages of refining the hair or other detailed parts, sculptors cut themselves or an old wound would open allowing blood to seep into their material and from this the statues gained life. Extraordinarily strong, Gar could best ten or more humans in a fight. They could assume their stony form instantly, preventing any damage to their living bodies. The only way to destroy one was to literally smash it to smithereens and scatter the dust to the four corners of the world. Her kind had remained hidden for thousands of years because they were peace loving and stayed to themselves. A smile curled her lips at the thought of how many humans reported their precious stone works of art missing each year. Often made in groups for sculpture gardens, they were also sold or stolen, in groups, so Gar were usually surrounded by family. Etah had two brothers and she knew exactly where one would be. Once she got her bearings, she was heading for the bitch who cursed them. The first thought in her mind—make sure her family was safe. The second—kill the witch who ensconced them in stone for twenty-five fucking years. And any relatives she had. Make them suffer as Etah had, bound in her statue. “See the guy over there,” she asked the frowning man she held immobile on the counter. She pointed to the drunk who tried to hide by wedging his slight frame between two soda dispensers. “Whenever he comes in here to piss, you let him. And feed him every day.” Grabbing the beefy clerk’s balls, she gave a hard twist. “That way I don’t have to come back.” “Oww! I got it, lady.” “Good.” She ignored the sound of the door swishing open behind her. “I’d really hate to hurt the family jewels.” “Easy, miss, I think you’ve made your point.” Etah swept around ready to attack. She met amber pools of light that held a hint of humor. His cheekbones were high in a hauntingly handsome face, and he had the complexion of well used porcelain, soft and creamy. A blue black ponytail hung over one shoulder to his chest and was tied off with a red ribbon! Goody, a present just for me. Her nipples tightened and formed stiff peaks under the loose shirt. She perused the man from head to toe. Shit, he topped her by three or four inches, putting him at about six-five. Taller than the average human man. The navy tee he wore under an open lightweight gray jacket stretched tight across a broad chest and outlined abs that caused her to chuckle. He was cut like a freaking statue.
A familiar, raw, sexual scent assaulted her nostrils. Lord, he smells like heaven. “You’re beautiful when you smile. Glad I have that affect on you. Now, relax a little and turn the man’s balls loose.” A grin tugged the corners of his mouth and the room shifted. Damn. His voice caressed her, slid down her body like warm butter, and landed right between her thighs. “Oh right.” She peered back over her shoulder at the convenience guy and said, “Sorry, but remember what I said. Bathroom and food every day.” She patted his cock and turned back to face the newcomer. “You look scrumptious, darlin’, and I’m in no hurry to see you put on more clothes, but do you think you should be walking around like that?” His eyes ate her up and it set the blood whizzing through her veins. “You’re not exactly in the best part of town.” “I’m sort of in a bind. No money, and I’m a little far from home.” She watched him closely. “I could use some clothes and a place to stay. Just for the night.” Etah knew him well. At least she’d seen him many times. Often over the last year or two he would sit in the park and stare at her. Sometimes he walked around her rock-hard form, even caressed her hips and stroked her arms. Etah’s body ached for release when he was near. But it was an exquisite pain. She’d come to look forward to his visits a few days a week. His eyes had a faraway look and they would grow dark when he watched her. Etah sometimes had the weirdest sensation that he knew what she was. “I think I can help with that.” “My name’s Etah Dane, I’d make it worth your while.” The bulge in the crotch of his jeans held definite promise. She’d noticed that before too. “Is that right? I’m Slander Weldon by the way.” Her heart bounced against her ribs. There was another problem Etah had to solve, and fast. Because of the mystical stone, Gar were insatiable and constantly hard, or in a female’s case—plain horny. Slander could be the key to easing her desperate condition. The man in front of her had always made her mouth water and her pussy ache with need. For the moment she forgot all about food. It’d been twenty-five long, long years and she intended to screw his brains out. * Exiting the store, he looked down at her bare feet. Funny, for such a big girl, she had fine bone structure, one he’d love to render into art. It was odd that that feeling overcame him because he loved and worked mainly with animals. Yet she reminded him of someone. He felt as if he’d seen her, touched her, before. Slander mentally shook himself. He hadn’t worked on a new piece in years. Not since he’d finished and sold the work he called Stallion. It had been bought by a well-to-do businessman over on First and Main who had placed it in a prominent spot inside the front of his high-end sporting goods store. Alerted by his alarm one night the owner arrived to find the window broken out, his valuable piece of art gone. He notified the Police, reported his prized statue missing, and sent them to Slander’s studio. Cops interrogated him for hours, even hinted he may have stolen it back for himself. For months he even wondered who took it. Then Slander found the piece.
His life had never been the same. He received a call one day from a genteel lady, a member of the local horsey set, who wanted a sculpture done of her newest “pet” as she put it. He headed over to her farm the next weekend to take a look at the animal she wanted depicted in life size for placement at the gates of her estate. Leaving Slander at the paddock while she fetched something to lure the horse out of hiding in a nearby copse of trees, she warned him the creature was a demon horse, mean as snot, and no one could get close enough to feed it, let alone ride him. The horse had shown up one day and had impregnated two of her mares. Since he was so beautiful, and according to her vet, one of the finest specimens he’d ever seen, she didn’t mind. A whinny drew his attention to the edge of the trees and his eyes befell the most beautiful black stallion alive. Rendering him into a statue would be a coup. Suddenly the horse reared up and sprinted full speed in his direction, skidding to a stop just short of banging into the wooden fence. Lowering its head, he snorted and nudged at Slander’s arm. An odd sensation settled in his chest, reaching his stomach in the form of butterflies. Fear was absent when he bent and stepped through the railing into the paddock. A cold nose pushed at him, large teeth pulled at his shirt. Strange, but he had felt he knew the awesome beast. Easing his way around the horse, his hand caressed its flanks, and coming to the other side of the animal, Slander grasped the mane and swung onto its bare back. He’d ridden growing up and knew what he was doing. Grabbing a handful of horse hair, he clicked the stallion in the sides, and took off across the grassy enclosure. Going around the circumference a few times solidified his affinity with the creature. Almost as if they had known each other forever. Coming back to the rails, he dismounted and patted the blue black hair at the animal’s neck. Seeing a tiny scar just below the ear, he checked it closer. What in hell! His initials, his signature. Exactly where Slander always signed his work—right below the ear. Impossible. He slipped to the ground, his back against the railing. Oh God! He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, but his eyes didn’t lie, his feeling of closeness to the huge beast, none of it lied. Gazing at the horse from his seated position, he could see it. The muscular structure, the perfect hooves, the bend of the tail, everything just as he’d chiseled it. One feature was very odd—the stallion had steel gray eyes. The missing statue stood over him snorting and whinnying for attention. Scrambling to his knees, he gained his footing and sprinted to his truck. Careening out of the drive, he left a shower of gravel in his wake. Slander never spoke to the woman again. But for months, at night, he was drawn back to the farm. He would ride the perfect black horse until he was too tired to move. He always did it in a drunken stupor.
When he heard the woman died, he left the booze alone, took a job he didn’t need at the local high school teaching art, and his life droned unremarkably on. Until tonight. Until Etah. She’s like my stallion. Slander didn’t know how or why he knew, he only knew it was true. “Come here.” He swung her into his arms, and started down the street. “You can’t be walking around barefooted.” When he reached the spot where the statue of the praying lady had stood, he stopped and looked at the empty spot then he gazed at her. Size, bone structure, height, everything the same. The sculptor in him was sure. For most of his life he had worked with stone, his hands touched, measured and appreciated what he created. Plus, he’d studied the piece in the square practically every day when he walked by. Sometimes he sat and watched her for hours. Grant even sketched her once. She was the most beautiful work of art. He often wished he could copy her. But now…shit! “Why have you stopped here?” The tone of her words, the look on her face, held a meaning he didn’t want to deal with. Not yet. “I’m taking you to my place.” His truck was parked on the corner where he put her down, unlocked the door and waited for her to slide in. “Where do you live?” Her lilting voice, the sultry light that flickered in her gray eyes, the sweet scent of her sex—it all sucked him in. Slander’s cock hadn’t felt life for a woman in a long time but now it throbbed painfully between his thighs. He had felt this woman before. He knew every curve of her body. “Not far out of town. Something there I want you to see.” The rest of the ride passed in silence, him stealing one or two glances at her in the darkened cab. Her hair caught the faint light of the moon as it glinted from the glass. Reaching his property, he turned and navigated down the lane he’d let become overgrown with tree limbs. Tomorrow he’d have someone come out and take care of that. Slander didn’t know why he felt the need now to fix the place up. Not that it was in bad shape by any means, just unkempt. He pulled to the back of the big old house and parked. Before he could get around the vehicle, Etah climbed out. It was as though she sensed something. She headed right for the fence that ran along the edge of the yard. Slander placed his thumb and finger in his mouth and gave two sharp whistles. Nos bounded in all of his ebony beauty and grace up to the rails. No one but him and his live-in lover could ever get within two feet of the beast. He stood back and watched as Etah and Nos met for the first time. “I call him Nos.” Etah glanced over her shoulder at him then turned away quickly. He was sure he saw tears sparkling in her eyes. “He is you.” She slipped beneath the fencing, removed her oversized shirt and mounted the stallion. “You know what I am,” she stated and took off on Nos across the enclosure. Slander enjoyed the vision of her naked on the bare back of a part of himself.
Moonlight danced on both of them, one pale with blonde hair flying in the wind, the other as black as the night itself. Yes, he knew exactly what she was. Finally he’d know how—and why. Maybe he’d also understand after so many years of being without a woman, why this one turned his insides to mush. She wouldn’t be his first woman, but she’d be the first in a long time. Slander wanted to pull her from the beast, throw her to the ground and screw her until he came, not once, but forever. “She’s a beauty and I smell her on you.” He spun at the sound of Grant’s voice so close to him and noticed for the first time that the lights were on. How had he missed that? The man gripped him around the waist and pulled him back against his hard cock. “Can I watch when you take her?” “She may not want me. Or us. The only way I’ll have her is if she wants you too.” Grant planted a kiss on the back of his neck. “Who couldn’t want a man like you?” His hand pressed the fullness of Slander’s penis. “Or all of this.” “You wouldn’t mind? You’ve never wanted to share what I’ve taken before.” “Slander, not since you bought this farm from the old lady’s estate have you brought a woman home. I know you’ve had them, I smelled each one.” Grant stepped between him and the fence. “But you haven’t had one for a long time. This one is special for some reason and I find myself wanting her for you. I want to watch you have her, taste her.” “She’s like Nos.” Grant sighed deeply. “I know what you’ve believed all these years, I’ve even humored you, but you know that simply isn’t possible.” His lover shoved his hands in his pockets and moved to stand beside him. “You sketched her once.” He pivoted to stare at Grant. “She is exactly like Nos.”
Chapter Two Etah flew around the paddock. She’d not seen one of her own kind for far too long. What a beautiful beast, and he set her heart racing. She had met Slander’s eyes each time she galloped by, her thighs gripping the animal’s sleek sides. His maker was even more delightful. Desire for her lit his face and made her clench her legs tighter on each pass. The best part—Slander knew what she was. Still, he wanted her. Soon his feelings would change. They always did. Sex is what he wanted. Etah would give him that, and take what she needed. It wouldn’t be the first time she used it to forget. Coming to a halt in the center of the paddock, she stared at the man who had edged close to the one she intended to have. He was the one who had drawn her in her statue. Her nostrils flared, and she tossed her mane of blonde hair, matching the movement of the creature she sat astride. Leaning over the animal’s head, she whispered in his ear, “You like this other one too.” Not a problem at all. In fact this was better than she even dreamed. Etah could have both men. Her siblings, Evol and Erac, were strong and would be safe for now. Her biggest concern was Erac. The witch had an odd fixation on her older brother, and kept his statue for herself so she knew right where she’d find him. The memory of the hag walking around him, eying his body, sickened her. Then Etah and Evol were carted off by a town merchant, never to see their brother or each other again. Tomorrow she’d begin her journey to Massachusetts. Tonight, she wanted to concentrate on the men at the fence. She sat atop the horse in her natural glory. Never minding being muscular and athletic, Etah liked who and what she was. Being Stonegar was good. Eyeing the new gentleman, she wondered about him. With the lights on she could see that it was definitely the one who had accompanied Slander to the park one day. Slightly shorter, he was the slenderer of the two and he appeared a little older. His relaxed stance said he was more laid back than Slander. Her kind were extremely sexual, always thirsting for more. She could take both of them inside her, come again and again. Then take them some more. Ahh, the pleasures of life. Etah’s brow knitted in anger. The bitch who had taken so many years from her would suffer mightily when she got a hold of her. No hurry, she wasn’t moving or going anywhere anytime soon. Malvena Waring had lived in Falmouth most of her life and it’s where she’d be when Etah was done here. If the old bat wasn’t there, whatever relative that was would die horribly. Nudging her heels in the stallion’s side, she cantered toward the men gazing in her direction. The feeling washed over Etah like a waterfall. Gar were very cognizant of things and people in their surroundings from years of
being in their stone form and observing. They could mimic humans and their voices with ease. The only thing she couldn’t change was her gray eyes or hair and skin coloring. The men were lovers. How did I miss that? Probably because she’d only seen them together once and she was always very intent on Slander. The idea of watching them make love to each other excited her beyond belief. Not a bit ashamed of being nude, she slipped from the horse’s back and introduced herself to the newcomer. “I’m Etah.” “I’m Grant Rawlins.” His hand was smooth and warm, he’d not done a hard day’s work in his life. He grinned mischievously and said, “I’m an artist; I do some drawing and I paint.” “Hmm, what do you paint?” “Beautiful ladies that ride horses nude in the moonlight.” Oh yes, this one was smooth and though he turned her on, his effect was nothing compared to the one Slander had on her senses. She peered under her lashes at him and he stared back with open lust. But it wasn’t just for her. He wanted Slander too. “I must leave tomorrow.” Etah watched his eyes darken, glance at the man beside him. “I want you both, here, tonight.” The scent of their desire filled the air with sexual tension. She moved to stand before Slander, who embraced her, grasped her butt and pulled until her mound was flush with his hardness. “I want you. Right here.” His mouth lowered and took hers in a scorching kiss. Grant moved behind Slander and encircled them with his arms. He stroked up and down Etah’s back, bringing them all tighter together. While Slander continued to taste her mouth, tease and excite her with his tongue, Grant stepped back and she heard his zipper scratch down. Etah slowly undid one button at a time till she unhooked the last one on Slander’s shirt. She still enjoyed the sweetness of his lips and his hands spanned her ass, played at the crevice there. When he released her and moved away, the breeze brushed her nipples raising them into hard nubs. “I know what you are.” “Yet you still want me?” How long would it be before he called her an abomination? Just like… She pushed that thought away. Not tonight. She wouldn’t think about that. Tonight she wanted one thing. Release. Something she hadn’t had for a long time. “You’re a beautiful woman, why would I not want something created so lovingly?” He sounded sincere, like he meant it. Surprisingly, she believed him. Her sixth sense was telling her these men were honest and good. She’d been wrong once before. Etah wanted one night, and one night only. Then she couldn’t be hurt. “As you created Nos?” He had kicked his boots off while he talked, and bending, he pulled his pants over his feet. Commando, nice. His cock was beautiful and long, and it waved in front of him begging to be taken. “I am Stonegar, we carry no disease, protection won’t be necessary.” She turned to look at Grant. “You’ve loved each other for a long time?” “Yes but Slander gets a taste for women now and again. With the others, he always used protection.”
“You don’t like women?” “I’ve never been with one, but I want to watch him with you, feel as much as I can of what he feels.” Etah liked this man immediately, she brushed her fingers down his face, felt the five o’clock shadow on his tanned skin. The lights around the coral cast a yellow glow over their bodies and she could see his brown hair curl at the nape, and soft hazel eyes stared at her without blinking. Thin but wiry, strength flowed from him even in his naked state. His penis was not as long as Slander’s but it was fatter. “Slander is lucky to be loved by such a man.” He reached for one of her protruding nipples, touched it reverently. “You’re not shocked by us?” Her throaty laugh sent birds flying from the trees into the dark sky. “Are you shocked by me?” “I never believed Slander. Now I do. You are the woman I sketched in the square. How did this happen?” He continued to pinch her nipple playfully. “You feel normal.” “In human form, I am…as normal as you. We were created by sculptors, their blood in the material gave us life. If they fashioned us women, we become women, men become men, and—” She spun around to face Slander who was totally naked and stroking his cock. Etah watched the taut skin move back and forth, she licked her lips in anticipation of tasting him. “And horses become horses, their hair the color of their maker’s.” He finished the sentence for her. “Yes. When did you visit England?” Grant stopped fondling her breast and stepped beside her. A smile ghosted his mouth. “I thought for sure he’d lost his mind but I humored him.” He reached his hand over and cupped the tip of Slander’s erection. “I love him that much.” Moving closer, still holding the cock in one hand, Grant kissed Slander deeply, one hand tugged the red ribbon from the long braid and began to undo it. Lifting his head, he said, “I hope you forgive me for not believing you.” “I still don’t understand? I’ve never been to England.” Slander wore a perplexed look on his face but it didn’t stop him from pushing his cock back and forth in Grant’s busy hand. Nothing was as sexy as a man who could think and fuck at the same time. Etah’s heart said jackpot, her mind said idiot. Something screamed in her, something loud and ugly yelled from deep inside telling her to walk away. Walk away now or she’d never have vengeance. This would be just another dalliance. Etah wouldn’t, couldn’t let her heart become involved. She wasn’t good and kind like the rest of her people. There was something broken inside her. The last thing she wanted was to involve someone else in the mess that had become her existence. When would she snap and have an enforcer breathing down her back? “Vengeance will be mine,” she whispered, not realizing until too late she’d said it aloud. “Huh?” Slander’s head snapped in her direction. She looked at him and hoped to confuse him as she rushed headlong into the reason
Gar existed. “Blood—you must have bled onto your sculpting material. And there’s something else…” This part had her confused. Most sculptors in possession of the magical Stonehenge tools had stolen the stone themselves but he’d never been to England. How did he procure the mystical material needed to create a Stonegar? “We can only be made using pieces of Stonehenge in finishing the sculpture. Where did you get your material?” “I bought the emery material from a dealer on Ebay.” He moaned pushing faster and faster into Grant’s tight fist. The sound unraveled her insides, made her tremble with the need to have Slander. Suddenly, it became clear to her why so many like her were being created, coming out of hiding and not understanding what they were. The wonders of the internet. It was too late now but before she left, she’d get the web address and make sure one of the enforcers handled this. Though Etah had been bound in stone for the last twenty-five years, she’d heard often about the internet from people who walked by talking or those who’d lunched near her statue. Many of them spent time being locked out, or getting viruses. But she’d learned enough to understand it all. The wet noise, the sweet sound of his cock in Grant’s hand drew all of her attention back to now. Slander’s mind had already changed tracks. His eyes were closed, his hips bucked furiously, driving his length in and out of his lover’s fist. She eased closer to Grant and fell to her knees in the cushion of grass that ran beside the paddock. Slander quietly held the power here and he’d never abuse it. These two had a bond, a connection to one another and he’d acquiesce to whatever his older, wiser, lover wanted. Etah asked Grant’s permission. “Can I suck his cock?” * Slander’s breath caught in his throat when Grant’s hand stilled. Her voice was so soft and filled with need, he would deny her nothing. But her eyes were locked on Grant, it was his permission she asked. Please hurry and say yes. “I’d love to watch you make him come.” When her lips touched the tip of his engorged cock, Slander expelled the air he’d been holding. “Suck it, darlin’, suck it hard.” Her mouth engulfed his rigid penis, swallowed it down, over and over and he couldn’t believe how wonderful it felt. Unlike Grant, he’d been with men and women in his life but Grant was strictly a man’s man. This was the first time he had ever wanted to watch. His lover’s breathing changed, grew ragged. It matched Etah’s head bobbing back and forth on his dick. “Shit, that’s beautiful.” Grant placed his hand on the back of Etah’s head, his fingers entwined in her hair and he helped push her back and forth on Slander’s dick. Slander reached for the fence, needed to hold on to keep his knees from buckling. Never had anyone sucked his cock so sweetly. “Is she sucking you good, lover?” Grant’s eyes were glued on him. “Mmm, yes.” His eyes closed, Slander put his head back, did nothing but enjoy the delicious sensation of her hot mouth on his cock. God, he couldn’t let her get away. His hips jutted forward in time with her head, each time Etah seemed to take more and more.
When she reached the cap, she used her tongue, swirled over the edge and slid back down his dick. Drawing hard one final time, she let him plop from her mouth. Her tongue swept up and down the length and Slander almost swooned. Christ he’d had blowjobs before but this was something else, something new and different. She used her hand to ease his dick out of the way, and Etah lapped at his nuts, her tongue teasing and tantalizing the sensitive spot behind his balls. “What are you doing to me, honey?” “I’m making you come for Grant.” “Hell yes.” Grant released her hair, went to stand behind Slander. “I want to see him come.” Etah’s mouth returned to the broad head of his dick, pulled it back through her lips, and nibbled the tip with her teeth. “Shit,” Slander bellowed. The word echoed through the treetops. Off in the distance he heard Nos whinny. He thrust his thickness down her throat some more, and damn, she took every inch. Stroke after stroke, he forced his cock in and out her mouth. Rocking back on his heels, Grant held him, his arms around his waist, and one hand played with his nipples. His lips left a trail of fire on the side of Slander’s face, the back of his neck. “Come for me, lover, come in her mouth. Let me see it, feel it.” Slander jammed through her lips and pulled back, she latched on the tip with such force that each time he thought he’d spill his seed. Wanting more of her hot mouth and tongue, he held it until he couldn’t hold it any longer. “I’m coming,” he yelled. “Now.” Tense, he rose on his toes, and his ass cheeks tightened against the feeling of Grants cock bumping the crease of his behind and Etah’s mouth tearing his ejaculation from him. Cum jetted from his cock in a relentless stream, his orgasm lasting longer than ever before. Etah took it all, licked the cap of his dick clean, and then she licked her lips. “Holy shit, yes.” Slander growled. He relaxed on his heels, his back resting on Grant’s chest and he struggled to get his breath. “You’ve never come so long for me.” Grant chuckled in his ear. “I like it.” Spinning Slander in his arms, he kissed his cheeks, his eyes, all over his face. “I need to see you have her but first I’m going to give you pleasure.” Slander had never felt so alive, he wanted more. “I want your cock in my ass.” “Then you’ll fuck her for me?” Grant rasped. “Yes.” Pivoting toward the paddock fencing, Slander braced himself by placing his hands on the railing. “Do it, let her see you take me.” He twisted his head to see Etah on her knees a few feet from them, a hand buried between her legs, one pinching and twisting her pebbled nipples. Grant smeared the crown of his leaking penis with pre-cum and stepped behind him. Using one hand, he parted Slander’s cheeks and nudged his erection at his puckered anus, sinking the tip in. “You want more?” he asked. Slander wanted, needed, all of his lover’s cock. “Every inch of it, Grant.” The man behind filled him up, stretched him wide open as he rammed his fat dick all the way in. “Sweet Jesus, yes.” He pulled out, jammed in to the hilt. Again and again. Each time he thrust into Slander with such force, his chest bumped the railing. Delicious pleasure and pain.
Grant found his rhythm, in and out, and Slander met each assault in his ass with a shove back. So damn good being filled by his man. It even felt different, his thick cock felt thicker, longer as he pounded away at Slander’s passage. He’d taken Grant’s dick many, many times and could never be without it for long. The man behind him gave him so much, made him whole. Leaning over Slander, he reached in front of him to grasp his penis and he stroked it in time to pumping in his ass. Long, slow strokes. Grant’s hand squeezed his cock, forced the taut skin back and forth. Sweeping over the tip, he smeared liquid down Slander’s erection, made it easy for his shaft to slip through his hand. Grant knew him so well. “Fuck me harder.” His lover picked up the pace, spearing his hole over and over, stroked his cock at the same time and never missed a beat. Slander turned to see Etah watching them as she fingered herself. He wanted to taste that pussy, run his tongue through the silken folds. Jerking once, twice, he was ready to come again. “Coming…coming,” Slander moaned. His insides unwrapped, opened wide and his orgasm was flung from him with such force, cum shot out spattering the railing. “Unhh,” Etah moaned. Grant pummeled in and out, still driving Slander forward with the force of his thrusts. “Ahh, yes.” Semen spurted from his cock, filling Slander with warm cum. His dick slipped out and Grant slumped down on the grass. “Damn,” was all he said. Slander couldn’t explain what he felt, what was happening to him, he only knew he had to bury his cock in Etah’s pussy. He’d already come twice but wanted more and the idea of being in her had him growing hard again. He needed to have this woman in every way possible. Grant’s heaving breaths filled the air as Slander straightened from the railing. He pulled and stroked his dick as he moved to stand over Etah. Dropping to his knees in front of her, he nudged her to lie on her back. She spread her legs wide and grabbed his hips, bringing him toward her. “Take me,” she said. Slander fell between her thighs and his cock slipped with ease into her wet pussy. “You’re special…there’s something different about you that makes us want to keep going.” “I am Stonegar. We’re sexually insatiable. I could keep you both very happy.” “Yes.” Slander answered as he began to thrust into her cunt. She was tight, clenching hard around him, pulling him deeper with each plunge into her pussy. He peered over at Grant who watched them intently as he idly stroked the skin of his dick back and forth. His cock was hard again, too. The woman beneath him had mesmerized them. Slander pummeled his dick into her and envisioned Grant having his first woman, knowing the feel of a tight pussy around his thick cock. “I’m going to fuck you for both of us,” Slander whispered to her. “For me and Grant. Look at him, see how much he likes me being inside you.” He turned back to gaze in her eyes as he jammed his cock in and out of her. “This is his dick, he’s in you too.” He leaned his head down and nipped her shoulder hard, drawing blood. The taste of it was so sweet.
Slander lifted his hips and pushed down and in, again and again. Her legs came up around his waist and Etah rode up with him each time he pulled out. When he slammed his cock in her pussy, she took every inch and clenched and squeezed her channel around his shaft. A moan vibrated deep in her body and worked its way out. “Slander, ooh, I’m coming. Oh yes.” She unraveled her legs and put her feet on the ground, she dug her heels in and arched up so hard, so tight into his body, he couldn’t move. Tensing, his dick throbbed, jerked once, twice, and cum spurted into her cunt. “Lord, yes.” Slander was done. He collapsed on her and Etah’s canal convulsed around him, continuing to milk him dry. She captured every drop. Looking at Grant, he caught his fist jamming back and forth on his length. His face was set in a grimace and semen seeped from the tip of his beautiful, thick cock. “We can’t let her go.” Slander said. Nos whinnied into the night sharing in his creator’s joy and contentment with the resident mares. One thought niggled at the back of his mind: What had Etah meant by “Vengeance will be mine”?
Chapter Three Etah lay in the grass beside Slander and stared at the stars. Contentment washed over her in waves but it was not something she could allow. Falmouth, she must get there. “Who are you afraid of?” Slander’s slow, easy voice melted over her, strummed her to the core. Sexy, sensuous and simply delicious. Leaving him, even after one night, wasn’t going to be easy. There was quietness, a strength about him that made her wet all over again. But she didn’t answer his question. A disturbing Gar trait, at least to Etah, was Stonegar had to tell the truth because of their mystical heritage. Damn Druid priests. Unable to lie, she chose not to answer. She’d found over the years that most humans went right on talking. Very self-absorbed beings. “You’re not ready to tell me, I’ll wait. In the meantime, consider staying with us. We’d enjoy it very much.” He turned his head to look at her. “I’ve watched you for so long, I feel like I know you.” Holy shit! That’s a first, at least for Etah. She’d never dealt with a human man who didn’t push for information, one who was content to allow her to hold her own mind. “I saw you watch me in the park. I even remember thinking you knew what I was even then.” “I don’t think so, but I could tell you were special. So exquisitely made.” He stroked her cheek. “I’m not special, and I’m not good.” The words flew from her mouth, and it wasn’t a lie. “I must leave tomorrow.” He ignored her. “Grant and I can use some time off, we’ll take you where you need to go.” She hadn’t counted on that, but it would solve the problem of how to get to Massachusetts. “I’d like that.” “Good. We’ll take Nos along for the ride, he loves to get out.” “Tell me about your work.” “Nothing much to tell anymore.” “What do you mean?” Etah came to rest on an elbow, observing Slander as he searched for an answer. Grant rested with his back against the railing. He spoke softly. “After Nos, he quit.” “Why wouldn’t you want to create another as beautiful as Nos?” “I was afraid. I didn’t understand what had happened, not sure I get it all yet.” He gazed at Etah. “But it’s because of him I can accept you. I’m glad it happened.” “The sight of you on Nos may open him up to the possibility of sculpting again.” Grant sounded hopeful. “He’s very good.” “You could wear gloves to prevent it from happening.” Slander’s soft laughter made her smile. Being with these two was easy and Etah liked it. “You’ve never sculpted or you wouldn’t say that.” His eyes glinted in the moon
light. “Touching what I create is part of the beauty, running my hands along the lines, feeling the piece—it’s what makes it great.” She remembered the times he had stroked her. “You only have to make sure not to get your blood in the mixture or not use any of Stonehenge.” “What would happen if I fashioned a bowl and cut myself?” he asked. “It’s an inanimate object. The priests made sure the magic could only be carried over to pieces that resemble living forms.” Grant chuckled. “The sight of a bowl running around the kitchen floor may have unhinged me.” Etah laughed. The first real laughter in twenty-five years. It reminded her of her years locked away from the world and from living when she wanted to. It took her from her family. “Darlin’, your eyes have grown stormy.” He used his finger to smooth the line she felt pulling at her brow. “Maybe I can help.” “Maybe you could.” That was the truth. Perhaps she could deflect his interest in her problem. “Show me your home.” “Yes, and I’m starved.” Grant jumped from the ground, grabbed his pants and headed for the house. Still naked, her and Slander snatched their things and followed. The inside of their home was beautiful in a manly way. Done in muted grays and blues, the furniture was large and sturdy. It fit them both. On the walls were prints of various animals, paintings of Nos. If this was Grant’s work, his talent was praiseworthy. Etah had existed many years and appreciated the finer things in life. Both of her brothers were comrades with a warrior who was an enforcer, providing them with the means to live well. The ancients had infused some of the statues with extraordinary magical powers so they could act as protectors. They could teleport great distances and some even had mind control abilities. They had access to vast fortunes. Her sibling’s friendship with Rekat, the Stonegar warrior who loved Malvena Waring’s daughter, had been the cause for the curse placed on them. They were all friendly with Gemma Waring and when Rekat impregnated the girl, she refused him as a mate. Gemma simply could not accept the Gar way of life but she also couldn’t divulge Rekat’s name. All humans who exchanged essence, particularly through the sexual act, with her kind protected Stonegar identities from that day forward. Like that of a tigress fighting for her cub, their loyalty was fierce. An extremely private person, Malvena didn’t want to face the people in a small town with an unwed child’s pregnancy on her hands. She had worked very hard to hide the religion she practiced from the small community she resided in…to the point of not using her craft at all. The enforcer vanished. Etah and her brothers refused to give his name. Born and raised in the same area of England, Malvena knew what they were. The witch became angry and a bit crazy with her vindictiveness. In this one instant, she reverted to her old ways. But this time the magic she weaved was evil and black. Once a strong Wiccan, she used her knowledge to lock the Gar siblings in their statue form as punishment.
Taking all those years away from them. The anguish and outright pain of abstaining from the sexual act could be crippling to a Gar. Etah needed revenge to cleanse the foul taste of it from her mouth, make her forget what she had endured. And Rekat, the bastard, had left them to suffer. Aside from her brothers, he was the only other man she had trusted. She had even believed at one point he would be her mate. He wasn’t. She knew that the moment Gemma Waring entered their lives. Etah hadn’t thought about that for a long time and she didn’t want to now. It made her remember the good times, the carefree times she had shared with her brothers and the enforcer through the years—before she met her creator. Not wanting to answer questions about why she’d become so angry, she’d learned to hide her feelings from those closest to her. She helped to mask it by striving to be tougher, meaner than her brothers when Rekat allowed them to assist in subduing a particularly nasty Gar who’d strayed. Sometimes she’d catch Rekat watching her intently. That made her fight harder, hoping he’d put it down to her being competitive. There was no way she could let any of them know what their maker was, what she had become. Stonegar were loving, caring beings. Shivering, she rubbed her bare arms. It’d been a long time since Etah had a good memory. It scared the shit out of her. She frantically grasped at the memory of Rekat leaving them, held it tight. Keeping his part in the witch’s punishment of her family foremost in her mind helped her hold onto the anger. What she wanted, needed now, was right here. Etah would once again get lost in sexual pleasure. Tomorrow she’d be gone. She gazed around the room and sucked in air when she saw the print above the fireplace. It was her. The sketch he’d done in the park. Slander spoke up. “Grant’s very good at what he does also.” He smiled at his lover whose cheeks grew red with embarrassment at the praise. “I look so pious.” She didn’t want to tell them that she was nothing like she looked in the drawing. “What would you like to eat?” Grant’s voice snapped her back to here and now and her stomach grumbled loudly. “Uh,” Slander glanced her way, his head tilted sideways with a smile on his full lips. “Guess there’s no need to ask if you’re hungry. Is there anything special we should prepare for you?” Again, kindness and concern for her wellbeing. “I’m ravenous. We eat the same things people eat, and in human form I’ll eat more than both of you put together.” She patted her flat stomach. “It’s deceiving in size.” Her laughter was genuine and felt good. For a brief moment it puzzled her that she felt so free and wonderful. Etah liked these men far too much. It’s because I haven’t had the necessary sexual contact—that’s all it is. She was losing control. Grant pooh-poohed her statement. “We’ll see about that. I’m going to grab a shower then I’ll cook a few steaks.” He halted at the bottom of the stairway and faced Slander. “I don’t mind if you have her again.” Spinning back around, he bounded up the steps. Evidently the sexual tension rife in the atmosphere touched him too.
“Shower with me so I can taste you?” Slander’s velvet voice made her wet. “Nothing would please me more.” Etah hadn’t dreamed this night would be so damn sweet. He pulled her along a hallway on the first floor to a large workshop that had its own private bath. “I can’t wait to eat your pussy,” he said. Turning the water on full blast, he lifted her and stepped into the big three-sided tub with an indentation for sitting on one corner. Pouring lavender scented liquid soap from a container into his hands, he lathered his body from head to toe. Etah watched him touch and caress his cock, pulling the length of it slowly while he gazed at her. Taking the bottle from him, she covered her body with the aromatic gel and enjoyed pinching her nipples to taut peaks. She giggled like a young girl as she swirled to rinse herself under the stream of water and Slander gripped her hips. “I love to hear you laugh.” He moved her to the seat at the edge of the tub and sat her down. Sinking to his knees, he snaked a hand out and pushed long, masterful fingers between her legs. Etah grasped the tub’s edge and leaned back, opening herself to him like a flower. He caressed and played with her nether lips until she squirmed against the cool porcelain. Finding her bud, Slander massaged it until she spiked her hips up searching for more. “Christ, you are hot.” Slander withdrew his fingers from her pussy and rested both hands on her thighs. Spreading her knees farther apart, he bent his head down and jabbed his tongue into the crease, taking what he wanted. His lips kissed and pulled at her clit, and he used his teeth to nibble the sensitive folds. When Etah thought she’d die from the silken pleasure of his mouth, he plunged his tongue into her channel. Just far enough to make her want more. “Oooh,” she moaned. Her delight echoed around the tiled walls. “Yes.” The rough texture of his tongue, the sensation each time he it ran over her nubbin was exquisite. Etah laced his heavy black hair through her fingers and drew him closer. Slander’s mouth deliciously scoured her pussy, not missing a spot and he shoved his tongue as far inside her as he could, again and again. An orgasm climbed fast and prepared to slip from her. “Mmm, yes,” she murmured gyrating and pressing into his face. “So sweet.” Juices flowed out slow, quietly this time. Pulling his tangled hair from her hands, he asked, “I like making you come.” Before she uttered a word, he went back to licking and tasting her until her body stopped moving. With one last swipe of his tongue over the tender flesh, he lifted his head and pierced her with his amber eyes. “I can give you many more like that.” “And I hope you will.” Yes, Etah enjoyed this far too much. * Four thick steaks later—Etah had polished off two of them with a baked potato and two healthy helpings of salad—they all retired to the living room with their cups of
coffee. “Tell me about Falmouth.” Slander, comfortable in his robe, peered at her over his steaming cup. Grant had left to get his sketch book to do a preliminary drawing of Etah, who wore an oversized shirt belonging to Slander, which hung saucily from her shoulders. Her long, blonde hair had dried into natural cascades of waves almost reaching her butt and she tucked stray strands behind her ears. Long legs were curved beneath her and bare toes peeked from one side. “It’s so lovely.” Her eyes closed and her darker lashes brushed her cheeks. “The cliffs of Massachusetts are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The waves beat at them, wearing them slowly away every day. They stoically remain steadfast and majestic.” She turned to face him head on. “It reminds me of England.” “You have family up north?” Grant, wearing only a pair of sweat pants, had returned and was seated by a bright lamp in the corner of the room. The sound of his pencil scratching across the paper was melodic to Slander who always enjoyed watching him work, and this evening it was special. He would sketch Etah exactly as she appeared, relaxed in the corner of the chair, feet tucked under her. And so very alive. Christ, if I had known. Slander marveled at how simply breathtaking she was. Beautiful in a plain, untouched way. No makeup, no eyeliner or lipstick—just unadorned loveliness. Her breasts were perfect mounds of softness he wanted to fondle forever. She had a tiny waist but it wasn’t too small for the generous swell of hips and a lushly curved behind with long, long muscular legs. Etah was a perfectly made woman. And she was damn special. To know her sculptor would have pleased Slander to no end. As far as he was concerned, the man was a genius. One thing had him curious. “I assume you appeared naked, uhh, you were wearing a very large shirt and the man at the store was bare-chested.” He grinned. “The poor convenience store clerk is probably bathing in hot water right now to soothe the ache between his legs.” Her eyes crinkled with laughter. “Yes.” “But in your statue form, you wore a dress.” “It was added afterwards. The nuns thought it was too blasphemous to have me nude in the church square.” Etah’s throaty chuckle, the timbre of it, slid along his cock. “So if you’re sculpted with no clothes, you appear naked?” “Yes.” “Must be quite…limiting. I mean when you choose to come to life?” “We try to do it with no onlookers but there are times it just isn’t possible. We embrace our nudity. Most statues are created undressed—we’re used to it,” Etah stated rather matter of fact. Grant chimed in from his corner, “I could sure get used to seeing you that way, strictly for artistic reasons.” His pencil flew over the paper. “If I had known you were like Nos, I would have made a complete ass of myself standing there in the square talking to you.” Slander wanted her to relax. He was leading her somewhere and needed to take it slow.
She feared something or someone that he felt could affect them all adversely. He already possessed an affinity with her, would do whatever necessary to keep her safe, and happy. What had happened to make her believe she wasn’t good? Seriousness of the situation settled on Slander and hesitancy leached into his next words. “Guess it explains a lot about people imagining they see things the rest of the world tries to convince them they didn’t see.” Grant’s pad plunked onto the table, he came to stand behind Slander’s chair and his strong fingers massaged the tension settling there. “Some things are beyond our imagination and our understanding.” His words did nothing to soothe Slander who asked, “What other myths are realities?” Etah’s eyes lowered. “Tell me, are there other boogey men bumping around at night that us humans are unaware of?” Raising her head, she pierced him with an angry look. “Yes, there are other…magical beings amongst you.” “Which one scares you the most?” Now he was getting somewhere. “Witches.” There it was. Grant’s fingers dug painfully into his shoulders. “Holy Christ!” “And you seek vengeance on one?” Slander asked slowly. “Yes…the one who cursed my family.” Why had she directed her anger at him? He felt positive her rage or angst at the moment wasn’t strictly limited to the witch. Slander knew it in his bones. “Another question. Why are Grant and I feeling such strong sexual urges?” “Once you’ve shared in the essence of a kiss or sex with a Stonegar,” a smile hinted at her lips at the mention of sex, “especially the sharing of blood, it increases the libido.” Etah’s gray eyes lost some of their anger, appeared relieved at the change of subject. He’d bit her shoulder when they had sex. A thought emerged in the forefront of Slander’s mind, one he latched onto from an odd kind of premonition more than anything else that had happened or been said. He hoped it was true. That, in fact, was the word that sat foremost in his brain. Truth. “You can’t tell a lie can you?” “No, our mystical connection with Stonehenge, the goodness it represents, does not permit that.” The way her face dropped, tore at him. Slander felt compelled to make her aware of his allegiance. He’d never, ever see anything bad happen to her. Shit, everything outside had been so hot and heavy, had he kissed Grant, would he feel the same? Standing, he walked to the sofa and sat down pulling her onto his lap. Any other time he would have been embarrassed about his hard-on—not now, not knowing what he did about her kind. She’d understand it when no one else ever would. Grant did feel the connection, his vehemence proved it. “Tell us, Etah, what you need us to do?” That answered his question. Guess they had kissed, and now he was involved in this strange affliction. Not ‘how can we help,’ or ‘would you even like our help.’ Grant was prepared to defend her also. Slander was impressed with his lover who was so laid back and easy going that he’d never been one to look for trouble, let alone stir it up. “Truthfully, I can’t answer that until we reach Falmouth.” Her hands glided down
Slander’s face to his chest where she pinched at a hard nipple peeking from beneath the robe. His cock jerked against her butt, hungry for more. Retrieving his sketch pad, Grant sat in the chair Slander had vacated right across from the couch. “I want to draw you both as you make love.” Etah’s response made Slander’s blood boil. “Slander will thrust inside me too quickly for you to capture—unless he fucks me very slowly.” Her words excited him beyond belief. The vision Slander had of pounding his cock into her pussy made it hard for foreplay. His hand shoved between her thighs, pushed through her already moist folds, right into her core. Cream sliding from her body made the invasion easy and warm. “I’ve had lots of practice drawing fast.” Grant grinned. She tangled her hand in his hair and pulled his lips to hers, and damn, she was sweet. Her tongue danced against his, swept through Slander’s mouth with fire. His fingers continued to pump inside her, reaching deeper. He nibbled at her lips, pulled away and brushed his over her cheeks, her eyelids. The woman captivated him in more ways than one. “Tell me what you want?” He breathed against her neck, “I’ll give you anything.” “You for…” Her voice faded. There was something she wasn’t telling him. Slander pulled his fingers from her. “Tell me. Trust us, Etah.” “I have, with my heart. We can remain together,” she sighed heavily, “If you both want it.” Grant’s pencil grew silent. Slander didn’t have to look to know his eyes bored into him. Hell, it’s what he wanted but would his lover be willing to share him with Etah forever? They’d spent many years alone. There had been the women on the side but Grant understood his occasional need for a soft, willing woman’s body. Slander couldn’t envision being without him, but neither could he be without Etah now. She’d wrapped herself around his heart like a tightly coiled spring. Slander bargained for time. “What do you mean?” His cock twitched beneath her, ached to be inside her. “The three of us can be together, but only if it’s what you want. I can’t force you in any way.” The sound of the pencil as it went back to scratching the paper was loud. “You are both beautiful entwined together.” Grant had spoken so softly Slander didn’t hear all of what he said. “Grant?” His pencil raced across his sketch pad. “Nothing. When do we leave for Massachusetts?”
Chapter Four Our mystical connection with Stonehenge, the goodness it represents. The words she’d said to Slander ate at Etah’s soul. They were true. But she wasn’t good, she wasn’t like her brothers. Why weren’t they evil? The same blood ran in their bodies. But Erac was kind and caring, Evol full of love for other beings. Why did she have to be like him? Now Slander and Grant knew she couldn’t tell a lie. Damn, the ancient priests and their need to be good. Etah lay in Slander’s arms, felt his swollen erection nudge at the crease of her butt and wanted nothing more than to take him. The thrill of Grant watching slid right to the core of her being. Fear swept up her spine. This wasn’t just about the sex anymore. She tried desperately to reach the well of anger that resided inside her, and was failing miserably. But they both needed to know, she felt compelled to tell them what she felt, how much she enjoyed them and wanted to be with them. Panicking, she delved deep inside for every bad memory she could find. The familiar, sour taste of revenge eased into her mouth, but it wasn’t the same. These men were gentle and caring. How could she ask them to do or participate in any way with what she intended? Slander and Grant were connected to her in the Stonegar way. Their feelings would encompass every one of her people. They didn’t know it yet but they’d go to any lengths to protect all Gar. Malvena Waring could be a strong opponent, and to risk losing either one of the men when she’d just found them shook her foundation. Damn, she didn’t need this. She trembled. “What’s wrong, darlin’?” Slander edged her closer, pulled Etah deeper into his lap if that was possible. She gazed into his whisky colored eyes, which were full of lust and they shimmered with something else. Etah in all her years had never seen this look. Her anger slipped away. “Make love to me.” It always helped her forget. But this time it was different—Etah really wanted him. “Christ, you’re beautiful.” His mouth covered hers softly. Slander’s tongue swept over her lips, prodded to gain entrance, and she let him in. She needed to taste him, feel him move inside her. Etah kissed him back long and hard, savoring what she wanted. Slander’s fingers left a hot trail down the side of her face to her breasts. Pinching her nipples, he moved from one to the other until the pleasure bowed her from his lap. “More,” she whispered against his mouth. “I’ll give you much more.” Etah was caught in a dreamlike state as she listened to Grant’s pencil drawing them entangled on the sofa. Her womanhood wept for attention from Slander, who still massaged and stroked her breasts. “I want you inside me.”
He eased his hand down her belly to the dusting of hair in front of her pussy, pushing his fingers once again into the folds. Delving deep inside, he touched a place that made her keen softly. “Ooh.” Her lips sought his neck, her tongue tasting, she nipped his skin with her teeth, licked the blood that seeped out in a thin line. “Yes, baby,” he whispered. Easing from beneath her, he yanked the shirt from Etah’s shoulders and threw it on the floor. His robe quickly followed. She was prone on the cushions and Slander mounted her. “Shit, I can’t wait to be inside you.” “Hurry.” Etah was breathless with desire. “Open your legs wider.” Slander slipped between them. His thick cock bumped her clit and he moved so the head rubbed deeper into her nether lips. Continuing to rub his body along hers, he used his hands to grasp her hips and hold her still. The cap of his penis edged into her pussy and he stopped. “You want more?” “Yes, yes.” Etah wiggled and arched up to get what she wanted, needed. Slander’s length slid inside her, all the way to the hilt. Bucking up into him, she tried to keep every inch. It still wasn’t enough. “Harder, Slander.” Her arms were tight around his waist. She moved them, gripped his ass with her fingers, the nails digging in. He clenched his butt cheeks and pumped harder into her. Delicious friction caused Etah to cream more. “Baby, you’re so tight.” Slander’s breath came in warm puffs on the side of her neck. His tongue left a hot trail down to her shoulder where he laved her skin. “Taste you,” he murmured before his teeth tore at her. His tongue lapped greedily at the blood. Slander called to his lover, “Grant, come here.” Etah noticed, for the first time, he already stood beside the sofa. His sweat pants were gone and he frantically shoved the taut skin back and forth on his penis. A pearly drop stood at the tip ready to slip off. Slander leaned over and ran his tongue across the broad head of Grant’s cock as the man jerked off into his own fist. “Christ, I need you,” he begged Slander. Etah’s orgasm climbed higher in her body at the raw sound of lust in his voice. She bumped against Slander hard. Up and down. He slammed his cock deeper with each push in her pussy. Giving her everything. And more. “Come, Etah, come so I can have Grant.” She raised her hips into his, grasping every inch of his engorged shaft. Reaching the point of no return, cream cascaded through her channel and dripped around Slander’s cock. “Yes, yes. Give it to me,” he cried out. He stroked inside her until her convulsions eased up. “Love him, Slander. Let me watch you make love to Grant.” Slander lifted from between her legs, his slick cock bobbing in the air. “Come here.”
Grant leaned over, placing his hands on the back of the couch, his thick penis inches from Etah’s mouth and she couldn’t refrain from tasting him. Her lips swallowed the tip and Grant tensed noticeably, stiffened and bowed away from her. Slander’s melodic voice calmed him. “It’s okay, Grant, her mouth will pleasure you as well as mine.” Grant jerked back into her mouth, pushing his cock deep, after Slander coaxed him. Etah would have never forced herself on him in any way. He relaxed over her, and with his eyes closed tightly, he began to thrust in and out of her lips. She saw Slander move behind him and the instant his dick penetrated Grant, she knew. The man over her pumped his whole length down her throat. His cock, shorter but fatter than Slander’s, bumped in and out of her mouth in time to Slander pounding in his ass. “Slander,” Grant grunted, “Take me.” His eyes remained locked shut. Each time Slander plunged in Grant’s ass, Etah got more cock. And it was so sweet. She reveled in the thickness and the taste of it. Grant shoved his ass back to meet each onslaught of Slander’s long penis, and he moaned each time he got it all. Etah moved a hand to her pussy and pushed her fingers into the crevice. Touching, teasing her clit, she was ready to explode again. She couldn’t let go of Grant’s cock. Her tongued lapped the tip, swirled around the sensitive edge, and hearing him groan louder, she nibbled on the cap until he jabbed his shaft back in her mouth. Again and again, he slid in and out. Slander still fucked his ass, and with each stroke, he grunted as his hips slapped against Grant’s butt loudly. Pushing her fingers back and forth in her pussy until she couldn’t stand it anymore, Etah arched up and allowed the quick orgasm to overtake her. Grant’s cock slipped from her lips. “I’m coming,” she wailed, the wet sound her fingers made in her cunt caused her to come even harder. Slander’s hand came around Grant and grasped his dick in a tight fist. He stroked the skin back and forth hard and fast. “Oh yes, Slander, please, that’s what I needed, your hand, your cock…” Grant’s voice pleaded. “You want it harder. Tell me what you need?” “Yes, harder.” Etah’s convulsions had subsided. She slid higher on the arm of the seat to see better and she watched in awe at the joy on Grant’s face above her. She could see Slander’s fist tighten, and he jerked the penis in his hand viciously. The head of it was purple each time it peeked out. The pressure of his slamming into Grant knocked the sofa against the wall. The rhythmic sound seduced her as much as watching Grant. “Etah, darlin’, I wish you could feel this. He’s squeezing my cock so hard in his ass, he’s gonna come for us.” The hand that gripped Grant’s waist moved up and stroked his face. She watched Slander’s thumb disappear into his mouth. Grant sucked and licked it as though it was a
cock. From her position she enjoyed the site of Slander nudging every inch of his dick into Grant’s ass, and each time his hips slapped against him, he gyrated tighter into his lover’s anus. A continuous groan slipped through Grant’s lips as he rocked back and forth on his toes, taking Slander’s shaft. “Come, let Etah see you come for me. It’s there, lover, your nuts are so tight. Let it go.” Cum spurted out of Grant’s cock splashing in a warm stream on her breasts. And Slander bellowed seconds later. “Yes, Grant. Ahh, yeah, I’m coming.” He jabbed into Grant a few more times and collapsed on his back. “Damn, I love you,” Slander murmured. Etah had never seen anything so beautiful as Grant’s face, nor had she heard anything so loving as the need in his and Slander’s voice. Her body trembled. She was afraid, and she didn’t know why. She could have them forever. What if I can’t? After Falmouth, when they saw her true self, would they still chose to be with her? * After showering, Slander had chosen to sleep as he always did, with Grant. Their bed was certainly large enough for all three of them and they had invited Etah. She had requested to be alone. In the morning he came down to the living room and wasn’t shocked to see her in statue form. He walked around it, stroked her face, shoulders and her butt. The way he used to in the square. The beauty of workmanship once again captured his attention. Etah’s eyes gazed innocently skyward, her arms raised as if in prayer. The thighs appeared muscular and were shaped perfectly under the dress. Slander cupped the gentle swell of hips in his large hands. So engrossed in touching the cool stone, he jumped an inch from the floor at the sound of Grant’s voice. “She is lovely to look at.” “Etah’s lovely in every way.” “I’ll hitch the trailer to the Escalade and get Nos loaded. We can leave whenever you two are ready,” Grant said. He reached the door and glanced over his shoulder smiling. “Slander, don’t fuck her standing up like that.” Slander smiled, grabbed a nearby magazine and tossed it at Grant, who ducked out the door and closed it, his laughter ringing behind him. He moved to sit in a chair that faced Etah. The events from the time he’d met her till now raced through his mind. She was spectacular and the sight of her mouth on Grant’s cock had really set him afire. How is it she could make them both so damn horny? She’d explained it was the way in which Gar were crafted, and they’d certainly all exchanged fluids, even blood, in kisses and sex…hell, this was going to be a sweet way to spend the rest of their lives. Together. His concern was Falmouth. What would they find there and how would they handle the situation? Witches and God knew what else! Slander would kill for her if necessary,
but he’d never let Grant do anything that would later cause him anguish. Grant was a gentle soul and it’s what he loved about him. Painters were different from sculptors. Yes, they were both artistic and loved beauty of every kind. Somehow Slander felt working with stone, creating from something so raw and large with chisel and mallet, and the energy and strength alone that went into the work—it allowed him to accept violence more easily. Perhaps it wasn’t true, but it’s how he’d always felt. Lost in the throes of sex he still remembered how Grant had reacted to Etah’s mouth on his penis. He wouldn’t allow that to happen again and put him in such a vulnerable position. Though he cared for Etah greatly, there was something special about his relationship with Grant. Slander wouldn’t allow harm or discomfort to come to either one if he could help it. One thing was for sure, they were all going to remain together. He’d see to that. The sound of rock sliding and shifting drew his eyes to the woman emerging from the statue. It crumbled from her, dropped to the floor in a shower of dust. Her arms lowered as her eyes darted around the unfamiliar space. Slander watched, amazed at the metamorphosis. Christ, her skin is glowing! She turned to face the pile of debris, and all he could see was a silvery stream of her real self disappear. From the angle of the shimmering flow, Slander knew she was taking it in through her mouth. Etah spun to face him. “You are so deep in thought, what bothers you?” Her softly spoken words roused him enough to gaze in her swirling steel gray eyes. The shadows there made him speak hastily. “I was wondering if there will be room for Nos to run.” He regretted the lie the moment it passed his lips. “Slander, I’m bound to answer your questions truthfully because of what I am. And now I find I don’t want to lie to you. I expect the same from you.” He stood and embraced her, his hand stroked her back lovingly. “You deserve truth from me, I apologize.” “Tell me what concerns you?” “Grant. He’s gentle and caring. I won’t risk him in whatever needs to be done.” He edged her back so she could see his face. “I will do whatever you need to keep you free and happy.” “I loathe having either of you involved in what may take place.” Sadness laced her words. “Talk to me, Etah.” “The witch who cursed me deserves death, and she will die.” Her eyes pierced him with anger, but they were different now, not as savage as before. “If she is dead, I will claim her next of kin. Every. Single. One of them.” Etah’s words were strong but Slander wondered if she realized they lacked her earlier enthusiasm. It didn’t matter. Somehow she’d carry out her vengeance. But there was another look, one he felt sure she didn’t understand. It wasn’t new to him—he felt it for Grant. Love. She did not want to involve him and Grant because of love. It blazed in the depths of
her eyes. Slander didn’t want to scare Etah. He left it alone, for now. “I’ll do whatever you want.” “So will I.” They both spun to see Grant filling the door frame. “Grant…” Slander hoped he hadn’t heard everything. “Don’t. You’ve always thought me soft. The only part of me that is soft is my heart. It is also what is strongest in me with love for you, Slander.” He strode across the room to where they stood. He looked at Etah. “I’ll do what is necessary to keep you both happy and to keep us together.” His next words were spoken softly. “I would be alone without either of you.” Grant’s look of determination was one Slander was familiar with. He glanced at Etah whose face was a blank. May as well get the show on the road. “Etah, I laid out a pair of sweats for you in our bedroom. Soon as you’re dressed, we can leave.” He peered at Grant, “Is Nos settled in the trailer?” “We’re both ready to go.” Would that smile be on his lover’s face in two days time?
Chapter Five Off the major highway and only a couple hours from Falmouth, Etah was glad to see a convenience store. Actually it was more like a quaint country service station. Only two cars were in the deserted parking lot. One, sat at the large garage door with its hood up. Grant hopped out quickly, “I’m going to take Nos out and walk him in the field.” “Good idea.” Slander turned to her, “You need anything?” “I’ll come in with you.” “Don’t take anyone’s shirt.” His rich laughter filled the fresh air. “I love hearing you laugh.” She did. Being with him and Grant made her happy. They’d talked and shared stories during the whole ride. If only the trip could last longer. Etah learned that Slander and Grant had met while they both worked for Slander’s wealthy family’s corporation. That came as a surprise to her. The last thing she envisioned was Slander in some closed up, stodgy office. He divulged his reason for leaving. His father, who was now deceased, had objected to his relationship with Grant. Why did humans insist on putting hideous labels on everything that didn’t meet with their approval? The fact that he loved Grant and treated him with respect made Etah love him more. Oh, shit. Please, please tell me I didn’t just think those words! She had lived freely for too many years and didn’t want to be encumbered with a bonding. Too late. She had suspected this the minute she looked in his eyes when he’d saved the convenience store clerk back in Pennsylvania. Etah had felt something special in him when she watched him in the park. But never had she dreamed that they would come to this. Stonegar were more than capable of love. In fact, there relationships were long and wonderful with some of her people known to hide in their statue for years and years when they lost someone they cared for. What was ahead of her didn’t allow her to care. It wrought hell with her desire for vengeance. “Tell you what,” she said. “Think I’ll just stretch my legs. Could you get me a bottle of water?” His brow rose. “Are you sure you won’t come in?” Damn, now he’d be suspicious. “I’ll wait out here.” “Be right back.” Slander opened the door and a beautiful woman thanked him and stepped out. He continued into the store. The lady looked at Etah and spoke. “Beautiful day isn’t it?” Her softly curled, light brown hair lifted from her shoulders in the breeze. Exquisitely painted red lips stood out on her porcelain skin making her look frail. “Yes.” She walked away quickly, heading toward the car by the big bay door. Tall and lithe,
she moved with grace across the graveled surface. Even in heels, she didn’t falter once. The lady appeared younger than she was and Etah sensed wariness in her. Following her over to the car, she asked, “Where are you from?” “California.” “I’ve never been there but I hear it’s warm and lovely.” The lady turned and smiled in Etah’s direction. “I guess, but I’ve missed Massachusetts and the four seasons. Plus, my daughter lives there and I can’t wait to see her.” She glanced at the hood of the car. “My car broke down so I’m waiting on the bus.” A feeling of déjà vu washed over Etah quickly followed by a spark of anger. Shit! Malvena Waring’s daughter. “Gemma?” “How do you…wait, I remember you. You’re Erac’s sister?” Tears brimmed and spilled from Gemma’s blue eyes. “Oh thank God you’re okay. Erac, your brother, have you heard–“ “I’m going to kill your mother.” Plain and simple—no beating around the bush. Etah couldn’t believe her good fortune running into an heir of the wicked witch whose life she intended to take. In fact, maybe she’d give her some heart ache first by hurting her daughter. “You’re too late. She’s dead.” Gemma looked straight at her. “She fell off the cliff behind her house. It’s been close to ten years now.” “Liar.” She wavered at the lack of conviction in her own voice. What’s happened to me? She had waited too long for this to let it go. “Your name is Etah, right? Why would I lie to you? I hated what she did, I despised her and lost many years with my own daughter because of it. My mother was wicked and mean—what she did was wrong.” “Then you’re dead.” She took a step forward and prepared to tear the woman’s head from her body. She gripped her lapel but before she moved, a force knocked her back. Etah looked at her hand. It was hard and gray. “Damn you.” “I’m sorry, but I won’t let you harm me.” “You’re a witch like your mother!” Etah hadn’t counted on this power. What she wouldn’t give to be an enforcer right now. Still, there had to be a way. Stepping closer, she glared at the woman, whose eyes were wet with unshed tears. “Please, I am not like my mother.” “Whoa, babe. What’s going on?” Slander hugged her around the waist, pulled her back into his hard body. Etah hadn’t heard him walk up behind her. It didn’t matter. The perfect scenario for getting her revenge had presented itself. Then she intended to continue on with the trip and kill the child too. “The evil witch is gone. This…this slut is her daughter and I’m going to kill her.” “You know my Gar connection with Rekat, you also know he’s the father of my child. I could never harm or allow anyone else to hurt a Stonegar. I’m not responsible for what my mother did. I tried to convince her to release you all from the curse.” “Then why didn’t she? And your bastard lover left us to suffer.” Etah spat the words out. Grasping at straws, she thought her anger at Rekat would help. She looked for
something, anything to stop the feeling creeping up her spine. It was almost as though she felt—relieved! “Because I wouldn’t give her Rekat’s name.” Gemma glared at her. “Why didn’t you tell her?” “Bitch.” Slipping easily from Slander’s grip, Etah was still intent on having what she wanted. One thing she didn’t count on—Nos—Slander’s black as night stallion. Nos whinnied as he skidded to a stop on the pavement between her and the woman. Grant ran up behind him, huffing in air. “He got away from me, I couldn’t catch him.” The horse wouldn’t harm another Gar, nor would he allow anything to harm his creator. Not even Etah. “Damn animal, move.” Etah pushed at him with all her Stonegar power. The horse had ten times its normal strength and she’d never be able to budge him. “Etah, honey, wait.” Slander’s words caused her to hesitate. “Look at me.” She whirled on him like a virago. She ignored the band of pain that gripped her chest. “You don’t know what she did to me and my family. You have no idea what it was like to be locked away from the world for twenty-five years.” He didn’t back away from her. “No, I don’t. But you can’t blame her.” Slander placed a hand over her heart. “Let it go, darlin’, it’s over.” He gently pulled her closer and whispered, “Let it go.” A blinding feeling of peace washed over her as she stared into his amber eyes. Nos snorted and nudged at her with his velvety nose. Etah latched onto the slippery thread of knowledge that went sliding through her mind. Slander and his stallion had penetrated the wall of anguish and pain she’d spent years wrapping around her heart. The fear Etah experienced the last night in his home was back. Now she knew why. Her heart was no longer cold—Etah was no longer stone dead. She was bonded. Slander and Grant were her true mates. Scalding tears brimmed over and ran down Etah’s cheeks. “I’d never let anyone hurt you, or…” Slander’s words trailed off. He was finally feeling the Gar binding magic. “Or a single one of your people.” “You didn’t tell him did you?” Gemma asked, peering around the horse’s head. “Tell me what?” Confusion wrinkled Slander’s forehead. Gemma edged further around the black beast and looked at Slander and Grant. “If you’ve been with her, shared any blood, you will be loyal to all Stonegar forever.” Her blue eyes pierced Etah. “Just like I am.” “Nooo.” Etah fell to her knees and wailed into the wind. “It’s not fair, damn you all, it’s not fair. I lost twenty-five years of my life and I get nothing for it.” Her body shuddered as she tried to hang onto the last vestige of anger that had bolstered her through most of her life. She even thought about her creator, what he was, what she had become. Even the bonding couldn’t change that. His meanness, nastiness ran in her veins. She didn’t possess the mystical Stonegar goodness. The one time she had spoken to him flashed before her like a picture show. After days of watching him, Etah had finally decided to talk to him. He was her
maker—her father, and she wanted him to know her, the woman. Not that she was Stonegar, that was a secret she’d always keep. Other Gar had met their makers and felt an affinity with them. Knowing their creators had made living their long, difficult lives easier. Etah needed to know hers. She waited to catch him on one of the rare days he visited the park. Etah had dressed carefully and was clothed severely, covered head to toe by material. She didn’t want to appear forward. It was a period in time women didn’t travel or speak to men alone. Sitting beside him on the bench, she said hello. Her body tingled with all of her senses vibrant and alive. Etah was slightly surprised that she felt a connection with a human. The emotion buoyed her spirits. She was shocked when he responded by glaring coldly and calling her a whore. Even more so when, for no reason at all, his eyes glazed over and he shouted at her that he knew men who would relish an evil, beastly creature like her. Etah was frozen in place. She remembered thinking it was impossible for him to know what she was. Yet the contempt in his eyes jumped angrily out at her before he stood and said “I know what you are. You’re an abomination.” He spat in her face, and left her sitting there, unable to say another word. Etah felt violated and lost. She wept for hours, and that was the last time she’d shed tears. It took her days to heal. Gemma’s voice sounded far away. “I lost my daughter. I still have hope that I can make amends and at least gain her respect.” Gemma squatted beside her. “I’m so sorry, Etah, for what my mother did. She was old, set in her ways and thought to protect me by finding out who the father of my child was.” The woman grasped her chin and turned her so Etah could see the truth in the shimmering blue depths of her eyes. “I’m sorry but I was afraid to be what Rekat and you are. Please forgive me.” “Grant, get Nos back in the trailer.” Slander’s voice sounded far away. The stallion nudged Etah’s shoulder one last time and his hooves struck at the ground. Slander spoke softly to him. “Easy, boy, it’s okay.” A snort of impatience and the horse pranced off with Grant. Feeling like a weakling, an embarrassment to her kind, Etah stayed on her knees. Never had she felt anything like it. Her hardened heart melted like a glacier and erupted in the form of tears spilling from her eyes. Venom, years and years of it, leached from her very soul. Searing pain was etched along the trail the tears left. Welts puckered and pulled the skin tight, adding to her torment. Because of the man in front of her. Gazing up at Slander, the anguish slowly ebbed away. “God, what’s happening?” His eyes were on Gemma. “Tears of pain leave a wound just as if a river had gouged a path against rock for a hundred years. As soon as the tears stop, she’ll begin to heal.” Etah wept on the ground until Slander picked her up and cradled her in his arms. “Etah, I’ll take care of you. Grant and I will never let anything or anyone else harm you again.” Gemma moved away, giving them privacy.
She buried her face in his neck. All the anger, the hurt drained from her, leaving an empty chasm. She’d been angry for so long, Etah didn’t know how else to be. It hadn’t started with the witch. It started with meeting her creator. Her life hadn’t been the same since that day. After that, she’d been a hellion. Her brothers and Rekat always patched things up for her. Because of them, she never went too far, thank God. Could she continue to blame her sculptor? He was only human and he didn’t know who she was, or that he’d been the cause of her living. Fate had played a nasty trick on them all. Still, she couldn’t understand why he hated her so, held her in such contempt. She’d never know now because he had died long, long ago. Etah was still alive, she was still here. It was time for this to happen, time to stand on her own two feet. Time to let it go. No, she’d never ever forget what him and Malvena Waring did to her, but from this day forward, she vowed to lead a better life, take responsibility for who and what she was. The man holding her was the reason for that. She’d prove to him and her family she wasn’t bad. With time, Etah hoped the memory would get easier to live with. To have Slander and Grant, hold them close, she had to move forward. Maybe someday she’d even thank the witch because would she have these two men if her path of destruction had continued? It was as though Slander read her mind. “I’ll always be there for you.” His amber eyes glistened. Once she had collected herself and was able to speak, she said, “Put me down.” She turned to find Gemma. “Where is she?” “She’s talking to Grant by the car.” “She should ride with us. We’ll send someone back for her vehicle.” Slander held her hand tight and walked quietly beside her. Remembering something when she got to the car she asked, “How did you know about the tears?” “Rekat.” “The enforcer cried?” Now she didn’t feel like a disappointment to the Gar, Etah even smiled. “I hated him for leaving us trapped, but now I understand. He must have loved you tremendously.” Moisture gathered in Gemma’s eyes. “I loved him more than anyone will ever know.” She quickly changed the subject. “Erac will be happy to see you.” “Thank God he’s well.” Etah’s voice dropped a little. “And Evol?” “Rekat will never give up looking. Him, Erac and Evol were like the three musketeers. Gemma’s lips curved into a mysterious smile. “What aren’t you telling me?” “You may not like it.” “Tell me.” Etah couldn’t imagine anything worse than what had already happened. Thinking that way had become a bad habit. Nothing could be better than what transpired here. A smile tugged the corner of her mouth at the idea of spending the rest of her life as a goody-two-shoes. Her brothers would be surprised. Their mean baby sister had grown up. “Rekat has given the circle of life to our daughter, and she is bonded with Erac.”
“That means my brother might be–“ “Yes. Now, can we hurry? I want to see Vena.” “I think you can’t wait to see a certain enforcer.” “Maybe.” * Slander couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d never seen a man so beautiful as the one who opened the door—he was the male version of Etah. He watched mesmerized as she jumped in the guy’s arms and he spun her around and around the foyer. “Erac!” She shouted with glee. “I’m so happy to see you.” He stood her on her feet and twirled her around. “You are almost the prettiest creature in the world.” “Excuse me?” All eyes went to the lady carrying a vase of fresh flowers down the wide hall that ran beside a winding staircase. She placed them on an intricately carved table that rested beneath a gold-framed mirror. Travel weary and hungry, what a motley crew they made standing in the grand entrance. He was sure the fleur-de-lis patterned tile beneath his feet was Italian marble. Turning toward them with a bright smile, she said, “You just told me I was.” “Vena, this is my sister, Etah.” He kissed the woman loudly on the lips when she reached his side. “And I said almost.” Slander watched as he grasped Vena around the waist and pulled her next to him. They were completely happy. He didn’t even know them but anyone could see it in the way they touched and looked at each other. He was glad to see Etah smiling and not angry anymore. Gemma had been right— her scars from crying were already healed. He knew it would take her heart longer, sometimes the shadows would come back to her eyes, but he’d be there. So would Grant. Slander couldn’t begin to think how he would feel if someone had locked him up for so many years. That didn’t touch on what she must have suffered unable to speak or move, touch, and make love. He understood now that it was something her kind needed. The woman peered around brother and sister. “Mother?” “Vena.” Gemma ran to her daughter and hugged her tight. “It’s a long story but we have forever to catch up if you’ll forgive me. I hope you understand now why I couldn’t see Erac like that. It ripped my heart apart.” “I do understand.” Vena hugged her mom. Etah reached for his and Grant’s hands and pulled them forward. “This is Slander and Grant. They’re with me. Slander Weldon, Grant Rawlins, meet my brother, Erac. And, ooh, you should see the beautiful black stallion Slander created. Nos is one of us.” Her brother’s eyes perused him and his lover for a long time. Then a smile spread across his face. “You’ve bonded.” “Yes, and don’t go all big brother on me.” She peered at Erac. “Is there any word on Evol?” “Rekat and Patricia are out now looking for him. We should know something soon.” “Why aren’t you with them? I can see you’re changed.” “He wanted me to stay here, umm…to wait for you.” “Hah, you thought I’d be coming to cause trouble didn’t you?” “And?”
Slander saw shooting stars in the depths of Erac’s steel gray eyes. They were different than Etah’s. He made a note to ask her about that, because she had said all Gar had gray eyes. But her brother’s held something extra. Slander felt her arm go around his waist and knew she held Grant the same way. “I’ve found better things to worry about. The memories will fade. Your little sister has changed a great deal over the past week.” Her brother took two giant steps and swung her back into the air. “I’m so happy for you.” “Hey, why wasn’t I invited to the party?” A blond Viking walked down the steps and moved close behind Vena. His arms wrapped around her and he planted a loud kiss on her neck. “Stop, not in front of company.” “You know you want me, babe.” “So do I.” Erac released his sister and bent to plant a kiss on the man’s neck. He grinned. “This is Jason, everyone.” He spoke to the man holding Vena. “If you weren’t always late, you’d have met everyone. “Well you don’t have to tell me who the fox is. Got to be Etah. Damn, she’s gorgeous.” “And that’s Slander.” Erac pointed to him. “Beside him is Grant.” “How are you guys doing? Welcome to our home.” He turned and pushed a button on the wall. “I heard something about a horse? I’ll have one of the staff get him settled in the stables. Hasn’t been a horse here since I met Vena. Now that’ll change.” “Uh, it’ll have to be fast,” Slander said. “He’s Stonegar.” “Oh shit, we’ll have to remedy that immediately and fill the stable with mares. I know how randy you guys can get.” Everyone laughed and it was a wonderful sound. Slander couldn’t believe how at ease he felt. For the first time in a long time, no one looked at him and Grant like they were different. He didn’t have to hide what he was or any part of his past from them. Especially his love for the man beside him. Christ, their life was going to be sweet. Vena spoke up. “We expect you’ll stay here. The place has three floors and more rooms than we’ll ever fill.” She turned to Gemma. “You can have Grammy’s suite.” “That’ll suit me fine.” “Erac, show your sister and her men to the rooms in the west wing, I’ll send someone to get their bags and they’ll be right up to help you get sorted out.” Vena continued talking “I’ll have some food brought up too. Tomorrow we can all get to know one another better.” “Vena…” She smiled. “Don’t worry, Mom, I’m coming up with you. I have a few questions about dear old Dad.” Laughter rang out behind them as Erac showed Etah, Slander and Grant to a suite of rooms toward the back of the third floor. **** Slander had gone out to get Nos settled and returned to find Etah refreshed and sprawled across the humongous bed looking through old photographs.
Leaving her there, he went and took a quick shower. He returned and stood naked in the center of the room listening to Grant move around next door. He needed to talk to him. His lover had been very quiet since they arrived and hadn’t said a single word during their meal. Something was bothering him. Maybe later. His cock ached with fullness and he wanted to fuck Etah right now. They’d stopped at a hotel the night before and he had her while she watched Grant take him. The memory of it pulled a drop of cum from the slit on his penis and he reached down to massage it, work the skin back and forth slowly. The door to Grant’s room creaked open. “Can I come in?” “Grant, these are our rooms, you can enter anytime. In fact it would hurt me deeply to find any doors closed between us.” Etah sat up on the bed, shoved the photos back into a box and placed it on the floor. “Look, I watched your brother with Vena and Jason; I know it’s going to be hard for Etah to live with one man. I’ll let you go, Slander, if it will make you both happy. I can’t” “Can’t what? Be with a woman?” Slander walked over to him and caressed his face. Etah spoke up. “Grant, part of the joy of sex is watching someone you care about being made happy. When I watch you with Slander, it makes me very happy.” She smiled. “I come just as hard as when he’s in me. I need you both. But it must be your choice.” “I’m drawn to you, Etah, but I have no desire to be with a woman in that way. Even with this…this Gar magic. Damn, I want it all the time but I’m not like you, Slander.” “And that’s why I love you. No one in this room will ever make you do anything against your will.” He met Grant’s hazel eyes. “What happened at our house won’t ever happen again, we won’t let it.” He was sure Grant was remembering Etah sucking his cock. “Grant, look at me?” Etah’s words were soft. “Slander is only able to satisfy me because he has you. Together, you and I make him stronger.” Slander put his arms around his lover’s waist and pulled him close. His lips sought the sweetness of Grant’s and he ground his hips against the bulge there. Raising his head to look in his eyes, he begged, “Please, stay with me, with us. I don’t want to be without you—I can’t be.” And he wouldn’t. Kissing Grant again he felt nothing but love for him. Slander vowed to himself he would keep him happy at all cost. Etah understood that, she had already guessed at how much his lover meant to him. The muscles in Grant’s back bunched under his touch and he felt the tension easing away. Using his tongue to pry Grant’s lips open, he deepened the kiss. Delicious. “I want you so bad, let me taste you.” “Slander…” “Let me suck your cock.” “Yes.” Air hissed from Grant’s lips. Slander slipped to his knees in front of the man and tugged the soft drawstring pants down to Grant’s ankles. Squeezing his butt in both hands, he nuzzled the stiffening shaft, rubbed his cheeks against its hardness. “Christ, you smell sweet.” Taking just the tip in his mouth, he drew a contented sigh from his lover.
Working his lips and tongue up and down the length, he basked in the joy he felt on his knees before the one man who never failed to set his blood on fire. It was more pleasurable, beyond exciting, to know Etah watched. His cock swung like a heavy pendulum each time he leaned into Grant’s musky crotch. Sucking his lover’s thickness alone could take him to the brink of coming, but fucking him always took him to another level, one he looked forward to reaching tonight, but not until he’d tasted Grant’s essence. He ran his tongue around the sensitive ridge at the tip, licked the soft but taut skin beneath the crown. “Damn, I could do this forever.” “You’re driving me nuts,” Grant whispered above him. “Take it all the way down your throat. Suck it hard, Slander.” He did what was asked of him, for Grant, he’d do whatever he wanted, whatever made him happy. Nibbling at the tender underside for a bit longer, Slander moved back up the stiff cock and swallowed the head of it. His lips, his tongued, worked to take the whole shaft as far down his throat as he could. One hand now tugged at the back of Grant’s thigh to bring him closer, the other worked Slander’s own erection until it leaked. Breaking away, he said, “I can’t be without you, Grant. I can’t lose you.” “Never, you won’t ever lose me. I’ll do whatever you want. Suck it, Slander, suck my cock, make me come in your mouth.” This time he savagely took all of Grant’s erection. He sucked and nibbled until his cheeks hurt with the effort. He moved his hand from his lover’s leg and gripped Grant’s balls so tight, he rose up on his toes. “Shit, yes, harder.” He squeezed and pinched the sac until he tasted pre-cum. Slander slipped his fist around the base of Grant’s dick and began to work the skin up and down each time he swallowed and pulled away. “Christ, here it comes, I’m coming.” Grant arched into him, slamming every inch of his penis into Slander’s mouth. “Mmm, take it.” Hot and thick, cum splashed the back of his throat. He swallowed and continued to work his lips up and down the hardness, taking every drop. Finished, Slander pulled away and stripped the pants from around Grant’s ankles. He stood and guided Grant backward to the bed where he grabbed two pillows and pulled them to the edge. “Lay on your back.” He nudged him down with his ass raised up. Spreading his legs wide, he moved between his thighs. Grant’s cock still leaked and he smeared the liquid into the crevice of his ass, using the liquid to lubricate his anus. Slander prodded the puckered hole until it opened for him. “Relax, lover, I’m going to fuck you so good.” He jammed his entire cock deep into Grant’s ass and stopped. “Squeeze it, let me feel you squeeze it.” Slander moaned at the pressure on his penis and he ground into Grant even more. “Yes, more.” Grant wanted more and that’s what he’d get. “Like this.” He pulled out and thrust forward, burying his thickness once more. Again and again, he plundered Grant. Giving him what he wanted, what he needed.
“Ahh, yes.” He bent down and drew a pebbled nipple into his mouth. Slander nibbled on the bud, pulled in between his teeth until Grant bowed up, baring his ass more. The man’s hands landed on Slander’s hips and he tugged him down each time he rose up to plunge back in. In and out, over and over, he took what was his. Slander didn’t fuck Grant, he made love to him. Licking his neck, capturing his lips, he pushed his tongue deep into the recess of Grant’s mouth, stealing the deliciousness he knew belonged to him. All the while he pumped deep with each stroke, took Grant harder than he’d ever taken him before. His ass was tight, so hot, Slander didn’t want to pull out. Standing, he grasped Grant’s legs and lifted them higher. Each time he entered him, his hips smacked hard against his butt. “I love being in you, you’re so damn tight.” Grant had taken his own dick in his hand and worked up and down, pushing and pulling the skin until drops of cum slipped from the tip. Ragged gasps for air told Slander he was once more on the edge. “Don’t stop, Slander.” “I’m giving you every inch of my cock. Later, I want your fat dick inside me.” “Oh, yes.” Grant slammed his hips up and clenched his muscles so hard, Slander groaned. “Damn it, do that again and I’ll come.” He glanced at the other side of the bed and saw Etah had sat up and she was playing with her clit, pushing her fingers in and out of her pussy. That was all it took to drag his orgasm from him. It felt as though it traveled from the very tips of his toes. “Aww, damn, I’m coming.” “Give it to me.” Grant growled. Once, twice more, he thrust his cock into the tight warm hole of his lover. His nuts felt as if they would pop before the semen slid through his dick and spurted a warm jet of cum inside Grant. “Yes,” he yelled, the words ricocheted around the room. In seconds Etah screamed her release and fell back on the bed. Grant’s orgasm quietly followed sending a stream of cum up his chest. Letting his legs go, Slander stayed between the man’s thighs. He leaned down and placed a kiss on Grant’s lips. “We’ll never, ever force you to do anything. Stay with us.” “There’s nowhere I’d rather be then right here.” Slander stood and pulled Grant with him. “Let’s take a shower.” He gazed at Etah who smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.” Her face glowed. Slander chuckled, “I’ll be back to see if I can make you happier.” Laughing joyfully, Grant said, “Etah, we’ll wear him out.” The sound of a solid smack on Grant’s behind echoed around the room. “Come on, we’ve got a busy day ahead of us finding mares for Nos.” Slander looked forward to tomorrow and finding out more about the Stonegar.
Chapter Six Aside from Etah, Erac and Vena, everyone else in the house still slept. Stonegar didn’t need very much sleep, and if they rested in their statue, needed even less. Etah had cleaned one plate and got up to get a second helping of fluffy blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon and hash browns. She returned to the table, sat and started eating. “You guys are ravenous creatures aren’t you?” Vena laughed. Erac’s woman had spent the last half hour churning out breakfast for him and Etah as they made small talk. She wasn’t surprised to find she liked Malvena Waring’s granddaughter. It had nothing to do with the fact that she’d made her brother happy as hell. It was a genuine feeling of closeness—the closeness Gar feel for their own kind. Rekat’s daughter had little time left before her change. He would know and he’d be here anytime now. Hopefully he’d have information on Evol. Etah asked between bites, “Where can we buy a few mares today? Nos will be randy as hell.” Vena, her brow wrinkled in thought, slipped into the chair next to Erac. Steam drifted from her coffee cup. “About ten miles north, Ike Jansen has a nice herd of Arabians. He’s always looking for good stallions. Bet he’d make a deal with you once he sees Nos and he’s always in the market to sell, it’s how he makes his living.” Erac grinned, “Two or three would be better.” He pinched Vena’s nose. “It’s been a few days, that stallion will need at least two.” “Damn, will I be as bad as you guys when I change?” “Yup, and I for one can’t wait.” Her brother leaned over and planted a loud kiss on Vena. “I can sense your time is near and your father will know too. He’ll be here for sure within the next day or two. “I hope he has word on your brother.” Etah glanced at Erac. His look of concern mirrored her feelings. If Evol was able to travel, Falmouth is where he would head. It was home to them when they weren’t in England. “Rekat will find Evol.” All heads turned to see Gemma dressed in jeans and a blue sweater resting against the door frame. “Mom, how’d you sleep?” “Very well. When do we go look at the mares? Are they in season?” Slander popped past Gemma into the kitchen. “Our thoughts exactly, when do we leave? And don’t worry about season,” he chuckled, “Nos knows what to do when they’re not in estrus. He’s my creation, but with mares—he’s all stallion. Over the years those females have taught him a thing or two.” He continued over to the counter and grabbed a couple slices of toast. He spooned a little of each dish onto one piece and covered it with the other. Repeating the process, Etah watched him hand one to Grant. Their thoughtfulness and caring for one another would never cease to amaze her.
It was not something she’d seen many humans practice in all her years among them. Slander glanced around the table. “Let’s go folks, my son will be in a bad way by tonight. I won’t be responsible if he jumps the fence and heads for the nearest mare within ten miles.” He nudged Grant, “Hurry and get the trailer ready.” “On my way.” Turning toward Etah as he stood, Slander grinned and winked. It was like the sun rising all over again. Damn, she wished there was time to taste just a little of him. Slander walked over to her and Etah jumped when he smacked her butt and whispered, “Later, darlin’, you’ll get all you want.” “Mmm, how did you know what I was thinking?” Laughing and joking, everyone but Jason, who still slept, left the house and piled into the Escalade which Grant had waiting out front. **** They arrived back home with two mares in the trailer. Everyone was satisfied and happy that they had coerced Jansen to come out and take a look at Nos. He was interested in a new stallion of good breeding, and if it was worth it, he’d be willing to bring the mares over. The old man even offered to let his friends know after Slander and Grant convinced him of Nos’ worthiness. Etah helped Slander unload the horses while everyone else went inside. Leading them to the coral, they opened the gate and released both mares. She waited by a big oak tree while Slander brought Nos from the stable. The stallion’s head bucked up and down as he snorted and snuffled at the air. His hooves struck the ground with impatience as Etah threw the gates open. “He’s such a beauty. These ladies are lucky,” she sighed. Her and Slander watched the horse gallop full speed to the nearest mare who pranced and preened in front of the black horse. Jansen was right, this one was ready. She twisted and turned, showing her vulva to Nos. She released a stream of liquid which drew the stallion to nudge and lick at her genital area. “He’s a perfect gentleman and even if she wasn’t in estrus, he’d convince her to open for him.” “Much like you would, huh?” Etah leaned with sore nipples against the fencing wishing she could be mounted. The mare swished her tail out of the way and stood wide-legged waiting for Nos. His length was large and bared, ready to slide into the mare. Damn if it didn’t look as if he was teasing her, making her wait. Slander eased behind Etah and reached to unbutton her pants. “I’m going to take you while we watch.” “Oh, I hoped you’d say that.” She heard his zipper scratch down and could barely contain herself when his cock slapped against her ass. Cream soaked her panties and when he nudged her slacks down, the scent of her womanhood permeated the air around them. “You have the sweetest smell in the world, darlin’.” His hand dipped between her legs and his fingers pushed through the moist crevice until he found and pinched her clit hard. Etah watched the black stallion’s long penis wave as he continued to walk around the
mare, letting her get used to him, or teasing the hell out of her. “Lord, he’s huge.” “I’m plenty big enough to fill your pussy.” “Do it, put your dick in my ass.” Nos whinnied and mounted the mare from behind, his legs straddling her sides. Etah watched his thickness disappear into the mare and shuddered. “God, Slander…please.” She leaned over and prepared to take him. He pushed his erection at her tiny rosette, and with no preliminaries, he slammed into her. “God damn, you are tight.” “Love me.” He pulled out, and pushed in hard and fast. Slander did it again and again. She watched the horses copulate in front of them, their animalistic grunts and snorts driving her right up to the edge, but she held it. Etah wanted to feel Slander come first. Slander thrust in and out of her ass, going deeper with each stroke. One hand still played in her pussy while she held tight to the fence and took all of him. “Mmm, feels good. More, baby, give it to me hard.” Etah groaned. “You want it harder?” “Yes.” “I’ll always give you what you want, darlin’.” He jammed his long penis into her tightness over and over. Gaining speed, she sensed he was near coming. Each time his hips bumped hers, he ground into her butt making sure she got every inch he had to give her. The mare under Nos squealed loudly. With each push, Slander grunted. “Look, ahh shit, look at him.” With shorter, harder jabs he shoved his cock in and out of her. Nos’ flanks quivered as he slipped from the female’s back. He reared up slashing his hooves in the air and whinnied loudly as the mare squirted his cum from her body. “Slander, yes…I’m coming.” Etah couldn’t hold it. Juices slid from her body wetting the tops of her thighs. “Come on, come for me because I’m getting ready to fill your sweet ass with my seed.” He rose up on his toes and his hips trembled against her cheeks before he released a warm jet of cum into her. “Keep coming baby, give it to me.” Slander’s cock jerked inside her but he never stopped stroking and massaging her clit. His fingers, slick with her cream, pushed in and out of her pussy and made her keen. “Slander…” “Yeah, darlin’, I’m right here.” She let go of the fence and fell back into his chest. “I got you.” His arm held her around the waist until her breathing slowed and she was able to stand on her own. Whispering in her ear, he asked, “You like that?” “I like anything you do to me.” “Good because I’m going to be around to take care of you for a long time.” He helped her pull up and fasten her pants before he took care of his own. This man
was damn special and suddenly Etah wished he could live as long as her. Slander spun her around, “Hey, what’s wrong?” “I need a shower.” That wasn’t a lie. Unlike her brother, she couldn’t have her mates forever. That was something reserved for enforcers. Only they could change a human. What would she do when Slander and Grant grew old? * Slander showered with Etah and wondered at her quick change of mood. She quietly ministered to him and let him wash her. Then she sucked his cock so slow and so sweet. Almost as if it was the last time. When he exploded in her mouth, she licked and cleaned every drop from his penis before she soaped and cleansed his body again. Deciding to give her some space, Slander went downstairs to have a drink while she finished dressing. Grant sat sketching Erac and Jason in the library. He caught snatches of Vena and her mother’s conversation through the open door that led to a small den. “I understand, Mom. But have you given new thought to it? I believe Dad still loves you.” “I know and he’s an enforcer, only he can change someone. Vena, like you, there is a lot of my mother in me. I wasn’t prepared to live like her and I’m not sure I can live as Stonegar. Maybe I don’t want to live forever.” “I don’t want to lose you again.” He only barely heard Vena’s last words. Slander glanced at Erac, who was peering at him. His eyes shimmered, the stars dancing in their depths. Shit! He’d forgotten to ask Etah about Erac’s eyes, now he didn’t need to. That’s what was different. Erac was an enforcer. And these people live forever. Why hadn’t he thought about that? His eyes trained on Slander, he said, “You can ask me anything. You’ll never harm us.” “You’re an enforcer.” “That’s a statement which tells me you already know the answer.” “Etah isn’t?” “No.” “You can change humans to be like you?” “Yes.” “Whoa,” Grant chimed in. “That’s pretty damn impressive. What happens? I mean how is it done?” “Exchanging blood with a Stonegar enforcer provides humans and a few other beings with the necessary Stonehenge magic to become what we are. As Slander’s already guessed—only an enforcer has blood powerful enough to invoke this change.” Slander had become so attuned to Etah, he now understood her quietness out by the paddock. She was sad at the prospect of losing him and Grant to old age, and then death. As they got older, would they be able to satisfy her sexual appetite? Doubtful, even with the
Gar magic. This made him wonder why Grant hadn’t succumbed to it totally as far as sex and love of men and women. He glanced at Grant whose eyes were still directed toward Erac. Wanting to understand as much as possible about the woman they’d come to cherish, he asked the question that had been plaguing him. “Why is Grant not as affected by Etah as I am?” Grant swiveled around in his seat. His face flushed red, he pierced Slander with a look of surprise. “I’m sorry Grant. I just want to learn as much as I can. I intend to be with Etah until I can’t anymore.” “I know.” His lover’s head bent to his chest. Erac responded. “It’s been known to happen before and no one understands. Grant’s pure love of men doesn’t stop him from becoming sexually excited by being with you and Etah. However, he only desires direct stimulation from men.” Erac cleared his throat. “You are aware you can take another male of either species? If would relieve the strain that may eventually be placed on you.” “Wait, you mean we can have as many partners as we like?” Grant squirmed around in his chair. “As long as they are agreeable and if the three of you are in agreement, yes, you can take more lovers. Many Gar have four mates.” Erac’s mouth curved into a grin. “Some have more.” “Damn.” Grant’s breathing had changed slightly. He glanced at Slander. “Not that I want anyone else.” “Grant, I want you to be happy. You allowed me all these years to take women when the need arose, yet you loved me anyway. If we should find someone you want, and he wants us, then we’ll all be happier.” He got up and walked over to the man, rested his hand on his shoulder. “I want you to have anything you need.” Grant pulled his hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss into the palm. Slander’s cock jumped to life. The idea of watching another man fuck his lover sent a shiver of delight down his spine. He had never doubted Grant’s fidelity Never would. The Gar way of life would allow them to love more. “I’ll love you forever, Grant.” “For as long as that is.” Everyone turned as Etah walked into the room and went to stand by Grant’s seat. “Etah-” “Stop, don’t placate me, Slander. I understand I’ll be without you both one day. It’s the Stonegar way. When that time comes, I’ll simply find someone else.” Her eyes shimmered as she gazed at him with love and desire. “I’ll take good care of Nos.” Slander’s heart broke at the glittering tears. He didn’t want to see the welts on her cheeks again, no matter how quickly they disappeared. He folded her into his arms. “That’s a long time from now, darlin’.” A sound in the front hall drew everyone’s attention to the doorway. The woman that entered the room was spectacular to look at. The only way Slander could describe her was lean and mean. Her bleached blonde hair was spiky but appeared soft. Athletic legs and a sweet, rounded ass filled jeans that looked painted on. Large breasts mounded from the leather corset she wore. Her gray eyes darted around the room and didn’t miss a thing. When he glanced from her back to the doorway, it was filled by a giant of a man—at least six feet seven. Had to be Rekat.
The enforcer. He strode past Slander toward Vena, who had entered the living room with Gemma. His long strides were quiet and efficient. Power emanated from him, sending electric pulses through the room that caused the hair to stand up on the back of Slander’s neck. The charcoal gray designer suit he wore was tailored specifically for the big man. Slander hadn’t forgotten quality clothing though he chose not to wear it. Muscles rippled beneath the soft, thin cotton of a white shirt unbuttoned far enough to reveal a sprinkling of salt and pepper hair. Rekat’s skin was brown, more bronze, and it was smooth. Steel gray eyes swirled as they took in the room and everyone in it. His cheek bones were high on his chiseled face. A thin mustache set over full lips that were set in a hard line. Slander couldn’t begin to imagine them soft, loving. Rekat was bald, his head perfectly shaped for his body and size. One earlobe held a small hoop earring that twinkled with emerald jewels. Colorful lines of a tattoo peeked just above the collar on both sides of his thick neck. Reaching Vena, he pulled her into his massive chest and held her. The timbre of his voice was hypnotic. “Are you happy your mother is home?” “Yes.” He turned to face Slander and Grant. “I am Rekat.” Indicating the woman beside him, “This is Patricia.” What in hell was Slander supposed to say? The warrior exuded confidence and strength. Damn if I’m going to say the wrong thing. “Hello, or how you doing would work fine.” The enforcer looked at him strangely. Shit! He read my mind. “You broadcast louder than most.” He came over and pulled Etah away from Slander. “Etah, baby girl, you look different, happy.” He planted a kiss in the middle of her forehead. “If I could, I would have come for you all.” “Stop reading my mind. I understand. You had to heal.” Etah glanced from Rekat to Gemma and back. Peering at her closely, he said, “Your maker was a kind man, what you saw in his eyes was fear.” She gasped, “You knew I went to see him?” Her head lowered. “Then you know him and you know the evilness that’s in me.” “He went mad when…he couldn’t reconcile in his mind what you and your brothers were.” The warrior’s voice lowered an octave. “One day I will tell you and your brothers all about him, but know this, you do possess the Stonegar goodness, Etah.” Slander wanted to go to her, but couldn’t. She needed to hear this from the enforcer. Rekat was helping her to finally understand what he’d known all along. She couldn’t be evil. Slander knew that the minute he knew what Etah was. Rekat’s thumb brushed away the single tear that slipped down her cheek, healing the scar it left immediately. “You have grown up…bonding suits you.” The warrior hugged her and said to Slander over her shoulder, “You better take care of her.” Slander had the niggling feeling there was more to this story and that it had to do with Etah’s believing she wasn’t good. There would be time to get answers later. Her tears gone, Etah asked about her brother. “Evol is a little worn out. Found him in a sex club up in the California desert happy
as a pig in shit.” The enforcer’s eyes zeroed in on Gemma. “He’s resting at my place and wants to be alone. He’s pissed I left a couple of his badass boyfriends a little banged up.” Rekat stared at Gemma as he continued to talk. “Don’t worry—he’ll be fine in a few days.” Gemma finally spoke. “Rekat, it’s good to see you.” “That’s all you have to say?” “What do you want to hear?” The whole room, everything in it, became quiet. Not a sound from a single, living thing. Current pulsed through the room drawing a shudder from Slander. This man’s power was all-encompassing—not a fly would dare buzz by. “Whatever you want to say, Gem.” He strode over and towered above her. “You owe me something don’t you think?” Gemma looked at the floor. Still, no one in the room breathed or uttered a word. Not even Rekat’s mate whose mouth held the hint of a smile. “Dad, I…” His hand went up to silence Vena. “This is between me and your mother.” The words that came from Gemma when she dared to look up were spoken firmly. “I couldn’t live like you.” “And now?” He pulled her against his chest, tilted her chin up. “Do you know what you want now?” Slander watched as tears threatened to spill from Gemma’s blue eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. The room had remained so quiet it was almost as though she yelled the words. “Come, we’ll go to my home.” He looked around the group. “They have a full house here. Plus, Evol always enjoyed your company. You might be able to brighten him up.” He turned to Etah, “Baby girl, I’m glad you’re home and that you’ve found happiness. I may need your men to help in the event the rowdy bikers decide to follow Evol.” “What?” “Trouble may come and we will need to be ready. Right now, I’m taking Gemma.” “Rekat, maybe she doesn’t want to—” Slander took a protective step toward Etah. “Etah. Everyone. Listen.” The enforcer twisted to face Vena and her mother. “I don’t remember asking.” Heat soared up in the room. Particles of dust shimmering like gold filtered into the air. “Stop, Rekat, I’ll go. Give me time to get some of my things.” Gemma left the room and the warrior moved to stand by the fireplace. The starry flecks in his steely eyes shot pinpoints of light around the room until Rekat closed them and sucked in a long draft of air that collected the golden powder and sent the space back to a tolerable temperature. “The guys Evol got involved with are nasty motherfuckers. I suspect one of them has a bit of magic. One thing is for sure, he’s not all human.” Rekat shared a look with Erac before he faced everyone else. “I didn’t take the time to find out just what he is. My guess is he’ll follow either me—or Evol.” He pierced Grant and Slander with a sparkling look. “You two might start thinking about life everlasting.” Vena’s mother reappeared with an overnight bag and went to stand by Patricia.
Rekat joined the women at the door before he said, “I’ll keep you informed.” The enforcer vanished with the two women in tow. “Damn.” Slander hissed through his lips. He hadn’t realized he’d held his breath. Etah now stood by Erac. “Does he mean what I think?” A note of hopefulness hung in her words. “That your men may just get the bite of life? Yeah, that’s what I think he meant. He always had a soft spot for you.” Erac grinned and ruffled his sister’s blonde hair. Slander walked over to Etah. “You mean we might be able to live forever? Always be with you?” He beamed at his woman. When he pivoted around, he caught Grant smiling widely. He seemed ready to accept the change also. Jason’s lips tilted in a mysterious smile. For the first time Slander noticed a gray shade appeared to be closing down over the man’s blue irises. Seems Erac had already been flexing his enforcer muscle. “Slander, you do broadcast your thoughts loudly.” Erac stared at him and grunted. “Well, I’m glad you’re both happy because I’m not sure any of you were given a choice.” His voice changed. “Let’s all get some rest. We’ll find out more when Rekat is ready to tell us.” He grabbed Etah by the shoulders. “You ready to do battle, baby girl?” “Hell, yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to be really nasty.” She twirled to face Slander. “Especially since I’ve met these two.” The wide grin on her face drew Slander to her like a moth to a flame. But he needed to make it plain to her that as far as he was concerned, she wouldn’t be fighting with anyone. Slander didn’t give a damn what she used to do or how strong she was. “Darlin, you’re not going to battle with anyone,” he said taking hold of her hand. He pierced Erac with a long, cold look when he had the audacity to laugh. Etah’s smile disappeared quickly. “Slander, did I hear you right?” Chrissakes. The thunderous look on her face told him this was not a fight he was going to win. Hell, when he found her in the convenience store, she seemed quite capable of taking care of herself. Shit, it had even turned him on. Guess he’d better get used to it. He peeped at Grant in the chair. His lover turned away to hide the smile on his lips. Slander wasn’t getting any help from that quarter. Well, shit. “Umm…I said don’t tear off anyone’s balls.” He pulled his stone goddess into his arms and held her tight. “You can’t go around crippling men that way.” Erac, Vena and Jason laughed loudly as they left the room. “We might be together, always.” Grant whispered in awe. “If we misunderstood, don’t worry, I’ll convince him differently.” Etah’s face was set with determination. “I have a feeling Rekat didn’t tell me everything. He may just owe me this.” Slander remembered having the same thought. Grant, who had remained glued to his seat through all of this, stood and hugged Slander, who drew Etah into their embrace. “This is happiness, darlin.” No matter what came, they’d face it together. Tonight, they would bask in the joy of having found each other. Tomorrow was another day.
The End About the Author: J. Hali Steele would much rather be roaming where her fictional big cats live—in the high desert of California—so would her four furfriends. She enjoys spending time with her sisters and friends who willingly listen to her ramblings about the paranormal world of vamps, shifters and anything else that goes bump in the night. A captive audience, she promises to untie them soon! A multi-published author, J. Hali is a RWA PAN member, she belongs to its Passionate Ink and ESPAN chapters and she’s a member of Liberty States Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found snuggled in front of the TV with a good book, a cat in her lap and a cup of coffee. For more information, you can visit her at www.jhalisteele.com. She blogs every Friday at www.paranormalromantics.blogspot.com and she answers all emails at
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