Erecting Barriers Read online

  He remained quiet today. But last night, in his coma, he had such horrible nightmares that she nearly called the doctor. She gathered from Kulla’s frantic ramblings that he thought he’d fallen into Hell, and was being torn apart by demons. It had seemed very real to him, and now Obedience wondered. Had Kulla ever been in Hell? She tried to ask Absu about it when he and Charlie visited the sick room this morning, but the very proper god only mumbled that he couldn’t tell her anything, and to ask Kulla when he came to.

  Obedience tired of waiting. Now that she’d made up her mind to hear her once-lover out, she anxiously wanted to get his side of the story. She laid a hand on his bare chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart and becoming reassured. Dani told her it wouldn’t be long before he awakened, but not to rush it. The longer he remained out, the easier time he would have regenerating limbs. The process proved extremely painful and once he awoke, there would be no escape from the torment.

  Obedience didn’t want him to suffer. She used her free hand to pick up his, and rubbed it on her cheek, then whispered out loud. “I just want you to know that I’m here.”

  I know you are. The words came back at her, strained and weak, but definitely in Kulla’s voice.

  “You can hear me?” She couldn’t suppress her surge of hope. Had she made up the communication in her head?

  I can. Again, the words were indistinct, but definitely there. Obedience thrilled.

  “You take your time and get well. I’m not going anywhere,” she assured him.

  Staying…for me?

  The question, asked so tentatively, nearly broke her heart. “How could I do any differently, my love?”

  She felt his whole body relax as she dared say the word ‘love’. If she felt any embarrassment from her declaration, she could always tell him he’d imagined it while sleeping, but she somehow knew she wouldn’t take it back.

  His hand crept to where hers rested on his chest, and with much effort, he covered it. She turned the one she held against her cheek, and reverently kissed his palm. She inhaled the male scent of him and sighed, willing him back to his pain-free depths, but he didn’t go quickly.

  Love, he repeated, his words slurring even more. Obedience strained to hear. Always loved you…and always will. Bee-Dee felt remorse.

  ****

  Matthew stood in deep shit and he knew it. Bel gave him explicit directions to stay in the cabin while she recruited more demons, but having watched the gods for several days, and knowing that some of them were out in the quarries at night, Matthew didn’t know what harm it would do to follow them. How would he know their blue friend would be able to sense him, despite the ore he draped around his neck? At least he could give that information to Beletseri.

  In the twenty-four hours since being found out and wounded, the knife puncture in his arm had begun to close up, and the snake bite, although swollen and purple for hours, had also stopped bothering him. Being a god rocked, and that pun reminded him of that bastard Kulla. Another useful piece of intel to give his lovely mate.

  She contacted him several hours ago and told him to expect her soon. He didn’t know what she’d accomplished in her sneaky foray into the Underworld, but knowing Bel, it would be good. Hopefully, her recruits would more than make up for the two demons he lost in Quincy. He felt lucky the other half dozen had filtered their way back to the cabin after the fight. Originally, he thought he lost them all and his ass would be flayed. Maybe expending two to glean the information Matthew now had wouldn’t bother Bel so much.

  He felt the cold air as the cabin door swept open, and sensed, rather than heard his lover come up behind. She leaned her body into his and nipped at his neck.

  “I’ve missed you.” She purred, running a hand across his muscular back and down his arm. She didn’t miss the flinch. “What’s this?” She went to tap his right deltoid again, but he spun and grabbed her hand.

  “Something we need to talk about,” he told her, bringing her to the table and pouring water for tea from the kettle he’d kept warm. “But I want you to promise me you’ll remain calm.” Her eyes narrowed as he guided her to sit in the chair. Matthew sighed. Her nature didn’t include compliance.

  “What have you done, Matthew?” He appreciated that she strove for calm, and stood behind her, reaching down into the top of her low-cut dress to wrap his hands around her warm breasts. He could feel her respond. Perhaps he could keep her off guard.

  “While you were gone, I got…bored.” He impelled her body to warm. She remained silent, so he continued. “I visited the Blue Hills and noticed the one you call Kulla building something from stone. Each night, he and two others ventured to the Quincy Quarries for their materials, and I followed at a discreet distance.” He waited for her to erupt, but still nothing. He became bolder, teasing her nipples while he continued.

  “My intentions didn’t include engagement, but one of them, a blue individual spotted me.” He felt Bel tense.

  “You had on your ore?” she questioned sharply.

  “I did,” he assured her. “But he still pinpointed my exact location, and this in the darkness just before sunrise.”

  “Blue you say?” Bel didn’t sound put out with him as much as curious. He leaned down to kiss her ear, giving her buds a quick pinch while he did.

  “Blue,” he reiterated, fully engorged now, his prick always interested in Bel. “He had an awareness of me despite my protective necklace.” He waited to see if she would say anything else, but besides a slight straightening that made him think she contemplated what it could all mean, she let him go on.

  “Your architect Kulla turned to rock when agitated.” Matthew paused for effect. “And he also turned visible.” By her stiffening spine, Matthew knew he now had Bel’s undivided attention.

  “His female is an immortal of sorts. Not a god, something else.” He shook his head. “Her name is Obedience, and she turns him corporeal. The way the two were acting, she can only be his Chosen, and because she had no goddess powers yet, I know they’re not mated.” Matthew understood it as good news. They’d found a live one they could kidnap to bring them closer to Bel’s goal.

  He felt his goddess stir, and preened under her words of praise. “It seems you have done well, despite ignoring my orders.” She yanked his hands closer around her chest, then leaned back, parting her legs beneath her short skirt. “I don’t suppose all this good news comes without some bad.”

  Matthew huffed. Why did she have to know him so well? “I lost two demons in the fight to escape,” he relented, “but I knew you were on the search for more, and this information is so valuable I hope you don’t mind the expenditure.”

  Bel drew his hands out of her dress and turned in her chair to face him. She brought her fingers down to the front of Matthew’s pants where he strained against his zipper, and cupped him, gently. Lovingly.

  “I’m pleased with what you’ve accomplished.” She didn’t give him time to gloat. “But I regret to inform you that you’ll have to face some form of punishment.” An evil smile curled on his lover’s lips. “Let’s hope what I have planned is as much fun for you as it will be for me.” She licked her lips. “Although, I doubt it.”

  Chapter Five

  Obedience gently lifted the blankets and slid into bed next to Kulla. He’d never know that she gave in to temptation and sidled up to his body while he lay suspended in sleep. She needed to touch him, smell him. All this nearness in the past few weeks, without tactile satisfaction had done a number on her. She buried her nose lightly in his curls. He smelled glorious. Bee-Dee yawned. It seemed like she’d been awake for days. She snuggled deeper, succumbing to sleep…and dreams.

  ****

  1627

  Her heart tripped lightly as she traveled the dusty road. For this outing, a three-day fair, she had companions. She laughed aloud as she walked next to the load and got an approving look from the middle-aged woman on the cart. If her nasty guardians only knew. The man, acting as drover, and th
e woman perched on the wool were witches, sent by her parents to check up on Obedience and make sure she remained safe. It made her heart sing that her parents hadn’t given up on her.

  The couple had wangled their way into her guardians’ trust, and with only a small amount of persuasion―this fair being a large money maker―her keepers’ greed had overcome their trepidation and they allowed this extended, chaperoned trip. The pair helped Obedience pack up, and they’d been on their way.

  It hadn’t taken her long, in the older couple’s comforting presence, to tell them all about Kulla and her desire to be with him. Witches were always more open with their feelings than the puritans she lived with. Her companions gave her just the right amount of encouragement, and told her they’d let her know if they deemed him worthy. She just knew they’d approve. But then what? Her heart tripped faster. She’d have to wait and see.

  The fair was to be held in the town of Dorchester, just south of the main city of Boston. She’d have three glorious days in Kulla’s presence, and if she had anything to say about it, in his arms and in his bed. She didn’t know quite how she’d manage that, but perhaps Kulla had made arrangements for a room, knowing he would be spending several nights. If he had not, she would revel the nights away in his arms, under nothing but stars. She cared not for a mattress beneath her back, as long as Kulla lay with her. That’s if he would agree.

  Their first chaste kiss at the onset of the market season had led to many more, stolen whenever they had a chance; in the back of her cart, behind a barn, and even once ducked into a common privy. It had all been thrilling, but after some long, in depth―and often embarrassing to him―conversations with Kulla, about what males and females were capable of doing together, Obedience wanted more.

  He’d told her he would not introduce her to any of those pleasures until they were married. Although he said ‘mated’. And he could not make a bid for her hand until he’d cleared up some problem back in his colony. Obedience had no idea what that meant, but indeed it was taking far too long. She wanted to taste the forbidden fruit of Kulla now, and if she could manage it, he’d have no choice but to let her within this three-day span.

  Kulla didn’t know she headed to this fair, let alone with chaperons who might willingly look the other way if they believed he proved worthy. When last they’d parted, he’d lamented it would be the most boring market of the summer and that he’d think of her every minute of every day. How would he feel when she showed up? Her feet fairly flew down the road.

  When they arrived, Obedience realized her plan might be more difficult to implement than she had thought. Row after row of merchants, selling all manner of goods, were set up along the streets. Many she knew greeted her; some cordially, some fondly. The streets were full of hawkers and wares, and the market not yet officially open. How would she find Kulla? Her heart flew out through the square, and she gasped. Although she knew not how, she gleaned Kulla’s exact location. The connection between them must thread so strongly that she could sense his presence. Did he, too, know that her steps were bringing her ever closer?

  Obedience increased her pace beside the cart, urging the kind drover in the proper direction. She didn’t have to go far. She spotted Kulla a few minutes later. He strode, confused and elated in her direction. Now, she didn’t care who saw her. She ran the rest of the way toward him and launched into his arms. He caught her easily by the waist and swung her around, laughing all the while.

  “How? Who?” His dear face lit up, and would that he would kiss her, but her circumspect Kulla did not. Still, he could not let her go entirely, and upon setting her feet back on the ground, he kept hold of her hands.

  “These kind folk.” She introduced him to the husband and wife. “They were sent to me by my parents who know my time grows short in Salem. They wanted to make sure I remained safe.” She looked at him with all the love she had for him shining through her eyes. “They are here to form an opinion of your character, and give their blessing to our marriage, which they will then help us to carry out.” Obedience remained so excited that she ignored the slight shadow that passed over Kulla’s face.

  “Let’s get you set up.” He coughed. “There’s space beside me if I move my wares.” Had he saved her a stall because he had sensed her coming? She no longer doubted their connection. She just wished Kulla would open up and tell her his origins. For he was not human, that she knew. They could discuss their individual powers, and use whatever they had to get far, far away from Salem and the trouble she knew brewed. But she digressed. No need to think so far ahead. She needed her wits to overcome Kulla’s resistance, and join with him physically. She thrilled at the challenge laid before her.

  Her escorts spent the morning, and a good part of the afternoon talking to and interrogating Kulla. They must have been satisfied with what they found, for when the time came to close the tarps and sup they became scarce.

  “Where did your companions go?” Kulla asked, helping her fasten her load securely for the night.

  “They have friends in the city, or so they said.” Obedience shrugged. “I’m to find my own lodging this night.” A thrill ran up her spine at the darkening of Kulla’s eyes.

  “You will not stay alone in a strange town,” he proclaimed sourly. “I am surprised they would leave you.”

  Obedience moved closer to Kulla and put one small hand on his broad chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. “They knew I would not be by myself,” she informed him in a small, quiet voice.

  Kulla’s whole body jumped. “They cannot think to leave you with me…why I…you would not be…” Kulla shifted nervously, as flustered as she. Obedience turned and looked around, attempting to distract them both.

  “Where will we find food…and lodging, do you think?”

  He cleared his throat. “I had the forethought to engage a room above a pub where we can find a pint and a decent meal. Perhaps they’ll have a second room to let, for you.”

  Obedience knew neither one of them thought that possible, but both held their tongues. With the town full to overflowing with merchants and out of town buyers, there would not be an extra inch for a body to lay down. Obedience took a deep breath. She would finally see Kulla naked.

  “Come. We’ll eat.” He spoke brusquely as he took her elbow and led her down the street. She had to practically run to keep up with him, so deep lay his consternation. His mind had to be on the night ahead as well, and Obedience secretly became delighted that his customary aplomb showed cracks. It made him more human. Although more human than what, she didn’t know.

  Sure enough, upon entering, Kulla checked with the landlord to find that all his additional rooms had been taken. Obedience sensed the battle within him, and prudently kept her mouth shut. She’d only plead her case if things didn’t go her way.

  The fish stew put before them smelled delectable, served with a crispy hot bread that dipped nicely into the broth. Not used to drinking ale, Obedience paced herself with small sips, but still it went straight to her head. When the meal completed, she excused herself to the outhouse, and walked a little uncertainly, her feet not responding altogether properly. Once inside the small wooden enclosure, she sat and tried for composure. It would not do to have her brain clouded with spirits. Perhaps a little fresh air.

  She finished up her business and went out into the back yard of the establishment, making her way slowly around the perimeter, breathing in the night to set her head straight. Obedience wanted to remember everything that would happen. The immortal witch wanted it implanted into her memory, so no matter how many years she had with Kulla, she would have her remembrances to sustain her.

  She turned toward the door when a deep growl alerted her to the fact that she was not alone. Peering into the shadows, a pair of shiny eyes and a row of teeth glistened in the moonlight. Someone’s dog.

  “Good boy,” she crooned, taking a slow step backward. She’d always been comfortable with dogs, but this one seemed to have an agenda. He moved steadi
ly toward her, his low snarl a rumble that made her gut clench. She quickly thought of what she might attempt to conjure, to throw him off kilter, but her skills were so rusty from disuse, living as she did, that she had her doubts as to how that would turn out. She’d save it for a last resort.

  “Hello?” She called out instead. “Is anybody there? Can anyone hear me?” With luck, someone might be walking out of the pub after dinner and hear her plea. She backed up again. Blast it, she didn’t want to scream, but being bitten by a mad dog did not figure into her plans for the evening.

  Just as she steeled to attempt magic, Kulla burst through the back door. “What…?” he looked around for the danger.

  “Mad dog,” Obedience pointed to the frothing canine whose attention had turned to Kulla. She watched in horror as he approached the dog without hesitation and offered his forearm.

  “Come and get me,” he soothed, as if eager for the dog’s teeth. The massive canine made snapping noises with its jaws but stood its ground, confused. Just as Obedience thought it might turn tail and run, it gathered its haunches and sprung.

  Faster than she could register, Kulla stepped to the side and had his hands wrapped around the dog’s throat. The snapping teeth and wild eyes tried to reach their victim, but Kulla’s strong grip rendered the beast powerless.

  “Sorry old man,” he whispered to the dog, and with a quick twist, he broke the animal’s neck. Not a twitch remained in the carcass as he gently laid it on the grass. Kulla patted the dog’s side. “I’m sure you were a good companion to someone, once,” he said quietly. “May you chase rabbits ever after in the heavens.”