Taber (10 page)

“Yes. He’s my travelling companion.”

“So he’s immortal, too?”

“Yes. I granted it to him after he wouldn’t leave me alone.” Taber glared at the bird.

Klu made the loud sound again. Lainey laughed.

“He likes to think he knows what’s best for me.”

“Just like someone I know.”

“He gets that from me.” Taber smiled ruefully.

“I’m sure there is lots of stories to tell there but—” Lainey kissed him.

Taber opened, sucking in her tongue. Lainey moaned, turning to straddle him. She jerked away and glanced towards Klu. The bird was gone and she didn’t see him anywhere in the room.

Where did he go?

“Made himself scarce before the clothing starts flying.”

She returned her attention to Taber. There was a smug smile on his lips.

“Let’s go to bed.” She kissed him again and pulled back to rise.

Taber stopped her with a hand on her hip and she got that weird feeling as before. Lainey glanced at his face as it faded, then she felt herself go. In moments they came back to form. Taber lay back against the bed with her still straddling him. His hair was spread on the pillow he rested his head on.

“That’s a handy trick.”

“Being a god has some perks.” He winked.

“I want to know more about what you all you can do, but first…” She reached for his shirt.

It disappeared before she could touch it and her eyes widened as she felt his bare member pressing against her slit. Lainey glanced down and confirmed she was indeed naked. She rocked against Taber, moaning as his erection pressed deeper between her pussy lips.

“Oh… God…”

“That’s what I am,” he teased.

“That’s just so wrong. You’re making me want to laugh and fuck you at the same time.” Lainey laughed. “Crazy man.”

“Your crazy man,” he stated.

“Mine,” Lainey agreed without hesitation.

“And you’re mine.”

“Yes,” she breathed, rubbing against him.

“Condom
.”

“Already done. Take me Lainey
.” The silken tone she knew so well was even more seductive echoing in her mind.

Lainey tilted her hips, opening wider and sinking down onto his shaft. She shuddered at the slide of his member along her inner walls.

“I’ve missed you, Taber.”

“And I’ve missed you, Lainey.”

“Wait a sec. I know you can hear my thoughts…but we’re conversing telepathically. Oh, shit.”

“Yes. But I’m not doing something right if you can still use big words, much less think.”

“I can multi-task
.” Lainey lifted up then sank down on his cock again. His breath caught.
“You, on the other hand, might have issues.”

“You think so, huh
.” The wicked grin curling his lips made her gulp.

Taber gripped her ass and held her as he pushed up deep into her. Lainey gasped, arching her back and rolling in counter motion against him.

“Oh God, Taber.”

“Again with the god.”

“Hush up and fuck me already
.” She tightened her legs around him.

Taber’s decadent chuckle echoed in her thoughts then he pumped up again. Lainey held on countering him as he moved. She braced her hands on his chest, striving towards release. Canting her hips, she took him deeper moaning at the pleasure his cock created as it filled her. Taber’s grip changed and he cupped her ass, shifting her quicker. She slid forward until the head of his shaft was almost out of her then moved back, taking him deep again. They continued the motions faster and faster—their incoherent sounds rising with their passion.

Lainey leaned against his chest, lifting her head to meet his lips in a sizzling kiss. Her hair felt as if it was on fire and her skin prickled with goose bumps. Lainey wrenched away—her eyes widened as she saw his glowing gaze, then herself within in his eyes. Her hair was lit with golden light and it flowed over her skin.

“Accept me
.” Taber’s voice flowed within her seeming to resonate deep within her soul.

“Always
.” Lainey gasped, jerking into a sitting position as if brought up on strings.

The feeling of burning she had felt when she’d touched the cartouche filled her, then increased until it became unbearable. Lainey moaned as Taber’s cock filled her, then what she could only think of as energy moved through her.

“It’s power. It is me. I am Khonsu. An Egyptian god and you are mine, Lainey Mercer. Now and forever
.”

A sense of finality filled Lainey. She grabbed his shoulders and shook, her pussy clenched and she gushed, coming the same time he did. Taber roared—the sound ripping through the air filling her ears and making her lose her hearing briefly. Lainey gasped, tightening around his cock, rocking to extend their pleasure then collapsed against his heaving chest. Taber made a purring sound, holding her close, stroking down her back. Lainey lay there, calming, then she yawned.

“Did you just”—she paused to clear her throat—“roar like a cave lion?”

“Hmmm…probably.” Taber’s tone was lazy.

Snuggling, Lainey covered her mouth to stifle another yawn then rested her hand against his chest.

As her mind drifted, Lainey remembered what she had asked earlier. “What did you mean, the cartouche recognised what I am to you?”

“My mate. You’re my mate, Lainey. And the cartouche recognised the rightness of that even if you don’t. I want to be with you forever. We’ll talk about my making you immortal later.” Taber kissed her forehead.

Too tired to ask any more, Lainey heard him as if from a distance as sleep overcame her.

I’ll find out what he means tomorrow
. She went to sleep.

* * * *

Lainey moaned, rubbing her feet along the sheets. The soft touch of cotton against her skin then scent of Taber made her smile. Blinking, she opened her eyes then sat up frowning as she realised the bed was empty.

“Taber?” she called.

“Yes
.”

She didn’t know where he was but she had a feeling that he was not anywhere close.

“Where are you
?” She automatically changed to talk to him in their thoughts.

“You didn’t read your email
.”

“I didn’t. Yesterday, I was busy getting Chet and Allie settled and ignored emails. Now, I’ve just woken up and haven’t had a chance.”

“I’m on my way to the reserve in Africa to get the animals
.”

Lainey frowned. She remembered they had discussed the small reserve in a part of Africa that had recently broken out in conflict. The man who ran it had called and Taber had filled her in that they would have to get the animals out if it got worse.

“I was going with you
,” she said.

“You were supposed to but before you arrived yesterday I got a call. I didn’t get to tell you last night that I would have to leave today. I need you at the reserve to set up the enclosures. The info on which animals, I sent to you by email.”

“Taber.”
Lainey moaned as a phantom like touch moved over her face, down her neck to her breast.

“I would rather be with you right now in bed
.”

“Me too
.” She flopped back against the bed then whimpered as the touch continued down over her belly. She widened her legs then arched as the fingers slid between her lips.

“You’re so wet for me
,” Taber groaned.

“Oh…shit. I so want to know what all you can do with your powers
.” Lainey moaned, pushing against the touch.

Taber’s voice seemed to get farther away. “
There are many things I’ll show you when I get back. Enjoy this for now
.”

The touch became firmer and she rocked against it. Lainey grunted as she came, shivering against the bed. Blearily, she stared at the ceiling trying to catch her breath. A soft kiss ghosted over her lips. Lainey tried to return the touch but it faded. She sat up looking at the empty room.

“I’m going to figure out how to make you come from long-distance too
,” she warned.

Taber’s laugh filled her mind. “
We’ll practice. I’ve moved your things from your quarters to my house. You’ll be staying with me from now on
.”

“What? We didn’t discuss this, Taber
.” Lainey clenched her fists.

“You said you were mine. Gotta go
.”

Suddenly Lainey felt as if he’d withdrawn.
“Taber.”
She waited then tried again.
“Taber.”

Lainey paused…still nothing. “You aggravating man.” She repeated it in her mind, too.

Lainey sighed then lay back, glancing sideways. She stopped when she spotted a box on the bedside table. The familiar floral decoration made her hands shake. Lainey reached for it and breathed out. She held the box with her dad’s letters, closing her eyes.

“Your past is part of you. He is part of you
.” Taber’s phantom touch cupped her cheek.

“You bossy, interfering man.” Lainey imagined kissing his hand.

“Lainey.”
She heard the catch in Taber’s breath.

She smiled, knowing she’d succeeded. “
Get home to me soon
.”

“I will
.” He withdrew again.

Lainey shifted back and rested against the headboard, staring at the box she’d placed on her lap. The bed dipped and she lifted her head. Klu rested beside her, watching her silently. Lainey reached out cautiously. Although she’d had the bird close to her before, Taber had been there and she wasn’t sure if he controlled Klu. The bird flooded her mind with images, letting her know he wouldn’t hurt her. Lainey touched him, stroking his feathers for a bit. Finally she glanced at the box then set it aside.

“Not today, Klu. Let’s go have some breakfast then I need to go to work.” Lainey rose from the bed and went to get ready, chatting with the bird.

Chapter Eight

“Then you know what he did.” Lainey paused staring at Klu. “He made me come again. Damn that man. He’s been gone three weeks and I’m still being fulfilled every night. Hell, even sometimes during the day.” Lainey paced before where the bird was perched. “He’s a sneaky bastard. Catching me when I least expect it.”

“Do you and the bird need to be alone?”

Lainey faced Candace, glaring at the amusement on her face that matched her tone.

“This isn’t funny. He’s driving me crazy.” Lainey flopped on the couch beside Candace.

She glanced around the home Candace shared with Talios. It was similar in design to Taber’s but the decorations vastly different—where Taber’s was more vibrantly coloured, Talios’ home was soothing. From what she had got to know about the brothers, their homes reflected their personalities.

“And he moved my stuff to his house.”

“Again. How dare he?”

“You mock me. I can hear it, Candace. You’re supposed to be on my side.” Lainey picked up a pillow and swatted at her.

Candace took the pillow from her and put it behind her back. “You’re being stubborn. Anyone else would have given up after moving their stuff after the fifth time. But not you, my friend.” Candace put her hand over her stomach sliding her fingers together. “This is the nineteenth time you’ve moved it and Taber has put your things back in his house. Did you at least fall asleep in the bed in your old quarters first?”

“Yes. He seduced me and I was tired so I fell asleep there. When I woke I was back at his house with all my stuff.” Lainey glared at Candace. “And it’s twenty-one times. If you’re going to make fun of me get the number right.”

“I was trying to be
nice
”—Candace stressed the word—“and not point out that you’ve been wasting your twenty-one days matching wits with a god. One who is very determined.” Candace sighed. “It reminds me of how Talios was with me. A determined Egyptian god is very inventive.”

The knowing smile on Candace’s face made Lainey laugh. “He is that. But I don’t see Talios being as stubborn as Taber.”

“Don’t let that calm exterior fool you. He’s as sneaky as his brother. Those two are quite a pair when they put their mind to mischief.”

“Do tell.” Lainey curled her legs under her.

Candace glanced around.

“Sula went outside earlier,” Lainey told her.

Sula was Talios’ falcon. She was very friendly and as gentle as Klu. Both birds were friends and went off together often.

“Good. She’s a tattle tale and tells Talios on me,” Candace said.

“You do know we’re both weird that we can converse with animals and actually understand what they are saying.” Lainey shook her head. “Hell, we’re weird to even be involved with Egyptian gods.”

“Is there a point to your statement?”

“Nope. Just pointing out the strangeness that has become our lives.”

“I wonder how I got so lucky.” Candace chuckled. “Then Talios reminds me he’s too much of a luscious man to pass up.”

“No way does he say that!” Lainey couldn’t believe such words would come from Talios. Taber yes, but not his more silent brother.

“Uh huh. He sure did.” Candace smiled ruefully. “I called him that once in that moment.”

“What—” Lainey stopped then snickered loudly. “Oh, that one.”

“Yes.” Candace cleared her throat. “Anyway. About the mischief-making Ellis brothers. Talios was jealous of this man at my job and well, although he realised it was foolish, he still felt he had to do something. He’s kinda possessive.”

“Taber seems to be that way, too.” Lainey nodded. “What did he do?”

“Not he.
They
. Talios, with Taber’s help, decided to go to the lab and well…bring the bones we put together in the shape of a dinosaur and a raptor to life. They made them speak to the man telling him that I was off-limits, except as a friend.”

Lainey stared at her in disbelief then her lips twitched and she laughed until tears rolled down her face.

Candace was laughing too, even as she said, “It’s not funny. To this day my friend swears he must have been really tired or something. He avoids the two displays and when I have to do anything with them I have to get someone else.” Candace shook her head. “Talios and Taber still tell the story and use a projected visual to show it.”