Lucha Libre – The Conclusion

The smell of sweat, stale beer, and tequila permeated the arena. Two men locked in mortal combat. Bodies writhing together. My beautiful Rey fought for pride, domination…and an enormous belt that Zeus himself would’ve envied.

This was La Lucha Libre. Mexican wrestling. Though it resembled no form of wrestling familiar to me. I quite enjoyed watching thick, masculine bodies, slick with baby oil grappling each other. The most striking feature of this art form—colorful, wicked masks which concealed the identities of each contestant.

We’d been through several rounds of amateurs and new contenders looking for their place in the glory and pageantry of it all. The last match of the night, the championship round, had just begun.  Rey, clad in his silver and black ensemble, fought a beefy man sporting fuchsia and gold.

Spectators shouted encouragement and insults, depending on which man they’d placed a wager on. Not that Rey needed my divine intervention, but I toyed with the idea of weakening his opponent. In the end, I let the match play itself out. Rey won match with relative ease.

I waited in the arena as the crowd cleared out, one by one. The frenzy from earlier in the evening mellowed to groups of drunken revelers, flush with their winnings. Finally, Rey emerged, fresh from the shower an in plain clothes. Without the mask, no one recognized the god walking among them.

“There’s a party to celebrate the win, back at my ranch house. You up for a little fun?” he asked.

I ran my hand over his cheek. “I wish I could stay, but it’s time I get back to my home.”

“Come on, stay tonight and I’ll deliver you to your doorstep tomorrow, I promise.”

The temptation to stay tugged at me, but the responsibilities of a goddess were endless and I’d been away too long already. “I’m sorry, love, but I have to go.”

A wicked look twinkled in his eye just before he hoisted me over his shoulder and walked back to his hotel room. I squealed in protests to no avail. Of course, the protests were only half-hearted to begin with.

He heaved me onto his bed and kissed me passionately. We didn’t bother to disrobe, but simply freed ourselves enough to join our bodies together. Our love making climaxed in a flurry of kisses, caresses and waves of pleasures.

Afterward, I draped myself across his chest. Bruises had started to form on his arms and abdomen.

“Why do you put yourself through such physical trials?” I asked.

He shrugged. “It’s the only thing I’m good at.

“Not the only thing.”

“Ha. I’m glad you think so.” Rey smiled up at the ceiling. “Anyway, the payout is worth it. This way I can take care of my mother and mi abuelita. It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice at all.”

Though I knew I shouldn’t, I couldn’t help but use my healing powers to alleviate the worst of his injuries. Soon his breathing evened out, his chest rose and fell with a gentle rhythm. Slipping from his embrace, I placed a single kiss on his forehead.

As I drew myself together, I listened to the powerful beat of his heart. It spoke to me of all the beauty this man possessed, inside and out. With one more kiss to his cheek, I bestowed upon him the gift of divine protection. No opponent would be able to best him—in the ring or in life. Then I left him one more memento and slipped quietly from his room to return to my emerald isle.

Rey’s been retired from the ring for several years now. A touch of gray crowns his temples and grandchildren play at his feet, the youngest bouncing on his knee. Around his neck he still wears a St. Brighid medal—given to him years ago by a mystery woman. Since the last night he spent with her, he’d lived a charmed life…as I’d always intended him to.

Congratulations are in order.

 

Heather/Jambrea

Gideon/Kensana

Brighid/Cindy

 Brighid: Heather, Gideon, darlings, I just read the review. You must be so pleased. And your authoresses too.

Cindy: Yes, big congrats [sniffle]

Brighid: Back to bed, Jacks unless you want me to dose you again with my special buttered rum.

Gideon: Yes, it is a good day for us wouldn’t you agree Heather? If Jambrea is half as happy as Kensa is right now, I know she is a very happy individual at the moment.

Heather:  We are so very excited!  Jacks, you don’t look so good.  Maybe you should go to bed.

Jambrea:  I’m still riding the happy wave!  And Jacks I agree.  You need to get better so we can all go party!

Kensana: Of course I’m happy. It’s our first real review. I mean we’ve had another, but that was the book as a collective. This one was about our individual stories.

Alli: Hey, don’t forget us. Mitch and I just wanted to stop in a say congratulations for creating this story for us. Right Mitch?

Mitch: Yup. It not for Miss Kensana we may have never gotten together. So I’d just like to thank you. Oh and you too Gideon.

Gideon: The both of you are quite welcome, but the credit belongs to Kensa. She created the story I just put a thought in her head.

Kensana: Aw Gideon you’re too modest babe. I couldn’t have done it without you. Jax does need to get better soon. We’ve got to get this party started right!

Cindy: [coughs] No really [coughs again] I’m good to go. Let’s par-tay

Kensana: Oh yeah, you sound like the picture of health. *laughs*

Brighid: To bed, Jacks! I’ll party for two today.

Jack:  I want to thank Jambrea and Heather for helping me realize Sam is the one for me.

Samantha:  Oh yes, I agree.  Thank you for bringing Jack back into my life where he belongs.  And I hope the party doesn’t get too rowdy.  I’d hate to have to call my deputy’s in.

Jambrea:  Sam, you’re off duty and this SO isn’t your jurisdiction.

Heather:  Yes Sam, relax and be happy that the review loved the part of you rolling around with a pig.  *giggle*

Samantha:  You COULD have kept that part out.  *glares at Heather and Jambrea*

Jack:  But you looked so cute covered in mud.  *stifling a chuckle*

Samantha:  Did someone say anything about a drink?

Kensana: Drinks all around Brig! Oh you’d better pull out extra, I invited Ares. He said he try to stop in later.

Alli: Oh wow! The God of War. I’ve heard so much about him.

Mitch: Calm down little missy, I think he has his eye on another little philly and besides you’re already spoken for. *wraps Alli in a big hug*

Kensana: Yeah I think you’re right about that Mitch. *smiles at Brig*

Brighid: Why is everyone looking at me? Is Aphrodite standing behind me?

Heather: You know why silly.  But don’t worry.  We’re here for you.  We could always see if we could get Raven to stop by.  He always causes a stir.  *giggle*

Samantha: Who is Raven, and will we really meet the God of War?  This place is too cool.

Jambrea:  It can get kind of wild Samantha.  The best thing to do is set back and watch the show.  And Brig, we are always here for you.  Now where are those drinks.  I think we might need them.

 

 

 

Lucha Libre, Part Three

Cindy: Brighid, get out of bed.

 

Brighid: No.

 

Cindy: Get out of bed now.

 

Brighid: You’re cute when you pretend like you can make me do something, Jacks.

 

Cindy: I’m well aware that I lack the physical ability…However, I’ve been doing a little research, and unless you want today’s blog entry to be about you and your thing with Ares, I suggest you get up.

 

Brighid: [Sitting up and righting her appearance with the flick of a wrist] You wouldn’t dare!

 

Cindy: Oh, yes, I would. We already missed last Monday’s blog entry due to technical difficulties. And unless you feel like continuing your story with Rey, I’ll be forced to out you and Ares.

 

Bacchus: [appearing with a glass of champagne] Milady.

 

Brighid: Thank you, love. I need this. I’ve got Jacks blackmailing me out of bed. Can you believe that?

 

Bacchus: [Winks at Cindy] I can. She’s a feisty one.

 

Cindy: [Giggling and blushing] Good morning, Bacchus.

 

Bacchus: Good morning, beautiful. You two play nice, now.

 

Cindy: Will do.

 

Brighid: All right, Jacks, where was I with Rey’s story?

 

Cindy: He’d found you stranded at the edge of Mexican border town. With the most innocent of intentions, he took you to his hotel room to shower since he’d just worked out. You found a leather pants and a mask in his belongings, decided he was twisted enough to pique your interest so you were just about to join him in the shower…

 

Brighid: Okay. Got it.

 

 

“Mind if I join you?” I asked.

 

Startled, he turned around. I could hear his thunderous heartbeat and delectable, impure thoughts, though I didn’t need the skills of a goddess to see that he wanted me.

 

“Of course I don’t mind.” Again, he triumphed over me with that disarming smile.

 

I stripped off the t-shirt and jeans then stepped into the shower. His powerful arm caught me around the waist and pulled me to him in a heated kiss. Steamy water spilled over my body, relaxing me against his hard body.

 

He cupped my face in one hand and brushed a stray lock of hair from my cheek. His gaze pierced me. Something hard and steely about it spoke of the strength in this human, prompting me to set aside the goddess in me, to enjoy his dominance. I broke eye contact with him and studied the rivulets surging over the peaks and valleys of his torso.

 

My heart thundered in the hollow of my neck. I could feel it pounding in the way that mortal romance novels described. Rey pulled me to him, engulfing my lips in a powerful kiss. His mouth strayed to my throat and seared a trail over my shoulders, then strayed to my breasts. My hands grasped his hips, as if he would absorb me if I let go. He intertwined his fingers with mine and gently pinned them against the tile wall.

 

His lips slid down my abdomen. Water streaming down his expansive back, he dropped to his knees and kissed between my legs. His grasp on me faltered and I shook my hands free. I laced my fingers behind his head and encouraged him to continue exactly what he was doing. Rey glanced up at me, a smile in his eyes and intensified his tongue’s strokes against my most sensitive spots.

 

My legs trembled, then buckled beneath me. His hands steadied me as I slid down the wall to the floor. With no invitation needed, he positioned himself over me and wrapped one of my legs around him—Then finally he pushed himself inside of me. I gasped and opened my eyes. His searching gaze met mine, still full of unspoken questions. Shifting my focus to his body, my hips tilted to meet his pelvis. Though Rey held the full weight of his body off mine, the pressure of his shaft inside me pushed me closer to the precipice of an orgasm.

 

I clutched onto him, muscles straining to contain the pleasure about to break loose inside me. My chest heaved and I pulled him deeper inside of me.  As though a dam broke within me, I shuddered beneath him in the grasp of an overwhelming climax.

 

My senses quieted one at a time. First my ears tuned in to the patter of shower still raining down on his skin and the floor around us. I took in a deep, calming breath, the scent of our bodies thick in the billows of steam. Finally I opened my eyes. I’d clenched them shut in the throes of ecstasy. The granite of his stare softened with a sated glow. I felt no need to hide from him any longer. He landed flurries of kisses on my brow, cheeks, and lips between gulps of air.

 

“Wow,” he murmured.

 

“I was just thinking that.”

 

“I suppose I should let you up off the shower floor, hmm?”

 

“You know, I hadn’t even noticed.”

 

He scrambled to his feet and helped me up. His arms slipped around me and he dipped in for another kiss.

 

We set about the business of showering in earnest. My hands slid over his soapy body, exploring every detail. Clean, shiny and still basking in afterglow, we stepped out of the shower and toweled each other dry.

 

Rey led me to his bed; we slipped between smooth, white cotton sheets. He tucked my body beneath his and pampered me with leisurely caresses. His lips skimmed across mine and he nuzzled his nose against the crook of my neck.

 

“How did I get so lucky to find this sexy, beautiful woman lost in the desert?” he asked.

 

“I assure you it was the Fates. They like to do things like this.”

 

“So you know them personally?” he teased.

 

“Actually, I do.”

 

“My sexy, beautiful, and mysterious lady.”

 

“Speaking of mysteries—” I leaned over and fished the mask from his bag—“What’s this all about?”

 

His face flushed and he took it from me. “That is a very long story.”

 

“Believe me, love, I have all the time in the world to hear it.”

 

To be continued…

 

Meeting new friends (cont.)

Heather/Jambrea

Gideon/Kensana

Brighid/Cindy

Jambrea:  What’s up Kensi?

Kensana: You’ve got to keep Heather as far away from Raven as possible. He’s hot and all but he doesn’t huh…play well with others.

Jambrea:  He’d hurt her?  We’d better get back in there before Heather invites him over.  Oh Heather, can I– What are you doing?!

Heather:  I’m just talking to Raven.  Isn’t he dreamy.  We were just going to leave.

Jambrea:  Umm…Heather that MIGHT not be a good idea.  Maybe you should talk to Kensi first.  She does know him just a little bit more than you do.

Kensana: Listen Heather, I know he’s cute but he’s dangerous. Trust me on this.

Gideon: What’s going on Kensa, is everything alright?

Kensana: Not exactly Gideon. I’m afraid Heather has the hots for Raven.

Brighid: Oh Heather, darling, Ares was just telling me about Raven. I think you should listen to Kensi.

Gideon: The hots…oh. Would you like me to talk to her.

Kensana:  Would you please.

Heather:  I don’t understand.  He doesn’t look dangerous.  *giggle*  *smiles at Raven and gives him a little wave*

Jambrea:  Heather, please listen to them.  They know what they are talking about.

Heather:  *pout*  I just want to have a little fun and he looks fun!

Cindy: I don’t know, Heather. If Brighid is balking about the prospect, I’d be afraid…very afraid.

Kensana: He is a lot of fun right up to the moment when he rips your throat out.

Gideon: Kensa, I thought I was doing the talking. Heather he’s not safe it would be best if you stuck with the rest of us or I’ll make a deal with you. If you want to go out with him just don’t go alone.

Heather:  *whispers to Gideon* Do you think Ares would go with us? Those other yummy guys look taken and I don’t see how that could be fun.  Are you sure he would hurt me?  He might like me.  I could bite back too?  *giggle*

Jambrea:  Heather, what about the new guy we’ve been talking too?  Holly needs a little help.  We can’t just leave her so you can go play.

Heather:  *pout*  You really aren’t any fun.  Work, work work.  I’ll just wait until you go to sleep.  Don’t let me have fun and I might stop talking to you.

Jambrea:  Heather!  I’m just thinking of your safety here.

Heather:  *sigh* I know, but I need to have fun.  Brig!  Let’s go have some fun.

Brighid: [hands Heather a purple glass of champagne] Oh I suppose I can be persuaded to play chaperone. But first, bottom’s up, dear!

Cindy: Brig, I really don’t think–

[Heather wilts to the floor after downing her glass]

Cindy: What did you give her, Brighid?

Brighid: It’s just a mild sedative mixed with the gift of true sight. Ares told me to do what I needed to do to protect her from Raven. He’s THAT dangerous. Brea, I’m sorry, love. I know you have work to do tonight, but really, it’s for her own good. When she wakes up she should see Raven for what he is…a murderous retch. 

Kensana: Man she’s out cold. That’s good stuff Brig. Now the other four  they’re good guys. No worries. 

Jambrea:  That’s ok Brig.  I know she’ll thank us for it in the morning.  I needed a break anyway.  Thanks Ares.  So Kensi, what is up with this Raven character?  Why are you hanging around him if he is so dangerous?  Just who is he?

Kensana: [whispers] Raven is a long time friend of Dorian and Christian’s, but he’s changed. I can’t say more than that.

Cindy: Is Dorian spoken for?

Brighid: Jacks! I’m shocked. He may or may not be, but you certainly are.

Cindy: I was talking to Kensi.

Dorian: Darling my situation is umm…complicated.

Jambrea:  Well Dorian, we do like complicated.  Maybe you should sit down and chat for awhile. That is if Kensi is done with you for the evening.  Maybe it is time for us authors to party.  Brig, do have any sedative free champagne?

Cindy: [lashes fluttering] You’ll find I’m an excellent listener. I’m all ears, Dori. May I call you that?

Brighid: You’re all SOME body part right now, Jacks, but I think it’s a little farther SOUTH than your ears.

Cindy: Shhhhhh. Dori’s going to tell us more about himself.

Dorian: Well there’s not much to tell. I met Christian when he was traveling through Texas at a conference. We’re been buds every since. That was…what sixty years ago Christian?

Christian: Yeah something like that.

Dorian: He got this gig at a hospital and asked me to come along. Everything was good to go until I met Christa.

Jambrea:  Ohhh…a Doctor.  This just keeps getting better and better.  You are a doctor, right?  Cindy, you’ll have to tell me all about it, I should probably get Heather home.

Cindy: Will do. Night night, Brea. So Dorian, please, tell us about Christa.

Dorian: As I said, our relationship is complicated. Crista and I have know each for as long as I’ve known Christian. Unfortunately that’s part of the problem, she knows me too well.  [whispers] The other problem is Christian. I’ve been uh…warned not to go near his sister and Christa will not do anything that will upset her brother.  So, what’s a guy to do?

Cindy: You poor thing! Well, if you ever need anyone to talk to…

Brighid: Jacks!

Cindy: What? I said talk. TALK.

Brighid: It’s not what you meant.

Cindy: Is so!

Brighid: [Shooing Cindy along] Well, it’s been lovely meeting all of you. I’ve got to get this home too. Brady’s waiting and he’s all torn up about that kiss with Layla. And you haven’t written your 1000 words today.

Cindy: Oh fine. Good night, all. Good night, Dori.

Dorian: On the next dark evening I’m all alone, I’ll keep that in mind darling. It’s been nice talking to you ladies. You take care now.

 

 

Meeting new friends

Heather/Jambrea

Gideon/Kensana

Brighid/Cindy

Gideon: Okay guys today I have a special treat for you.  

Dorian: And what might that be Gideon?                                          

Christian: I’m a little curious myself, what’s up?

Quinn:  Well speaking for myself, I’m looking forward to some down time.

Sergei: Whatever it is, I surely do hope it is more entertaining than the droll little females we encountered last evening.

Raven: Hopefully their not human.

Ares: My God man you are a depressing entity. Go on son.

Gideon:[flies through the PM Club doorway] Ladies? I have a few people for you to meet.

Brighid: [turns around, then smiles] Gideon, love! How have you been? I feel like you’ve been gone for ages! [hugs him]

Gideon: Well a guy has to take some time out every now and again. I love you ladies, but sometimes there is way too much estrogen around here for me. [smiles]

Brighid: But I suppose I’ll have to forgive you…my my my what have you brought us here? Five more gorgeous males, each one a dark angel in his own right. [Bows her head, flushed] Ares, so lovely to see you again…after all this time.

Ares: Hmm Brighid, it has been a long time. We must get together and catch up on old times. Cindy it wonderful to finally meet you.

Cindy: Yes, it’s nice to meet you–wait–Brig, I thought you’d never met Ares before. That’s why you were mad–

Brighid: We’ll talk about it later, Jacks. 

Heather:  But Brig, I want to know.  Just how well do you know Ares.  *giggle*   He is Divine.  And Gideon, how nice of you to bring these other men with you.  Please introduce us.

Jambrea:  *shakes head* Sorry, I was having a hard time not drooling.  My goodness.  Or my God.  Yum!  Wait…did I say that out loud.  *blushes*

Heather:  Yes you did.  *giggle*

Cindy: Hear, hear Brea! So, Brig, cough up the info about you and Ares. Or am I going to have to pry to story out of Ares himself?

Brighid: Not today, Jacks. Ares and I have some catching up to do first. Besides, I’m sure our readers would rather hear about Dorian, Christian, Raven, Quinn and Sergei.

Cindy: Don’t get me wrong. I want to hear all about our guests too. You’re all just too gorgeous.

Brighid: There’s no such thing as too gorgeous.

Jambrea:  I would have to agree with Brig there.

Heather:  Don’t wear out…umm…catch up too hard.  I want to hear more about Ares.  *sigh* *giggle*

Jambrea:  Calm down Heather.  *laughing* Please, introduce us to your gorgeous friends.  I want to know more.

Christian: I can’t stay long, I promised Kela I’d get back. We’re hanging out here while Kensana works on our story. I can’t tell you the title yet, she’s keeping that under wraps.

Dorian: Oh is that a whip I hear? Let that gal wait.

Quinn: I don’t think you’re one to talk Dorian. Was that Christa on your cell?

Raven: Who care what those women are doing when there are four women here who appear to be very capable. [grins]

Sergei: Ah vampires in their youth…what am I going to do with these fellow. I think I speak for them all when I say it is a pleasure to meet you beautiful ladies.

Gideon: Ladies may I present to you the gentleman of Kensa’s new story, Christian, Dorian, Quinn, Raven and last but surely not least Sergei. Feel free to ask them anything. They’re an open book. So to speak. [he laughs]

Heather:  Can I take Raven home.  Please, please.  *whispers to Jambrea* Do you think he’d bite me.  I bet it would be yummy.  *giggle*

Jambrea:  HEATHER!

Kensana: [rushes in out of breath] Whoa Heather! Brea can I talk to you for a moment?  [takes Brea aside]

 

To be continued…

Meet Brady

Brighid

Brady

Cindy

Brighid: Darling, so good of you to join me. May I offer you anything?

 

Brady: [Perched on the edge of velvet divan] Ummm, I’m a little nervous. If it’s not too much trouble, could I get a glass of water, please?

 

 

Brighid: Water? Hmmmm…no one’s ever asked me for water before. How about some champagne? Meade? Vodka and tonic?

 

 

 

Brady: It’s eight o’clock in the morning.

 

Brighid: Bloody Mary? Mimosa?

 

Brady: Riiiight. Thanks for the offer. I think I’m okay for now.

 

Brighid: All right then, shall we get started?

 

[Satyr skips by playing pan flutes]

 

Brady: Whoa. This place is a trip.

 

Brighid: I know you’re such a sweet little newbie, but trust me, you’ll love it here. How do you like working with Jacks?

 

Brady: Cindy? Oh she’s great. She’s taken a lot of time to talk to me, to flesh out my past.

 

Brighid: True, she has many a good point. Just don’t wake her up in the middle of the night to ask her opinion about white chocolate. She gets terribly agitated by that.

 

Brady: Gotcha. I think I can steer clear of that.

 

Brighid: So could you share a bit of that past with us?

 

Brady: [clears throat] I don’t know where to start.

 

Brighid: Tell us a bit about your family.

 

Brady: Well, my mother passed away a few years ago and I’ve done my best to take care of my little sister since then. She’s a sophomore at UVA, pre-med.

 

Brighid: And your father?

Brady: Ummm, let’s just say he was never around.

Brighid: You poor thing. You’re such a dear to support your family. Where do you work, love?

 

Brady: I’m a bartender at a club called Divine in DC. I used to be a waiter and a short order cook, but a friend tipped me off that I could make more money and spend more time at home with Katie, my sis, if I became a bartender.

 

Brighid: You’re so sweet I just want to dunk you in my coffee. Well, if I drank coffee I would. And what about Laila. Could you tell me a bit about her?

 

Brady: Mrs. Parker—sorry, Laila is such a nice person. She’s my landlady. I rent out her basement apartment in Northwest.

 

Brighid: [Looks around for Cindy] Just between you and me, is anything brewing with you and your landlady?

 

Brady: Oh that wouldn’t be appropriate. She’s married, but I can tell you we have a connection, a—

 

Cindy: [Bursts into Brighid’s sitting room] Brady!  Honey, I know you don’t know the rules yet, but you can’t talk about that.

 

Brighid: [Sticks out tongue] Oh good, the party pooper’s here.

 

Cindy: And you know better, Brighid. Putting spoilers on the blog for all to read.

 

Brady: I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to get Brighid in trouble.

 

Cindy: Don’t blame yourself. Brighid is plenty good at getting herself in trouble.

 

Brighid: It was a perfectly legitimate question.

 

Cindy: The whole point of the book is how Laila and Brady’s relationship develops. Besides, he doesn’t know the whole story yet.

 

Brighid: Oooh, too juicy to tell the innocent over there?

 

Brady: Hello, still in the room.

 

Cindy: Sorry, hon. But yes, I think there are some things I’ve got planned for you that we should let unfold as I write them.

 

Brady: Wow. Well, I guess my future is in your hands. I’m okay with that.

 

Cindy:  Hey, thanks for the vote of confidence. I appreciate it.

 

Brighid: You’re still a huge party pooper, Jacks.

 

Cindy: Since you’re whole life is a party, Brighid, I can live with that assessment. Oh—what happened with Rey? You left everyone hanging with the shower scene.

 

Brighid: I’ll get back to Rey next week, but Brady is just too delicious. I had to introduce him to everyone here at PM.

 

Cindy: He is totally hot.

 

Brady: [Blushing brightly] Still here, guys!

 

Cindy: Oh right, sorry…hee hee.

Lucha Libre, part 2

 

Brighid: So when I had to part with Rey I found myself…well, for lack of a better word—sad.

 

Cindy: Wait, wait, wait. You just skipped to the end!

 

Brighid: No, I didn’t.

 

Cindy: Yes, you did. Last we heard Rey was about to take a shower.

 

Brighid: Ohhh. Really? Then what writer’s head have I been in because I told someone the whole story.

 

Cindy: Well, it wasn’t me. You deserted me all week!

 

Brighid: I thought you needed a rest, but I’m back—please hold the applause—so where were we?

 

Cindy: Rey found you face down in the dirt in a small Mexican desert town after you had a bender with Quetzalcoatl and he invited you back to his hotel room so he could take a shower.

 

Brighid: Oh boy, you are far behind, all right—let’s start with that shower…

I followed Rey to a small inn, all the while taking in the masculine grace of his gait. His strides were long and solid, but not hurried. He bore the confidence of at least a demi-god, though I knew him to be entirely human. This aspect of his nature intrigued me; humans rarely exhibited such strength of body and mind.

 

“Feel free to tell me it’s none of my business, but how did you wind up here?” he said.

 

“It’s a very long story. Let’s just say I don’t hold my tequila well.”

 

A knowing smile parted his full lips, yet another weapon in his arsenal of charm. “I find there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who can drink tequila and those who can never drink tequila again.”

 

“I fall into the latter category. How about you?”

 

“So far I still can, but that could change on any given weekend.”

 

Right then and there I decided the prior evening had not been a total wash. Were it not for Quetzi and his demon drink, I would never have met this most alluring young man. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d been truly attracted to a mere mortal.

 

The room at the inn held few furnishings: a queen-size bed covered in simple cotton blanket, a chest of drawers, and a single nightstand; his only personal effect in the room—a suitcase tucked neatly in the corner.

 

“It’s not much,” he said as though he’d read my thoughts.

 

“Don’t be silly. It has everything you need.”

 

“True, and few distractions. At least until you arrived.”

 

“Oh my, you are a charmer, aren’t you?”

 

He shot me an innocent glance, but didn’t offer a reply. Instead he asked, “Would you like to shower first?”

 

“Thank you, but I’ll be all right. Go about your business, pretend I’m not even here.”

 

“I don’t think I’m capable of that.”

 

He flopped his suitcase on the bed, then pulled out two pairs of jeans and two t-shirts. One set of clothing he folded over his arm, one set he left on the bed. “In case you’d like to change. I’m sure the jeans are way too big, but you shouldn’t run around town in a bikini.”

 

“But I have you to protect me.”

 

“I’m good, but I don’t think I could defend you against every guy in town advancing on you at once.”

 

“Oh okay, I’ll change,” I said. “No peeking.”

 

“I’ll be in the shower. You’ll have all the privacy you need.”

 

So cute of him to say, as if I wanted privacy. But I decided to play up the damsel in distress routine.

 

After he disappeared into the bathroom, I donned the vestments. Never having worn a pair of ‘jeans’ before, I found the fabric unpleasant. Why anyone would choose to wear such a coarse textile, I’d never know. Didn’t he have anything silk or cashmere?

 

I flicked open his suitcase and rifled through it. My hands landed on something more luxurious, buttery-soft leather. Black leather pants and a black and silver leather mask. Now just what kinky stuff was this delicious young man into? Oh yes, the game was afoot. Wearing a wicked grin, I returned the garments to the bag, then walked over to the bathroom door. A cloud of steam met me as I slipped inside.

 

“Mind if I join you?” I asked.

 

Startled, he turned around, water streaming over the carved perfection of his body. I could hear his thunderous heartbeat and delectable, impure thoughts, though I didn’t need the skills of a goddess to see that he wanted me.

 

“Of course I don’t mind.” Again, he triumphed over me with that disarming smile.

 

To be continued…

 

 

 

 

You can call me Rey (or why Brighid loves La Lucha Libre)

The dust from the arrid plane around me choked my lungs and I sputtered awake. The drum solo playing in my brain made me—well the only word that came to mind—nauseous. Goddesses are not supposed to have hangovers, I thought. Of course, the last thing I remember from the night before was Quetzalcoatl asking me if I’d like to join him in Cabo for a few drinks. Judging from my surroundings, I wasn’t in Cabo anymore. I made a mental note to stay far away from liquor of the agave cactus and stick with my usual champagne.

 

I pushed myself upright my sarong and bathing suit an unacceptable mess. Pulling myself together with a flick of my wrist, I prepared to sublimate to my own realm when a simply dressed stranger headed straight for me. He wore only a pair of baggy pair of jersey pants. Sweat glistened on his flawless, caramel skin; his dark hair had been combed back to reveal a remarkable, chiseled face.

 

“Señorita, necesitas ayuda?” he asked in a baritone voice I would’ve expected from him.

 

Mexico, I thought. I was still in Mexico! Were he speaking ancient Gaelic, I could’ve kept up no problem, but I’d been remiss in learning more contemporary human languages, though I knew a few phrases.  “Hablas inglés?”

 

“Yes, I speak English.” A California accent took over. “I asked if you need help, miss.”

 

I could’ve kissed this angelic young man for calling me ‘Miss.’ Four millien—ahem, the considerable length of time I’d been in existence far precluded me from such a youthful honorific, but who was I to correct him?

 

The wind kicked up another cloud of dust and he flexed his substantial body against it. This was no Calvin Klein underwear model or young man content with the slim form of post-adolescence. His body consisted of a certain mass, muscles bulked up from plenty of food and strenuous weight lifting. I silently applauded his effort being of the firm belief the male body should never appear gracile.

 

“Actually, I could use some help. I’m lost and I need some way to get back to the US.” So it was gross exaggeration of the truth, but selfless kindness in humans should be encouraged.

 

He nodded, his handsome face cracking a boyish grin, “I think I can help you with that.”

 

“You’re an angel” I laid my hand on his meaty forearm.

 

“Um, I was about to head to my hotel room for a shower. Nothing inappropriate intended, but would you like to get out of the sun for a while?”

 

“Oh yes,” I replied, “I certainly would. I freckle terribly, you know.”

 

He laughed and offered me his elbow.

Looping my elbow in his, I remembered I hadn’t introduced myself. “I’m Brighid, by the way.”

 

“Mucho gusto, Brighid. You can call me Rey.”

 

And I would call him Rey…he turned out to be the king of a great many things. (to be continued…)

In the Spotlight – AE Rought’s Angel

Brighid: Welcome Angel, I’m so happy to have a guest of your distinction as my first interview. May I interest you in a glass of champagne?

 

 

 

 

Angel: Thank you for the welcome, it’s an honor to be allowed out for this interview; but I’ll pass on the alcohol–it clouds the mind.

 

 

B: All right, let’s get down to the business of getting to know you better. Please tell us a little bit about yourself, a quick bio.

 

A: Quick scarcely covers multiple lives, Brighid. I’ll hold back the misery of my first life, and focus on the now. My family owns half the docks, controls a large majority of what comes and goes in this little town; but, excuse the pun, “I have bigger fish to fry.”  My brother was killed ten years ago, bled to death by a bitch of a vampire, and since then I’ve devoted myself to learning all that I can to hunt them, to kill them all.

 

 

B: I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your lives have been full of cinematic drama. If you had to choose an actress to portray you, who would it be?

 

A: Well, Kate Hudson is beautiful, in a soft, curvey, blond, pull-her-hair out kind of way–like me, before Mercy. I’d have to say, slap a blond wig on Kate Beckensdale in Underworld and make the creatures she hunts the vampires, and we have a fair approximation.

 

 

B: Your chosen scent is jasmine, very lovely by the way, is there a significance to the flower for you?

 

A: It was the main flower in the bouquet I threw onto my brother’s casket, Brighid. Delicate and white as it fluttered down… I swore at that moment I would never let another vampire hurt me or take a man from me, again. I wear the scent as a reminder.

 

 

 

B: You make your first appearance in A.E. Rought’s, Prey for Mercy. Please tell us a little bit about your relationship with Mercy.

 

A: Convoluted and painful.

Our history spans more than one lifetime. Most recently, Mercy resurfaced in Maine and did everything she could to make my life miserable. The bitch stole my fiancé, embarrassed me at the Cotillion, parading her dark power…powers that should have been mine all along…

Okay, to stop rambling and put things succinctly, I may have entertained soft emotions for Mercy once, in another time, but now, I want her dead–permanently.

 

 

B:  How did you become aware that another woman’s lifetime and sorrow had become reincarnated through you?

 

A: A decade ago, dark, luscious Mercy seduced her way into my parents house in Louisiana. In my brother’s bedroom, she took what she wanted from Christopher and then killed him while I hid in the closet to horrified to scream, too fascinated to look away. I gasped when he went limp, and Mercy looked to my hiding place, seemed to see through the louvered door and straight into me. Her eyes… those damned glowing irises triggered a soul memory in me. My past life didn’t blossom like a spring bud, it blasted open like a percussion grenade.

 

 

B: As a foe, what are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses?

 

A: Greatest strength? I’m patient and persistent as hell.

Weaknesses? If I had any, I would have to say it was my…over zealous nature–it’s hard to contain a tempest in a teacup. 

 

 

B:  Without giving too much away of course, will you be crossing paths with Mercy again?

 

A: Our fates are tangled. I was in her past, she will be in my future–not time, not death, nothing but the sun can come between us.

 

 

B:  I’ve heard through the muse grapevine that AE Rought has written a book dedicated to your life story. Can you give us a little glimpse of the story?

 

A: The only thing I will say, Brighid, is that AE does not paint a flattering portrait of my life after Christopher’s death. She shines a light in the dark places of my soul I would’ve rather kept hidden; she lays bear my indiscretions and failures. If I had it to do over again, I would have come to another author, one less…brutal.

 

 

B: Finally, in honor of the approaching Halloween festivities, what costume would you choose for yourself and why?

 

A: Excuse me while I choke on a giggle. What costume, you ask? Why…an Angel, of course, because I am anything but.

 

 

Thank you again Angel for being my guest. I look forward to picking up a copy of Angel’s Fall and for those who haven’t read Prey for Mercy yet, don’t wait any longer! It’s a fast-paced, kick-ass, dark and sexy ride from beginning to end. Buy it now.

 

A little bit more about Angel’s authoress:

AE Rought is a multi-published author, with works published under two different names. When writing as AE, the stories explore passion and pain in their many shades, through the genres of fantasy and the paranormal. Look for witches and magick, fangs and fur, and heart stopping emotion.

AE’s blog: http://aerought.blogspot.com

AE’s website: http://www.aerought.com

AE’s email: aerought@gmail.com

 

At the End of Her Journey

Ana: Knock, knock, Brig.

 

 

 

 

 

Brighid: Ana, darling, what brings you here?

 

 

 

 

 

A: I just wanted to thank you.

 

B: You’re welcome, dear, but for what?

 

A: You and Cindy finished Point of Distraction the Final Collection this weekend. I’m so thrilled with how everything worked out.

 

B: I’m so glad. Jacks got all weepy that you finally came to the end of your journey.

 

A: Well, it’s bittersweet for me, too. I love that you-know-who and I got our happily-ever-after, but I’m going to miss you and Cindy.

 

B: Don’t be silly. You’ll be around for a long time, every time a reader takes the journey with you. And Jacks is toying with the idea of writing a follow-up book: The Men of Distraction – Life After Ana.

 

A: Oh that sounds like fun. Well, I should get back. You-know-who’s not 100% yet.

 

B: Sorry about that. Apologize to him that we broke his nose in the last POD story, but we had to. It was a necessary obstacle.

 

A: Yeah, he’s not pleased about that, though he doesn’t mind how I managed to break it [giggle], but he’s still having some headaches.

 

B: Here [hands Ana two pastel-pink pills], give him these and he’ll feel right as rain.

 

A: Will he still remember his name? The last time I took something you gave me…well, let’s put it this way, I woke up at Bacchus’s place and it was a week later.

 

B: Well, I had to entertain you somehow while I worked out the end to your story. You were getting a little demanding about it.

 

A: In my defense, you’re the one who made me a demanding person.

 

B: That is true.

 

A: Well, I’m off, Brig [hugs her]. Thank you again. You-know-who and I are very happy together.

 

B: That you two are happy is thanks enough. Give him a hug for me. Ta ta, darling.

 

[Ana leaves]

 

B: [Sighs] I am going to miss working with Ana. Now, if Jacks would ever get her butt out of bed this morning, we could move things along for poor neglected Bacchus and start work on Amber’s story, Boundaries.

 

Cindy: I’ll be up in a minute. The little one has a cold again. I had a rough night.

 

 

 

 

 

B: Ohhh, you heard me? [laughs] I’m glad I didn’t say anything derogatory about you.

 

C: [Snorts] Like that would be anything new…All right, all right, I’m getting up….

 

Want to find out how Ana’s journey begins? Point of Distraction the First Collection is available now only at Lyrical Press!