The Healer's Garden Read online

  "For some reason she attacked me. They don't hurt, but I need to wash, I can still feel her on me."

  He shuddered. The woman's evil clung to his skin.

  "You're not letting me out of your sight.” Jahara laughed. “From now on, I'm stuck to you like glue."

  He held his hands up. She didn't slide from him. He smiled again. “It looks that way, woman. My blood's still boiling with the fury of what they did. I need the cool water of the pool."

  "That sounds wonderful. It will be cleansing for both of us.” She wanted to tell him about Nazaret and Lukiam, but it could wait until they had chilled the heat of anger. They needed to lose themselves in love to find the strength for the battle that had most surely begun.

  Walking through the sliding doors, he cuddled her in his arms, stepping slowly down the stone steps of the pool, clothes and all. He covered her mouth with his and she tasted him, hot and familiar on her tongue. Her toes hit the water first, the chill running up her legs.

  He halted when the water licked at her hips. The warmth of his tongue and skin contrasted the sensation of the cool liquid surrounding her. It raised bumps on her flesh. Moving from her lips, he whispered. “There is no one I want other than you, Jahara. You fill my heart. Your beauty steals the breath from my lungs. Let go and feel my love for you."

  The words swelled her heart.

  His teeth nipped at the fleshy lobe of her ear, sending shivers of anticipation up her spine. Pulling the binding from her hair, he nibbled at the skin on her neck. Tipping her head, Jahara swept the soft tendrils across her back, enjoying the silky tickle on her skin.

  Brenimyn moved his hands under her tunic, taking time to fondle her breasts before removing the clothing. He released it to drift aimlessly in the pool. She leaned back to float in the water, her legs still wrapped at his waist. His erection nestled against her bottom, heating her blood. Looking down at her, Jahara felt Brenimyn's gaze like trembling fingers on her submerged torso. Slowly she fanned her arms, keeping her body hovering just below the surface.

  "Every time I look at you, you become more beautiful. How is that possible, Jahara, my love?” Reaching out, Brenimyn's thumbs grazed over her nipples. Pinching them, the sensation jumped straight down her center.

  She dropped her legs, her body now completely in the water. Letting the buoyancy carry her back to him, her mouth was level with his belly. Her warm tongue circled his navel, her cool hands sliding up the angry welts left by another's rage. Unconsciously the healing energy flowed straight from her heart to her fingers. When it came to loving him, Jahara didn't need to think. The torn flesh disappeared. The white light swallowed the red lines, leaving only the velvet feel of healthy skin behind. She heard him gasp and didn't care if it was the healing or the power of their love enveloping them. His obvious desire empowered her.

  The contrasting sensations of heat and chill were exhilarating. Jahara pulled the string on his breeches. Looking up at him, she worked her fingers slowly around his hips, pushing away the pants. She scraped her teeth on his belly while her hands kneaded the strong muscles of his back. Sliding her hands slowly down his thighs, she took the fabric with her.

  Submerged underwater, she couldn't take him in her mouth as she wanted. Instead, she stood, pressing her body against his, letting the sensitive shaft run the length of her torso. A moan of desire rumbled low in his throat when their mouths tangled again.

  He stepped out of the pants and carried her deeper into the pool. Without preamble he stripped away the last of her garments and lifted her high to sit on the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the cool water. The gossamer fabric of their clothing drifted like wispy clouds in a cerulean sky and she shimmied with the thrill of being naked with him.

  "I love you, Bren."

  "I love you too, Jahara."

  He parted her legs, pulling her close to his face. He spread the swollen lips of her sex with his fingers, his tongue spearing into her exposed heat. Digging her hands into his hair, she arched into the pleasure of his mouth and fingers. She rode the tide of mounting pleasure. One more touch of his tongue to the sensitive bud sent a storm raging through her. Her muscles spasmed as they were buffeted by the pulse pounding power of her climax. She fell back on the tiles, unable to hold herself upright.

  Chill water ran down the black triangle of curls, cooling the throbbing heat, eliciting an unexpected gasp. Sitting up, she caught Brenimyn eying her with a boyish grin. With one hand, he splayed open her folds and, cupping water in the other, he poured it over her flushed skin. He leaned in and sucked the liquid from her body. Repeating the process, he replaced what he'd consumed. She watched him, enjoying the sight of what he was doing to her body. Each time, his tongue roamed longer and deeper around her pulsing clit. What an incredible array of sensations drifting through her: the heat of his lips, warming the chill of the water; the rough feeling of his tongue replacing the cool liquid sluicing down her; and the ache deep inside soothed by his massaging fingers. The rolling thrill built again. Oh, how this man knew how to pleasure her!

  His eyes locked on hers and he lifted her off the edge, lowering her slowly into the water. With one gentle glide he was sheathed inside her depths. The chill of the pool was shocking after the heat that had coursed through her. Her body still pulsed with the mounting pleasure his tongue had created. With Brenimyn filling her, she needed only to pulse her hips and the release that had been so imminent quaked through her. They both moaned with pleasure as he shifted her body, plunging deeper. She gasped out his name, her muscles quivering around him. The orgasm was so much more powerful because they were joined.

  When she could speak, Jahara looked deep into her lover's eyes. “Brenimyn, I have never known such ecstasy with another. Hold me. Just be with me like this. I love you and the incredible way you make love to me."

  Kissing her tenderly, she didn't taste the salt of her body on his tongue, only the water. With her legs wrapped around his hips, he didn't need to hold her up and his hands were free to roam. He kneaded her bottom and breasts, leaning down to scrape his teeth over her nipples peaked by longing and chill.

  "Lean back in the water and relax."

  She did what he asked. Floating once again, her body was surrounded by the silk of the cool water. Only his hands on her and the hot power of his sex deep within her, kept Jahara from floating away.

  Gripping her hips, Brenimyn slowly pulled out of her until only the tip kept them united. With exquisite leisure he pushed back in.

  "This is a new sensation for me. The heat of your body and the cool water.” He pulled out again, “It's thrilling. Do you feel it?” He thrust into her with more power.

  "Every time I make love with you is exciting, Bren.” The water rushed over the skin of her torso as he pushed her away. “But yes, the water definitely adds another dimension.” He thrust himself back in and she gasped as he filled her again.

  He put his thumb on the nubbin still throbbing from her last orgasm. Making lazy circles, his touch jolted her system.

  "I trust you with my love, Jahara. I want to make a baby with you. I want to see you heavy with my child.” The tempo of her heart matched his thrusts. He was going to give up his life essence for her. The vibration of his thumb and the thrill of his words tensed her muscles.

  He pulled her up to his chest, his lips in her hair as he spoke, “let yourself go so you climax with me. Feel my life essence fill you. It is my gift to you. I give it freely and without reservation."

  His words added to her joy. The power built deep inside her. She closed her eyes, letting his love wash over her. As the wave rolled through her with thunderous power, he grasped her hips and pounded his cock into her with such power the storm of pleasure ravaged their bodies. For the first time, she felt the hot surge of his release, his cries of total ecstasy a thrilling sound she would not soon forget. Their muscles convulsed as the bliss controlled them. The crushing orgasms of total surrender left them trembling and weak.

&nbs
p; He cradled her in his arms. On weak legs, he leaned against the pool wall. His heart thudded heavy on her cheek. If they weren't still floating in the water, she was sure Brenimyn would have collapsed.

  * * * *

  She heard the music far away and swam through the lake to find it. A bird flew overhead, calling her name. It was peaceful where she was, she didn't want to leave. A large hand squeezed her shoulder.

  "Jahara, wake up."

  Brenimyn's voice cut through the mist of the dream, sounding urgent in her muddled state between sleep and wake. Her head swam as she forced herself up.

  "What? What's wrong?” Memories of her day flooded over her, the gossamer veil of dreams dropping away. “Lukiam? Is it Lukiam? What time is it? Brenimyn, how long did I sleep?” She tried to push out of the bed.

  He laughed. “Slow down, my love.” Putting his hand on her shoulder, he held her in bed. “It's not Lukiam. Nazaret called. He's doing well. And so is the baby.” The dimples dug deep around his smile. “It's Merenith. She's on the video communicator. It's the second time she's called today. I thought you'd like to talk to her. It's nearly sunset."

  "You let me sleep the day away?"

  "Let you sleep? You were the walking dead by the time we made it to the bed. Do you want to take this call?"

  "Of course.” It was odd talking to Brenimyn about Merenith. She pulled on his discarded tunic from the floor, inhaling the scent of him and imagining his heat enveloping her.

  So much had happened since she'd talked with Merenith. How many days had passed? Three? Four? A week? She couldn't be sure.

  She ran down the hall to the office.

  "Hello, Merenith, it's good to see you.” Merenith's beautiful blond hair swirled about her face, accenting the graceful curve of her neck.

  "I, however, am a sight.” Jahara's cheeks flushed and she hoped her embarrassment wasn't obvious. She pulled her fingers through her hair. It had dried as Brenimyn loved her in their bed. The tangles would require more than her fingers.

  "You have done some powerful healing.” Merenith touched the screen. “I see it in your face. Are you all right?"

  Jahara didn't know what Merenith saw after she'd healed. Somehow her partner knew instinctively when Jahara arrived home from the hospital after a difficult day.

  "A breeder was badly hurt by some machinery. With the help of others, I was able to save a life . And the breeder's partner was incredibly relieved.” She couldn't mention Nazaret or the baby, or the fact they'd actually saved a family. Merenith would never understand.

  "A breeder? Sometimes the agricultural section is so dangerous. I'm not sure why women choose to work there. But how fortunate you were there to save her. I'm sure her partner will be forever grateful."

  Merenith had misunderstood. Of course she would think Jahara would save only a female breeder. It would never occur to her that a man's life was worth anything. She had to bite back a scathing retort. She curved her mouth, trying to sound upbeat. “You are right, Mer. So, how're things at work for you?” She was desperate to change the subject.

  "The same, but I don't want to talk about that. I have good news for you. It's why I called. The acceptance came through today. I can visit you at the Garden next week. This month has just dragged by."

  Jahara's heart pinched with guilt. Had a month passed already? So much had happened she hadn't realized she'd been at the Garden that long.

  "I'm sure your Dame pushed through the paperwork. I know she's aware how lonely I am. The apartment's so empty without you. Look what I brought home to keep me company.” The orange tabby she held up to her face rubbed its nose into Merenith's cheek and purred. “It's not like having you here, but at least he's some company to help me while away the lonely hours."

  Jahara's heart sank.

  "Isn't that wonderful? Five days together, alone in one of the apartments.” Her hand sporting their commitment ring caressed the screen. “I have missed you, Jahara, my love."

  "And I you, Merenith.” Jahara's mind raced. It frightened her how easily the lie fell from her mouth. Next week, she'd tell Merenith about Brenimyn. She couldn't possibly break her heart over the communicator.

  Jahara knew, with absolute certainty, her heart was meant for Brenimyn. She understood now that she loved Merenith, not as one loves a mate, but more like one of her birth-sisters.

  "Jahara, you're quiet."

  Jahara forced the muscles of her face to lift one corner of her mouth. “Just tired from the healing."

  "Your breeder seems nice. I talked to him briefly today. A very nice specimen. He looks like me. People won't know which one of us birthed your offspring.” It was Merenith's turn to blush. “I mean, if you have a female and you choose to bring her back home."

  "Of course.” Jahara swallowed the bile filling her throat.

  "Something about having you there has made me realize how much I'd like to raise a child.” Merenith smiled shyly. “Like your birth-sister is doing. I was too young to keep my own offspring, but we have each other. The child would have two Dames to love it."

  Jahara also wanted to raise her children, both male and female in a loving environment. Merenith just wasn't part of what she envisioned for her future.

  "I'm sorry.” Merenith shook her head, her hair swiveling about like a halo. “Obviously the thought is too overwhelming for you. Forget I said anything. We can talk about it when I visit.” She waved a dismissive hand at the screen.

  "Yes, that'd be good.” Contorting her features, Jahara tried to project joy, too difficult, perhaps just acceptance of her current situation. She forced another smile and lifted her eyebrows.

  Leaning in conspiratorially, Merenith's face filled the screen. “So the copulating ... you doing okay with it? I know it's messy, all those fluids moving from one body to another, but if your breeder is like mine, it doesn't take long.” Merenith's face pinched with disgust, the quiver shimmying her breasts.

  "Oh, how I detested when he entered me.” Merenith's eyes glazed with a far off look. “Thank goodness it was over in the first month. I can count on my fingers how many times I endured that ritual.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “With any luck, it will be the same for you."

  Jahara thought of the love she had shared with Brenimyn just that afternoon. The trust they had placed in each other. There was a unity in their lovemaking. When they were apart, she counted the minutes until they could join their bodies again. She loved him, but never more than when he was deep inside her making her whole.

  "That bad, huh?"

  "Oh, you know, I tolerate it.” Lifting her shoulder, Jahara tried to sound bored. “Like you said, the fluid exchange is quick so I can stomach it. I just imagine it's your hands on me, not his.” This conversation wasn't going well. Jahara didn't have to tell Merenith about Brenimyn, but she certainly didn't need to add lies to their discussion. Brenimyn's hands pleasuring her were all Jahara thought about. All she needed to do was look at them and she grew damp with desire for him.

  "They really are sort of ugly creatures. Just as wildly needy as a stallion, but none of their natural grace.” Merenith laughed.

  Jahara nodded her head, not believing a word coming from her lips. “They're rather hard and bumpy, not soft and curvy.” She tried to quote Kylie. “With any luck, I will be with child and it will be over. No more copulating."

  "Why don't you introduce us? He barely spoke when he answered your communicator."

  "Maybe another time. He's in the other room."

  "No, he's standing in the doorway right behind you."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Fifteen

  Running down the hall, Jahara had ended her conversation with Merenith rather abruptly, promising to call her back within the hour. She headed for the bathroom, hoping he would be waiting for her to talk. Instead, she found him in their bedroom, haphazardly shoving clothing into a backpack.

  "Brenimyn."

  Don't bother, Jahara. I would never hav
e believed it, but you're a better actor than Kylie. The anguish in his words filled her head. All this time I thought there was something between us. Just today you proclaimed your love for me. His lips remained pursed, his jaw knotted as he clenched his teeth. His eyes were piercing nuggets of ice, but his angry assault continued. Not in our bed, but out there. You do remember that, don't you? I gave my life essence to you. The warmth she'd bathed in this morning had been replaced by icy rage.

  Jahara banged her head. “Get out of there. Talk to me.” Anxiety and feared rode on her words. What she had said to Merenith cut Brenimyn deeply. She saw the pain in the creases of his forehead. The angry motions his hands made as he balled up the clothing told her so much. This was no wound she could heal with her touch.

  Shooting a look at the camera, Brenimyn shoved another tunic into the pack. “Honorable Jahara, it is apparent that you prefer not to have me in your bed. I shall move to the other bedroom since that seems to be what would please you.” He spoke aloud.

  "Oh, crockadung, we're not going to get anywhere this way.” She stormed into the great room, grabbing one of the large silver candlesticks off the dining table. She carried it like a bat, stalking to the corner of the room. Shrieking, she swung high, taking down the camera with one power hit. The pieces rained down on the carpet in a shower of plastic, metal, and wires. She did the same to the one in the kitchen, and all the other rooms. Until at last she returned to Brenimyn's startled face, his hands frozen over the pack. She destroyed the blinking eye in the bedroom. Jahara beat at the shattered pieces on the floor, trying to relieve some of her frustration.

  "Take that, you crappy piece of machinery. Get out of my life.” Kicking the largest piece, she sent it flying. It landed at Brenimyn's feet. Her throat was raw from the screaming that had come out of her with the destruction. A hot lump of coal pressed painfully at the spot, making her eyes water. She would not cry. She couldn't lose Brenimyn, but she didn't want him to stay out of pity.