Balance (Book 9 )

Gabriel took us both back to our bedroom. He remained Gabriel and gently raised my chin to look into my eyes.

“Do not think of Mum right now. There is time yet to persuade her.” Gabriel’s voice was gentle and deep, sending chills down my spine. I wanted nothing more than to please him fully. I got to see a side of him I do not normally have the privilege of seeing. His godhood came as he silently commanded his army and worked alongside me. I sometimes forget who he really is. I felt ashamed that I dishonored him in front of Atum. Anubis was truly a god and protector of his domain. Love and pride warmed me as his sweet honey aroma filled me.

Soft lips tenderly kissed my lips. My loins ignited for him, and my body quivered with the promise of his special touch. Gabriel met my eyes once again and brushed his hand down my arm to my hand. He silently walked away and guided me to the washroom. A simple shower stall and bathtub filled a small room that was connected to the far wall of our room.

Still staying in Gabriel’s form, he wordlessly undressed and entered the shower. There were no commands or thoughts coming from him. I could only feel joy coming from him.

My mysterious dark vampire stood before me nude. My excitement rose. His muscular frame was perfection and demanded I caress it. I decided to shower with him.

Gabriel ignored my presence and continued washing his body. Once he was done, he left me in the shower, untouched.

“Go to my throne when you are finished.” His voice was sweet and gentile. I found it strange. He is rarely so quiet around me.

“What is it, Anubis?”

He did not answer. He simply left the room and closed himself from me. Curiosity got the better of me. I forgot my need to release the world of its burden, and I became consumed with the mystery that was Gabriel. He has always been cunning and able to keep thoughts away from me. I wondered what he was up to. Until now, Anubis spent night and day at the scales with Kebachet at his side. This was the most active I have seen him be in years.

I quickly finished my shower, remaining in Lara’s image and returned to the bedroom. An elegant black dress laid on the bed. He would occasionally neatly lay clothing out for me when he knew my burden was great. It was his way of telling me he was there if I ever needed his ear or counsel. In all the time I have known Gabriel, he has never presented a black dress to be worn. Questions of his intentions rang through my mind. As a vampire, I never wore black. I felt it was too cliché and close to the human’s version of the vampire. I never understood some of the stories and myths that came from the species. As a Goddess of the underworld, I preferred Egyptian garb, which was mainly white. I am an Egyptian goddess, after all.

I remembered the one and only time I have ever worn a black cocktail dress. It was on my return home in the western land. I did not have my memories and had no idea what was to be expected of me. I had selected an evening dress for dinner. Was he asking me to dinner? Why his throne? I could feel joy consume me, and a smile spread across my face. I put the dress on and loosely put my hair up then left to the throne.

The throne is empty. My heart sank. What is his game?

“Anubis! Explain yourself! You summon me to your throne and remain hidden.” I yelled angrily.

“Come to me, wife.” I heard in my mind.

“Where are you?”

“Look inside yourself. I wait for you.”

I projected my mind outward to view the world.

“Do not look to the world, Lara. Look within.” His voice boomed and commanded me in my mind. I had no choice but to comply.

I looked into my mind and saw the beautiful web and my tendril intertwined with Gabriel’s. The tendrils were braided tightly together and pulsed in a perfect rhythm. I lovingly touched his tendril, wondering where he was and how I was supposed to find him. I could feel his contentment and love for me. The smell of salty sea air engulfed me. He is near an ocean. I brought my power forth and imagined me standing next to Gabriel.

The teleport was different. Normally the world fades and rematerializes within a blink of an eye. I am always connected to Anubis, and so I can teleport to him where ever he is. This time I could not feel Anubis’s presence. It was as if he was no longer on this world. The teleport felt thicker as I felt a slight resistance.

Gabriel stood before me. He took my breath away. He is absolutely stunning. He wore all black. His shirt was the style he has always preferred. It fit his frame, accenting his muscles underneath, and is neatly tucked in at the waist. Black pants were held with a black belt and golden buckle. It is dark out, and I could hear waves crashing along the shore.

His pail piercing eyes met mine as he approached me, and wordlessly stretched his hand out to me.

“What are you doing?”

“Follow me.” He said very gently.

I could feel an overwhelming love come from him. He was up to something and wanted to surprise me. I took his hand and allowed him to lead me to a dock with a small motorboat. I could feel his stare as he helped me into the boat. I looked up at him, still confused.

“You look radiant.” He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

I only smiled and found a seat. Gabriel started the engine and steered the boat several miles into the ocean, then turned off the motor. It is completely dark and silent. I looked up and saw a vast sky clear and free of filth. I realized the air was fresh, and the stars are not the same as the earth’s. The sky was stunning. Millions of diamond like pinpoints littered across a black velvet sky.

“Where are we?” I whispered. It was so quiet my whisper traveled and could be heard as if I spoke the words.

Gabriel sat next to me and put an arm around me.

“Open your mind, Lara.”

I did as I was told. I projected my mind outward, and the world became alive. It was stunning! Microscopic creatures floated in the air and swam in the sea. Brilliant shades of greens, blues, purples and reds glowed like auras around the little creatures. They are too small to see details, but I can see they are intelligent. Instead of words, they sang. It was like walking into a busy room full of people. Instead of the drumming hum, I heard music. It flowed slowly and gently. It felt magical and peaceful.

Gabriel’s hand touched the surface of the water, and a blue light pulsed outward. Tiny glowing green specks began to surface and hug the bottom of the boat. As we silently sat enjoying the moment, Gabriel’s hand took my chin to meet his eyes.

“Look behind me and tell me what you see.”

His calmness lulled me into peace. I felt drained as if at the end of a grueling day. On days I felt exhausted, I would find a hot spring or bathtub to soak in. I can almost feel the stress leave my shoulders, and my burden lighten. I looked past his gaze and leaned into an embrace. His body felt good in my arms.

“I see an island. It is lush with greenery.”

“Do you recognize it?”

“My mate, I have never been here.”

“You and I were here once, many years ago.”

“I would remember such a place like this. This is another world. I have never traveled through another portal.

Gabriel’s arms hugged me tight, and he turned me around and leaned my back on his chest. His arm came into view.

“Look up.”

I followed his arm to his finger and looked in the direction he pointed. He nibbled on my ear as I gazed at the floating island hundreds of miles in the sky. It looked small, but I could tell it was quite large. A large sandstone landing jutted out of the grassy hill. Attached to the landing was a small building. I suddenly remembered where we were. I recognized the sea breeze. The last time we were here, it was a warm sunny day, and the island behind us seemed to be a tiny hill coming out of the vast ocean.

“This is where we were married.”

“Yes. Do you remember our vows? Do you remember what you felt?”

“How could I forget? I vowed to love you and serve you for an eternity and to submit myself to your rule. I was both happy and scared. I was happy because I could continue being by your side, but afraid of all the changes. My life ended that day. It has been a struggle ever since to live in the underworld. You have been my reason to live. Do you remember your vows?”

“I do, and it is why I brought you here.”

Gabriel had made a vow to protect and love his family. He was thankful Lara did not choose death over marrying him. Somehow he lost sight of that. This is the beginning. When one loses their way, it is always best to start at the beginning.

Gabriel stood up and restarted the motor then guided the boat to the island. There was a small bonfire further along the beach. Gabriel secured the boat and guided me to the small bonfire further along the beach. He continued on past the fire and into a thick jungle. We passed through several giant ferns wet from the dew and into a small clearing. There, Gabriel stopped and turned to me, still holding my hand. His eyes were glazed over, and his thoughts were hidden from me. It worried me that he was so quiet.

“Please, Anubis. Talk to me. What is it that troubles you?”

He gave a small smile and held me to him. The song of the creatures changed to a soft rhythm. I noticed millions circled around us, glowing their beautiful auras. Their song was no longer unorganized chatter. They gathered and purposefully sang a tune. It touched my heart in a way I did not think was possible.

Gabriel began swaying to the music and leading me into a slow, intimate dance.

“Nothing troubles me, wife. I admit I am concerned about your connection to the earth; however, tonight is about loving you. It is about reconnecting and remembering why we are here. Be here with me, Lara.”

He wanted me fully. He took me away from any distractions just to have an intimate moment with the one he loves. My heart melted at his request. I concentrated on him alone and forgot about the world. Gabriel became my world.

We continued dancing to the music the tiny creatures made. The joy I felt was like the new love you feel when you meet someone for the first time. Only I did know this person intimately. Gabriel felt the same joy. We laughed and reminisced the day we met, and the day I became his wife. The eight thousand years in between did not seem to matter.

Once the celebration was over, Gabriel guided me back to the fire. I sat on the warm sand and looked up at the diamond sky and allowed the creature’s song to relax me. I almost felt at home here.

Home.

My home is being destroyed. I began to feel the need to return to defend it.

“Do not think of the earth. It will be there tomorrow.” Gabriel seemingly appeared out of nowhere as he woke me from my thoughts.

He held two large coconut shaped fruits and handed one to me. “Do not eat the skin. Only drink the juice within.”

Gabriel sat next to me and drank from the fruit. I mimicked his movements and drank the juice. It was tangy and sweet at the same time. The juice was thin like water and refreshing. I could feel it warm my body the way virgin blood used to. Alarmed, I sat the fruit down. I did not like the way my mind was venerable when I became drunk. I heard Gabriel chuckle. I turned to look at him.

“This fruit is only toxic if you eat it, wife. You are safe.”

His joy and contentment radiated off him. He laid down on his back, enjoying the scene and my company. I laid down and rested my head on his chest. His heartbeat was a welcomed noise. I missed the familiar rhythm and the feel of his hardened body.

Gabriel heard my thoughts but remained still. I slowly lifted his shirt and caressed his skin underneath. His muscles contracted and tensed up as I passed. I loved to feel his power. I could hear Gabriel’s heartbeat quicken, and his desire mounted. Gabriel’s arms encircled me protectively as he kissed my lips.

I helped him undress, giving me access to him. Still caressing and kissing his body, I offered my own body to him through the tendril. I willed him to take his pleasure. I tugged on his tendril, and his body became alive in my mind. I desperately needed his love. Gabriel fondled my breasts and traveled down to explore the wetness that was for him. His body slowly rose onto mine in a lover’s embrace. Gabriel’s green eyes gazed into mine, watching the struggle I had to remain completely his. His passion teased me, and I let a small moan of frustration out.

Gabriel’s eyes glowed as he fed on my torture. He bent down and inhaled my scent driving his mind mad. Fangs nibbled on my neck as he restrained himself from completely losing himself in his passion. My hips rose to meet him, and his hand pushed me down. He continued exploring my body and enjoying his time with me. My desire mounted with each caress. I needed his special touch and his authority. I turned and bit into his neck to feed off his honey blood. Gabriel backed away, not allowing me my pleasure.

My mind began to calm and drift onto other things since I could not partake in loving my husband. My desire to return home and continue my feast grew.

Gabriel’s glowing eyes appeared before me getting my attention. He thrust hard, making me yelp. I was to remain in this moment with him. It was so wonderfully powerful. I wanted more of him. I thought to aggravate him more to gain the delicious discipline, then thought better of it. He has been perfect. I did not wish to ruin his ecstasy.

He could feel the welcoming pull as he came for an internal kiss. I could feel our skin burn with fire and chill with goosebumps. I begged him in my mind for more and offered my body to him once again. I was fully his to do as he pleased as long as he would love me. He watched the struggle as his powerful thrusts began. Images of our lovemaking came to me, and the feel of the sweet release thrilled me. My body desperately wanted release.

As Gabriel’s passion increased, I followed him and met him in his final thrust. Our bodies spasmed together as our hearts playfully raced each other. Gabriel allowed our bodies to relax before pulling away from me.

The chill on my body from his vacancy reminded me of what I lost. My husband left me, and my son went with him. I was left in the darkness to wander alone and witness the destruction of the world.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I held onto the scent of my mate and the love I felt in his tendril. I did not realize how dead I had become inside. My husband’s promise to return brought life to my heart and opened wounds that had festered.

Gabriel’s powerful arms held me close as he sent power to my tendril for comfort. The pain my heart felt was too great. The sobs came as I lost control of my sorrow. It was the first step toward healing. Gabriel changed to his true form and commanded my body to do the same. His muscular frame covered me as he held me while I let my pain go. Thoughts of comfort and love filled me. “Let it all go, wife. I am here for you. I will never leave you again. Just breathe.” Anubis’s voice rumbled in his chest as his hand glided along my back.

His words were comforting. I knew he meant it. If we were under my tree, it would have been a vow.

Anubis does not tolerate weakness from his family. This type of pain was held for far too long. He knew it had to be done. This type of pain can madden the mind if it is not released. He already knew how much I had missed him.

My eyes burned from the tears that flowed from them. I closed my eyes to rest my body and fell asleep with Anubis’s arms holding me tightly.

⊶⊶⊶

Anubis’s heart broke, seeing the pain he caused. He had already asked for forgiveness and received it. Now the process of healing began. Anput’s soul’s screams were not as strong as three days ago. The pain had lessened some. He would make sure she fully healed.

Anubis struggled with the need to heal his family and the need to keep the god’s realm in existence. By repairing his relationship with his wife, he may doom the gods to death. He hoped she would not lose sight of what must be done. Anput uses her pain and anger to fuel her wrath. If her heart softens, She may not be able to do what needs to be done.

He has manipulated Lara into a rage in the past. In the end, he would rather spend a few short years with her than an eternity without her.

He must find the balance of repairing his family and his duty to the god’s realm. He was confident he could achieve such a goal. No matter the outcome, Lara’s soul would live, and his family would be reborn.