Lilith - TI3 Read online

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  Lilith

  Book III

  The Illusionist Series

  By

  Fran Heckrotte

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  Copyright © 2007 by Fran Heckrotte

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-1-934889-13-8

  First Edition

  Mobipocket e-Book Format

  February 2008

  This electronic book is ePublished by

  L-Book ePublisher

  La Quinta, Ca. USA

  Web Site: http://L-Book.com

  Cover Design by Sheri

  [email protected]

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  No part of this book may be reproduced or printed without the author's permission and no part of the electronic files may be reproduced in printed or electronic format without permission from the author and L-Book ePublisher. This book in all electronic formats is for your personal use. You may not modify, make copies, transfer, and copy to CD, DVD, memory cards for sale or further distribute the L-Books and e-Books except to download a copy to a personal electronic device and its memory card for their personal use. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions. Your support for the author’s rights is appreciated.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  Acknowledgments

  I want to thank my beta readers who have stuck with me through my journey in telling the stories of my world of characters in the Illusionist series. Although they haven’t seen the finished product, they were instrumental in getting me to my destination. Thank you Alex D’Brassis and Lee McLean, my betas... and Mary K. Bosshart, my alpha reader.

  To Pam, my proofreader and so much more, your help was invaluable in bringing professionalism to my finished product.

  Sheri Dragon, my cover artist, I’ve said ‘Wow’ so many times and still can’t say it enough. Everyone who sees your creations is amazed at your ability to capture the essence of each story.

  Roxanne Jones, computer whiz extraordinaire. You’ve opened up the world with your concept and now my stories can travel to new lands and new readers.

  Prelude To Lilith

  The Illusionist (First of the Illusionist series)

  YEMAYA LYSANNE is the Illusionist, a woman as mysterious as her shows. Dakota Devereaux, a journalist, decides to attend her performances hoping to discover her secrets. When the show goes horribly wrong and Yemaya is injured, the accident provides the perfect opportunity for the two women to meet. Little did they know that the encounter would begin a series of adventures that would forever change their lives. Dakota is invited to stay with Yemaya in her homeland, Moldova. The journalist is more than happy to accept. Neither women realize that their decisions may cost Dakota her life and Yemeya her soul. The Illusionist is a story about two women who find each other through adversity and love with the help of ancestral spirits, but is love enough to defeat the powerful darkness dwelling with the Illusionist?

  Bloodlust (Second of the Illusionist series)

  WOMEN ARE BEING attacked in Yemaya’s home town and not even science can figure out who or what is behind them. The survivors remember little and the dead provide few clues. The locals fear the drac, an ancient evil, has returned. Even the spirits are at a loss and can offer no information. Unable to discover the assailant or assailants, little does Yemaya or Dakota realize that an old woman would provide them with the answers they seek... nor did they realize she was more than she seemed. From the Carpathian mountains to New Orleans, Yemaya, Dakota and their ancestral spirits follow the trail of the murderer... only to discover that he isn’t what he seems, nor is he their biggest threat. Others covet the powers that legends attribute to him and his people as well as those of the Illusionist. She and Dakota will have to battle an ambitious high priestess and Yemaya’s own inner demon to save both herself and the woman she loves.

  Characters From

  The Illusionist and Bloodlust

  Yemaya Lysanne: The Illusionist, descendent of Mari, the Earth Mother and creator of lands and seas.

  Dakota Devereaux: Investigative journalist, descendent of the spirit of great, great grandma Dakota, also known as Maopa by the other spirits.

  Mari: Earth Mother Spirit

  Grandma Dakota/Maopa: Human Spirit

  Sarpe: Serpent Spirit

  Vyushir: Wolf Spirit

  Arbora: Spirit of the forests

  Ursa: Bear Spirit

  Ladyhawk: Bird spirit

  Intunecat: The Dark One, spirit of darkness

  Lilith

  PART I

  CHAPTER 1

  SNICK!.. Click... SNICK!

  "Damn!"

  Click!

  SNICK!

  "Son of a bitch!"

  The sound of a dull splash quickly followed.

  "It’s a conspiracy," Dakota grumbled, looking around for something else to write with. She had been sitting by the pool scribbling on a notepad resting on her lap, when the inevitable happened. The tip of her mechanical pencil broke and then continued to break, leaving her frustrated. One of these days she was going to finish an article on the Illusionist without having to throw away several pens or pencils.

  The thought of Yemaya brought her back to the present. Conceding a temporary victory to the powers that be, she glanced at the swimmer in the pool and wondered how many more laps the woman could do before quitting from exhaustion. Just watching her lithe body moving smoothly through the water made the journalist tired. Five laps later, Dakota shook her head and went back to her writing. The faint sound of a grunt caused her to look up in time to see the long sleek form of her lover push effortlessly up from the edge of the pool and stand momentarily still as water poured down her body onto the tiled patio. Groaning, Dakota stared in awe at the vision in front of her.

  Long black hair clung damply to bare shoulders and firm breasts as rivulets of water ran down the semi-naked body before pooling on the sidewalk. Dakota wished she was one of those drops trickling slowly between the small well rounded breasts concealed beneath the silver and blue bikini top. Stomach muscles rippled slightly when the woman picked up a towel and began rubbing her hair vigorously. As Yemaya dried her arms and then her chest, the journalist couldn't help but admire the long slender muscular legs... nor could she stop the memories of those same legs straddling her hips earlier in the morning when their owner leaned down to ravage her lips with passionate kisses.

  Remembering what had followed made Dakota gasp and then clamp her knees tightly together as a familiar tingling sensation centered between her legs and spread rapidly toward her stomach and up into her chest. Her arms grew almost numb from the intensity of the orgasm. Drawing her knees up against her stomach, she crossed her arms over them and pressed her head against her forearms. Trembling, she was unaware of being watched or the worried look on the other woman's face as she rapidly walked over and knelt down beside her.

  "Are you all right?" Yemaya whispered near her ear, her voice low and husky with concern.

  Unable to answer, Dakota kept her head down, inhaling deeply, hoping to slow the pounding of her heart as she waited for the throbbing to subside to a bearable level.

  Confused at the conflicting signals she was receiving from her lover, Yemaya sat down next to Dakota, wrapped her arms around her and leaned over her protectively. Neither spoke for several minutes. Finally, Yemaya felt Dakota’s body relax. Loosening her embrace slightly, she straightened up and peered questioningly into the dazed green eyes.

>   "Phew! That was intense," Dakota gasped, her voice weak and shaky.

  "What happened?" Yemaya asked, her brows furrowed as she reached out to push strands of blonde hair behind Dakota’s left ear.

  "Oh, ummm..." stammered Dakota. Blood rushed up her neck to her cheeks from the thought of having to explain what had just happened.

  "Dakota, are you okay?"

  Still unaware of the reason behind her lover's strange behavior, Yemaya leaned closer to examine Dakota’s face, her pale blue eyes assessing every inch of it in an effort to understand the problem. Unconsciously, she began running her hand up and down Dakota’s arm, trying to generate some heat. Laughing awkwardly, the journalist grabbed the hand, wrapped both of hers around it and squeezed lightly.

  "Oh yeah, I'm fine... really."

  "Are you sure? You seem bothered."

  "I am... was bothered, love." Dakota chuckled, blushing slightly. "Have you ever seen yourself climbing out of a pool, all wet, water streaming down that... that perfect body of yours? You’re like some wild, exotic animal... sleek... muscular... beautiful."

  It was Yemaya's turn to blush. Not sure how to respond, she kept silent.

  "Just the sight of you standing there like an ancient goddess... well, needless to say, if you have this affect on me every time we go swimming, I’m in trouble, big time!"

  "Trouble?... Oh!.. I see!"

  Stunned, Yemaya couldn't think of an adequate response to her lover's revelation. Seeing her discomfort, Dakota leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.

  "Sorry if I embarrassed you. You just have that affect on me."

  "Oh! No, I am glad, I think. I mean, I know! You just surprised me. I had no idea."

  "Sweetie, I had no idea until a few minutes ago and believe me, I’m looking forward to many more episodes now that I’m more prepared." Wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, Dakota grinned smugly at the thought. "Just think... instant orgasms anytime I want."

  "Does that mean you will not be needing my services any longer since the mere thought of me seems to fulfill your... umm needs?"

  "Good grief, no! As great as this one was, nothing can compare to hands on experience with you."

  "Just hands?" Yemaya murmured, her voice dropping to a husky, seductive whisper.

  "Damn! Keep it up and I’ll be too tired for anything."

  Slowly unfolding her long body and standing, Yemaya gazed down at the woman who had captured her heart the year before, her pale sapphire eyes burning with desire. Holding out her hand, she offered it to Dakota and helped her to her feet.

  "So, I guess I will be wasting my time if I were to suggest we retire to our room for a few hours?"

  "Oh, I don’t think so. It would be a waste not going," she replied impishly.

  Letting out an unusually girlish whoo hoo, Yemaya sprinted away, her long legs pumping gracefully.

  "Last one there gets the top," she yelled, happily, glancing back at Dakota and winking.

  Gathering her notepad and belongings, the journalist shook her head slowly, muttering to herself.

  "Damn! I hate losing like this!"

  By the time Dakota entered their hotel suite, Yemaya was in bed with the sheets pulled up to her chin and pretending to be asleep. The journalist smirked and decided to play along. Yawning, she slowly undressed, crawled in bed and turned on her side, her back toward Yemaya. For several minutes both women lay still, each wondering if the other was faking exhaustion or really feeling it. Just as Dakota was about to cave in to her urges, she felt an arm wrap around her waist and pull her backward.

  "So, I guess you are too tired to play," whispered a husky voice as a warm breath caressed her left ear. Shivering, Dakota turned over and stared into the heated icy blue gaze of her lover. Passion burned brightly behind the steamy eyes.

  "Tired?" she asked, her voice slightly squeaky. "I don't think so!"

  "Good. I would not want to take advantage of your weakened state."

  "Since when?" Dakota chuckled, pulling the dark-haired woman toward her and leaning up to capture her lips with her own. Groaning both women pressed into each other, both writhing in an effort to mold their bodies tightly together. Legs separated legs while knees nudged thighs apart in order to press against the warm centers. It would be hours before they collapsed, exhausted from their lovemaking.

  Later, the two were peacefully snuggled under the sheets when Dakota’s cell phone chirped. Reaching lazily over Yemaya’s naked body, she grabbed it, flipping open the ear piece.

  "Hello?"

  "Daks?"

  "Mom? What's up?"

  Her mother rarely called unless it was important.

  "It's your grandmother. She's very sick! I'm not sure she has much time left."

  "How much longer?" Dakota asked sitting up.

  "A few hours or days at the most, maybe a week if the spirits are kind."

  "I'll be home tomorrow!"

  "I'll pick you up at the airport."

  "That's okay. I can rent a car. It'll make things easier for everyone. Thanks for letting me know, and give Grams my love."

  "I will. Be safe, daughter. Oh, and bring Yemaya along. It's about time she met the family, don't you think?"

  "I'll let her know. Bye."

  "Bye."

  Turning to Yemaya, she was about to say something when her lover gathered her into her arms and pulled her close.

  "I heard. Sonny will charter you a flight. Besides, it has been a while since you saw everyone, anyway. I definitely do not want them blaming me for keeping their little girl from them." She teased before becoming serious again. "I am so sorry."

  "She's old, but she's a wonderful person. She taught me a lot about life and about myself. Between mom and her, I was encouraged to believe I could be anything I wanted."

  "Well, no one can predict the future. Maybe it is not as bad as it seems."

  "Mom's a good doctor. I just can't take any chances."

  "Of course not. I wish I could go with you, but I need to finalize some business in New York. Maybe afterward I can fly down and meet you and this special grandmother of yours."

  "That would be great."

  Picking up her own phone, Yemaya dialed Sonny and asked him to make arrangements for the flight. Flipping the phone shut she grimaced.

  "I guess our vacation is officially over. How about we get some sleep?" she whispered, pulling Dakota close. Nodding slightly, Dakota settled into Yemaya's warm embrace. Placing her cheek against the blonde head of her lover, Yemaya gently combed her fingers through the short strands. "It will be all right," she murmured softly.

  Within minutes the two had fallen into a comfortable slumber.

  CHAPTER 2

  CHILD, IT BE time to wake up."

  Grumbling, Dakota burrowed deeper into the warm body beneath her.

  "Go away!"

  "In time, but yah need to wake up, hon. We need ta jaw a bit."

  Opening one eye sleepily, she stared at her great, great, spirit grandmother, Maopa. Although her real name was Dakota, the spirits chose to use the name given to her by her adopted people, the Lakota.

  "Hi Granny. It's been awhile."

  "Thangs been mighty quiet lately. No need for us'ns to be a botherin you youngins. We just be glad yah got some time together for relaxin and gettin to knowed each other better."

  "Yeah. It feels good. Seems like every time we get a few weeks of peace and quiet, something happens to ruin it."

  "That be the way of thangs"

  "I suppose. Granny, Pasha is dying! Mom says she doesn't have much time!" Dakota sobbed, unable to hold back her sorrow.

  "I knowed, chile. That be why I’s here. She done had a good life. Her mind be as sharp as bear claws but her body is tarred. She done earned her rest."

  "But what if she dies before I see her again? You have to do something!"

  "It ain't mine ta do. When yer time comes, it comes, but Pashna is a stubborn old coot. She won't go without bidden goodbye to her favorite granch
ile. The devil, hisself, couldn't win that thar battle."

  "I hope so. I need to tell her how much I love her and to thank her for being there for me."

  "Patience, youngin. Don't go frettin over somethin yah can't do nothin about. Won't do you or her no good to go work yerself up over this, but if'n it make yah feel good, I give my word, Pashna will be awaitin for yah, even if I has to drag her cantankerous ole soul back to that withered carcass of hern and shove it back inside, mahself."