The Lark Taps Twice

Chapter 16: Preparations

The tunnel branched off several times, each one glowing a different color, but Jonatham's feet never strayed from the blue. Abruptly, the glow ended, and in the residual light, Miriam made out a shadowy stone spiral staircase. Her mate led her up through the cold narrow passage, sometimes skipping steps in his confident haste. He slowed momentarily when her toes tripped over a rough edge to sweep her into his arms, but otherwise showed no signs he cared for those in his wake.

At the small landing at the top, he paused to mumble, "Aroara Moana" which sent the heavy door swinging away into a dimly lit chamber built of dark stone blocks. Jonatham paced across the space and settled Miriam on a lounge, taking a moment to cup her cheek in his hand and kiss the top of her head before stalking back to the open door to shoo in the giant Siamese cat, the final member of their mixed group. He made quick work of closing the door behind the animal and securing it with two thick iron bolts before returning to Miriam's side.

Jonatham's hand gripped her shoulder as he said in a carrying voice, "These are my personal chambers; we are as safe as possible at the moment. Please take a little time to refresh yourselves and prepare for the forthcoming conflict, for be assured my enemies will do everything within their power to thwart our objective tonight. We should meet again in this room in one hour to depart."

He waved his free hand at the three archways set into the surrounding walls. "Through the green doorway is a kitchen with food and drink; a spell will have restocked every shelf with fresh staples as soon as we entered the tunnels. The blue arch leads to my guest rooms, where the sheets are always fresh. And the orange threshold gives access to my private library; it contains a balance of useful tomes and storybooks. Jim, Father, please see the animals to the nearest guest room, which has all the amenities they might require, along with my own pet. I require some time alone with my lady to discuss strategy."

Miriam blushed when Jonatham tugged her away from the others toward a door set on the opposite wall from the colorful arches. What 'strategy' can we discuss? He is just going to cast a spell while I stand nearby and watch, and he already said as much to the others. Why so eager to talk in private about something everyone already knows?

She had her answers as soon as the dark oak door thunked into its frame when Jonatham dropped her hand and wrapped his around her waist. He yanked her entire body against him, molding her to him, and as the heat of the contact raged over her, his mouth crushed her lips. His tongue traced the seam of her mouth, spreading liquid fire in its wake. Seeking more, she opened to him and his minty flavor seared into her taste buds, the intensity of it doubling by the second, outstripping any other kiss she had ever experienced, including the previous few they'd shared; even their last one after they completed the soulmating ceremony was a distant second. How is it possible that kissing this man keeps getting better?

Warm velvet enfolded her thoughts. The bond enhances everything. If we possessed more time, if the worlds did not await our action, I would show you all of the ways soulmates experience its benefits, in the flesh and in our minds. I have read many enlightening texts about the soulmate bond, and I look forward to testing their veracity with you. For now, there is something else I must show you, to prepare you for what is to come.

As her cheeks flamed and her imagination lost itself in creating images of those possible benefits, he softened the kiss by degrees until their lips parted, and he hovered there, mingling his panting breaths with hers.

If you keep thinking those thoughts, this will be our only night together, because the worlds will disintegrate while we fulfill each and every one of those fantasies. Come with me to the window; I want you to see that I am not withholding from you, and myself, without reason.