Bad Euphoria 2: The Four Tribes

SAME

After sending a jolt of electricity through Sabrina's body...I knew she would suffer permanent damage. I didn't want to kill her, that would've been too easy.

Yannis periodically watched me through the rearview mirror as Carly laid her head on my lap and VJ nestled in my arm. I continued to comfort them and hoped I was able to put them at ease.

I met his gaze a few times and that same sputter of feelings was felt in my chest.

His eyes showed everything that we had been through and they spoke to me without him saying a word.

Before I could give my goodbyes...I felt myself being pulled back into the galaxy of my mind. That happens when Euphoria takes over.

She must not trust my will power.

When I came back into focus, I was back in Feloya. I was happy she took over and got me out of there but I couldn't help but miss their presence and scent.

Sweet Imani, that is why I had to remove you. You are still too attached to the ones that hurt you. Removing your essence from them took away the euphoric feeling that they experience when being loved and given affection. They will always feel a void no matter who they try to love because you filled the parts of them that were missing.

Unfortunately, removing your essence from them didn't remove their essence from inside of you....that's why you must be careful. They all are still a part of you.

I understood Euphoria was trying to protect my heart and I loved her for that.

For the next couple of weeks, I checked on Jeremiah, quietly and discreetly helping him heal faster. There is no way I was going to let my brother be in pain.

I was away from Ecstasia for a few weeks and when I returned with Ethan, I was greeted by worried looks.

"Welcome back, Ms. James." Oliver gave me a hug then took my sleeping son out of my arms.

"Thanks, Oliver."

"And how is your brother?" He asked, concerned.

I grinned. "A lot better."

I greeted the others with hugs and thanked them for taking care of everything while I was gone. Seeing the relief on their faces gave me comfort that I was missed and cared about.

While taking a hot bath, Katrina and Jasmine filled me in on the daily occurrences here in the palace. A few visitors came by, some came to form their alliance while others were just curious of what I looked like. An hour later I sat in my bed as Ethan curled up next to me.

My sweet baby boy...I hope you are happy here with me. I also wonder if you miss your father.

I couldn't get the look in Nathan's eyes out of my head. Of course, Ethan reminded me of him, he was his curly head twin. But watching him laugh always made me think of his father's laugh and how much joy I felt when I heard it.

We used to be so happy together....

"We can still be, Imani."

I closed my eyes, hoping I was losing my mind instead of Nathan being in my room. But when I looked in the direction of his voice...he was really standing in the doorway.

He looked exactly like he did the first day I met him. Getting out of my bed I walked towards him and stood a few feet away.

"I came to see Ethan...and I heard about your brother. With Oliver here more, I had no way of getting a hold of you ahead of time."

"It's okay, I understand....You miss him."

I saw a soft smile formed on his face and that made me happy. Being away from your child is hard so I sympathize with him greatly.

"How have you been, Imani?"

"I've been well...my brother is doing better so that helps. How about you?"

"I'm good."

I walked closer to him and I could see him tense up a little. Euphoria brings that out of people. But the hate I thought I had for him wasn't there, all I felt was compassion.

I reached up, touching his face. "How are you really doing?"

His light gray eyes looked down as if he was ashamed. Having time to think of our situation and how everything turned out, I understood why he acted the way he did....Nathan was disappointed in himself.

"Imani, I miss you so much and it hurts like hell that you don't miss me. I'm trying to be understanding of everything...Goddess Mother...the prophecy...the other guys. It's so hard, Imani....it's really fucking hard."

My heart broke at his words cause it was hard for me too.

"I know...I miss you too. I thought you moved on and I was willing to move out of the way for you to be happy. But it still didn't hurt any less."

Nathan held my face so gently and kissed my lips. That familiar tingle spread through my body as a satisfying moan left my lips. I accepted his tongue, his hands pulling me closer and his hips pressed against my stomach.

I missed this man so much.

With those thoughts....he lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. I held onto him tighter then pulled away from his lips to catch my breath.

"I will always love you, Imani."

I smiled. "Kitty."

He smiled back. "Okay....Kitty."

***

I thought I was dreaming and I sure as hell didn't want to wake if I was. Imani felt so good...so right in my arms. Enjoying the taste of her lips, soft skin and sweet moans made me hold on to her tighter. If I could just hold her all night I would be content but I also hoped Euphoria wouldn't make an appearance. My understanding of the different auras inside of the woman I held has helped me to approach her differently. Imani and Euphoria are definitely two different souls and energies.

"Mommy?"

Ethan woke up, realizing his mother wasn't next to him. I let her legs go, letting her feet touch the floor. She went to comfort him but once he got his focus together his eyes lit up.

"Daddy!" He climbed over her lap onto the floor, running towards me.

My son was my pride and joy whose life I would set the world on fire for...no questions asked.

"Hey big guy...having fun staying with Mommy?"

He gave me a nod and hugged me again as if I would disappear. The happiness in Imani's eyes let me know she still felt the same way I did....she missed our little family.

"Is everything okay, Imani?"

An unfamiliar voice spoke behind us....all our attention went that direction.

"Oh, Hi Braxton...everything is fine."

Imani walked over to him as if calming him down. I was instantly annoyed.

Braxton? Who the hell is he?