Babylon 5 Crusade Book I Out of the Darkness, Come of the Light

Chapter 3 The beast within

The camp soon settled down and became quiet for the night. The perimeter of guards waited tensely for any attack, while those off duty moved to the mess tents, or their own tents. One group had set up a campfire with rounds of coco, and a tote of alcohol available for those who needed more.

The firelight dancing across her skin as Dureena walked through the camp. Her limp had settled. Seeing Winn-rei in the firelight made her rethink the words she had said earlier. She had had time to bring herself to some kind of peace, or she thought she had. She would not bow down to this. Stealing herself she moved to sit beside the older woman and joined in the drinking and light entertainment.

The clouds rolled over the moon prompting a few of the group to head to bed. Dureena sat beside Winn-rei. They chatted with others as relaxed and ignored each other. When she turned to look at the Yune, she found her looking straight into her eyes. The swirling orbs of her eyes entranced her and she couldn't pull herself away.

The older woman moved forward. Her mind shouted at her to pull away, as a small grin spread on Winn-rei's face. Dureena shuddered as her cool forehead touched her heated one.

"You intrigue me." The taller woman said a purr in her voice as she stroked Dureena shoulder. Tracing patterns on the soft skin. "Do I frighten you?"

The thief wanted to say no, a flicker of stubbornness ran through her honey eyes but her mouth would not obey her brain.

"There is no need. I would never hurt you pretty one. I've been watching you and just can't help myself. But I just want a small taste," she whispered huskily.

The thief's breath came out choked, a shudder of fear curled up from her stomach and she closed her eyes waiting for her to do what she wanted.

Breath brushed over her lips before they touched briefly. She slid her eyes open to catch Winn-rei jerk away.

***

Winn-Rei wretched her hands away, scrambling to her feet as Dureena fell to the ground backwards.

"What?" She whispered as she looked at Dureena seeing the fear in those amber eyes. Cassius burst into blue flame to get her masters attention and lead her away.

"What is she?" The technomage whispered as she awkwardly followed the blue light of her familiar.

"I observed it too," Cassius said as he lead her mistress to a safe place. "Fascinating thou is it what I think it is." cherped Cassius

"I have no information on her,may be so hummm can not bring myself to be sorry. I had a little taste." Winn-rei said as she touched her lip and grinned darkly some would call her a succubus.

"You went too far, we-" The phoenix said voice laced with scorn.

"Be quiet," snapped Winn-rei as she straightened up and brushed a hand through her hair.

"Do not take me as a fool. This is not the first time I have made someone forget my little touches." She gathered herself and walked back into Dureena who was still lay on the floor. Luckily she looked like she was dozing by the fire.

The taller woman walked over to her stroking her fingers through Dureena's hair and massaged Dureena's temple as she wove new memories through Dureena's mind, adding the feeling that the thief had become tired. She sat beside the brown haired woman and place her head to lean against her knee. She watched as confused eyes opened and looked at her,she smiled softly.