Aradia Awakens Read online

  "Open your eyes," he whispered.

  She followed his instructions and was struck by the sensual picture he'd created. With stiletto heels, matching lace bra and panties, the skirt gathered at her waist, a flow of dark chestnut hair, and curves that most women would die for, the image of herself wrapped in his arms was like an electric shock to her system.

  Her breathing picked up as she watched Damarius reach for her panties. He smoothly slipped past the seam, placing his finger directly on her sensitive bud. She quivered and was thankful his other arm was still firmly wrapped around her or she might have collapsed due to her weak knees.

  "Damarius, I want you...now."

  She continued to watch their reflection in the mirror as he gathered strands of her hair into his fist, lifted them, and slowly leaned toward her neck. The light kisses he placed there, followed by sensual swipes of his tongue, all while working her clit had Aryiah moaning in ecstasy. Only then did Damarius reach for her soaked panties with both hands, and with frustratingly slow movements, worked them down her legs. As soon as she stepped out of them, he moved to crouch in front of her. Aryiah reached for his broad shoulders to steady herself as he buried his tongue in her wet center.

  "You taste like ambrosia straight from the gods."

  A few flicks of his tongue had Aryiah on the brink of orgasm. His large hands splayed around her hips held her in place as his mouth worked her into a frenzy.

  Just before she came apart, Damarius stood up, stared into her eyes with a burning intensity, then reached behind her. He unhooked her bra and tossed the garment to the floor.

  Grabbing both breasts, he lifted them to his meet his mouth. He ran his tongue up the seam of her cleavage in a move so erotic she couldn't contain the low moan that fell from her lips. She stared down into the perfection of his emerald colored eyes as he moved to circle one of her nipples with his tongue.

  Aryiah couldn't take it anymore. She reached for his pants.

  Damarius let her release his thickness from the confines of his jeans, which caused him to lift his head and suck in a sharp breath.

  "I can't wait any more," Aryiah stated.

  With his chest rising and falling at a rapid rate, Damarius slashed his hand through the air, magickally removing their remaining clothes.

  He stalked behind her like the predator he was, then slowly glided his hands over her ass and down the back of her legs. Then, in a blur of movement, he grabbed her legs and lifted her off the ground, spreading her so that she was completely reflected in the mirror.

  Her cheeks heated at the sight of being so exposed, but all thoughts of embarrassment left her when Damarius bent his knees slightly, positioned himself just right, then buried himself in her tight sheath with one fluid motion.

  The sight of his pistoning cock entering her, and the look of pure possession on his face had Aryiah feeling like the predator. She growled low in her throat as she stared straight into his eyes through the mirror. Damarius' responding growl caused his chest to vibrate against her back.

  Damarius stalked to the bed and gently lowered Aryiah onto her hands and knees. Grabbing her hips, he increased the speed of his thrusts until they were both growling and panting like beasts. The moment he grabbed a handful of her hair, giving it a light tug, they both fell to pieces.

  Aryiah felt thoroughly claimed by her mate. Her skin tingled at the feral growls she still heard coming from Damarius. As she began to pull away in an effort to turn herself around, the tingling sensation increased to a level that captured her attention.

  Still on all fours, she now faced Damarius as a green sparkling light surrounded her entire body. "What's happening to me?" she asked.

  Damarius stood watching as she felt a wave of magick roll over her skin. When she tried to speak again, all she heard was a low growl.

  As Aryiah raised her head to look at Damarius, she caught sight of movement in the mirror behind him. Tilting her head for a closer look, she saw Damarius' exquisite backside in all its naked glory, and a beautiful silver wolf standing on her bed.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  "My God, Aryiah, you never cease to amaze me. How is this even possible?"

  Damarius stood naked while looking down at his mate, who was now the most beautiful silver wolf he'd ever seen.

  "Don't worry, baby. You'll shift back as soon as you can calm down." He knew she was probably nowhere near calm but hoped his words would help. "I don't understand how this is possible, but since we are headed to meet the Goddess, I'd say this is reason enough to leave early. I'm sure she'll be able to shed some light on what's happened."

  Damarius quickly dressed as Aryiah paced around the room on high alert.

  He knew what it was like to experience the world in wolf form. She was probably sensing things she'd never noticed before. The feel of the carpet under her paws, the intensity of the light shining from the overhead fixture, the sound of the swirling blades from the ceiling fan, all amplified to a level of extraordinary detail.

  He approached her with firm steps and ran his hands across her soft pelt. She lifted her head and huffed through her nose. He could tell she was pissed, but he couldn't help being awe-struck.

  "I have to continue to touch you in order to take you through the Shadowlands as we shade to the Goddess."

  Upon hearing his words, Aryiah pressed close to his leg. He pulled her tight and immediately shaded into the Goddess' chambers.

  "My Lady, we are in need of your guidance," Damarius called to his Goddess, patiently waiting while stroking Aryiah's fur.

  The shimmering light and gentle breeze that flowed into the room announced Diana's presence.

  "Oh my!" was her stunned response to Aryiah's current form.

  "My Goddess, please explain how this could have happened. While Aryiah is my mate, she is human, and this miraculous event has left us both shaken."

  Diana approached Aryiah without fear, then knelt and gently wrapped her arms around her. Damarius watched as Aryiah rested her head on Diana's shoulder as the Goddess stroked her back.

  Within seconds the green light pulsed and Aryiah shifted back to her human form.

  Aryiah rose from the floor while trying to cover her nakedness. "And here I was worried about what to wear."

  They all laughed at her attempt to diffuse her embarrassment. The Goddess waved her hand in the air, graciously providing a stunning white robe that wrapped around Aryiah's body.

  Bowing her head, Aryiah simply replied, "Thank you."

  "I'm so glad you're both here, as it's obvious the time to discuss your magick is upon us." The Goddess gestured to the alcove beside her throne. "I'm sure what you've just experienced was a complete shock to you both, but I believe I have an explanation."

  Damarius squeezed Aryiah's hand as they parted the white gauzy curtains that surrounded a small sitting area filled with all white furniture. He continued to hold her hand, trying to provide a small measure of reassurance that everything would be okay as they took their seats and listened as the Goddess continued. "But first, I have to present Aryiah with something that will solidify my theory."

  He felt Aryiah tense up, but he was relieved when she relaxed as the Goddess picked up a large leather bound book from beside her seat. The tome looked as ancient as he was, and he could feel a strong magickal current emanating off of it from where he sat.

  "This is the second time you've tried to give me a book." Aryiah smiled as she scooted to the edge of her seat.

  The Goddess chuckled and inclined her head. "I assure you, Aryiah, you have nothing to fear. Simply take the book and let's see what happens."

  The anticipation clearly etched on the Goddess' face had Damarius' nerves firing in rapid succession.

  Aryiah took a deep breath then reached for the book. They were all left speechless as the air in the room whipped to a crescendo.

  The Goddesses smiled, practically beaming, as she nodded at Aryiah to open the book.

&nb
sp; As Aryiah slowly lifted the heavy cover, the silver light that poured from the book caused them all to squint. Damarius watched, amazed as the book suddenly came to life.

  The pages began flipping themselves and a voice resonated from within. Aradia awaken, for you are she, returned to us by the powers that be. Strong and reborn she resides within. Embrace your role as beloved daughter again.

  * * * * *

  All was made clear at the book's proclamation. Aryiah's mind was flooded with the knowledge that she was Aradia reincarnated––the daughter of the Goddess Diana who had been sent forth to teach the mortal world of her mother's magick. She was the Queen of The Witches, and the one who died putting an end to the Great Rift.

  Aryiah looked up at Damarius and felt a sense of love and connection radiating from deep within her soul. "My darling. Let me explain."

  She handed the book back to her mother, who sat silently as tears filled her eyes.

  "I now understand why we were able to become mates, and why I can transform into a wolf. I, Aradia, was the one who created your race just before I died, as a way to protect my mother and all of Ovialell in my absence. I knew one day I'd return, a day when I was needed again, and from the moment I was reborn as Aryiah I had a connection to my magick and to you...the leader of my wolves."

  Damarius remained silent as he listened to her explanation. "It was I who put the forgetting spell in my pocket and made sure Aryiah read it each time before she left her shamanic journey. I couldn't let my power escape before it was time, or things would have been thrown wildly out of balance. I hope you can forgive me."

  She reached out to run her hand down his cheek, but was stunned when he pulled away.

  "Damarius, what's wrong?"

  He ran a hand through his hair as he stalked away from where they were seated.

  "I'm sorry, Goddess, but I don't know how to deal with this. You say things like I, Aradia, yet call yourself Aryiah in the same sentence. It's just so confusing and I don't know how I'm supposed to see you now. Are you my mate Aryiah, or are you the Goddess Aradia returned?"

  "I am both. I am your Aryiah, but I'm fully aware that I'm also Aradia reincarnated. Her magick flows freely within me, because it is me. Please." she pleaded, reaching out her hand.

  He flexed his jaw. "Stay and reconnect with your...mother, and I'll be in my quarters when you're done." Damarius retreated from the throne room, taking a piece of her heart with him.

  Defeated, Aryiah sunk into the plush white couch and looked at her mother for guidance. "I thought he'd be happy now that everything has been revealed."

  "Don't lose hope. He never knew Aradia was the creator of his race, and now that you have your memories back, he probably feels like he's lost the only part of you he's ever known. It's going to take some time for him to adjust."

  The Goddess rose from her seat and Aryiah did the same. She embraced her mother and tears spilled down both of their faces.

  Diana pulled back and gazed lovingly into her eyes. "My daughter. I'm so glad to have you returned. When you were triggered, I was immediately drawn to you, and when I saw your last name on that library card, I was simply overjoyed. 'De Delos' means from Delos, which is the island where I was born. But when you denied my Book of Shadows, I lost hope it was you. Little did I know that Aradia's memories were already causing you to purposely forget your lessons. You're my daughter from before, but you are Aryiah in this lifetime and that is the identity you need to embrace."

  "Thank you, Mother. I can't put into words how strange it feels to have full recollection of my past while still living in the present. But I know that with you, and hopefully Damarius' help, I'll be able to find my way in this new world and take my rightful place by your side without losing myself in the process."

  As soon as the words left her mouth, Aryiah started to feel the conflict rising within. She meant what she said; she could recall her life as Aradia as clear as if it had just happened: the war, how she banished the Darklings, the piece of her soul she used to create the wolves. But she could also remember the last time she gave a personal tour of the Garden of the Gods for her job, and when she thankfully talked Devin out of going to Las Vegas to see the Thunder from Down Under.

  The melancholy she was feeling must have been written all over her face, because the Goddess reached out and gently ran the back of her hand down Aryiah's cheek. "I know you feel lost, that's why it's imperative to embrace who you are now. Let the memories from your past and the power you've gained be nothing more than a way to create a bright future for you and Damarius."

  "Thank you. I'll certainly try." Hugging the Goddess again, Aryiah closed her eyes and let the maternal feeling of her mother's embrace engulf her.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Damarius paced around his chambers, his steps falling heavy on the white marble floor. His home, high atop the Goddess' castle, spanned an entire wing of its own. The gray veined marble covered every surface from floor to ceiling, including the columns that framed the hall which led to the bedrooms.

  He scanned his surroundings looking for a distraction, his focus landing on the door to the guest room––a room he rarely had use for. It was furnished, of course, with the finest things that showcased his masculine taste. But now, with the idea of Aryiah sharing his space, he wasn't sure if what he chose would be comfortable for a woman. Especially a woman who suddenly felt like a stranger.

  He stomped to the door and pulled it open. The wooden bed, as well as the matching dresser and armoire, had been intricately carved by the fairies of Inlavey. The tan walls with their ivory and green accents gave it a natural, earthy feeling...or so he thought.

  The fact that he had no idea if Aryiah––or Aradia––would like it hit him hard. He slashed his hand through the air, his magick instantly changing the look of the room.

  His jaw flexed as he looked upon the new scene. It was no longer a reflection of him, but a mirror image of the bedroom in Aryiah's apartment.

  Swiping his hand through the air again, he now saw a lavish Victorian-inspired room with a long chaise, a lace and fringe draped lamp, and a green velvet settee, with a matching arm chair and ottoman.

  His shoulders sagged as he shook his head and swiped his hand through the air one last time. The room returned to its original state as he turned and slammed the door.

  He stomped across the hall and entered his master bedroom. The burgundy and gold accents shimmered against the black splashes of color throughout. Snapping his fingers, the gold wall sconces burst to life, bathing the room in a soft orange glow.

  Damarius peeled off his shirt, tossed it on the bed, and headed to the bathroom. A nice hot shower was bound to relieve the tension currently tying his muscles in knots.

  He opened the glass door to his large sandstone tiled shower and slowly turned the gold knobs. Zoning out as he watched the droplets of water fall from the multiple shower heads to the floor, he kicked off his boots and unbuckled his belt. As steam started to gather he shed the rest of his clothes, taking a moment to stare at his naked reflection in the mirror.

  Frustrated he was here alone without his mate––a mate, who in a cruel twist of fate was once again a stranger to him––he stepped into the shower with even more tension radiating from his body.

  He dropped his head and rolled his shoulders, the feeling of the hot water running down his neck and back helped to calm him, if only slightly. He didn't want to be upset with Aryiah. He understood that none of this was her fault, but the feelings of loss and distance her instant epiphany had created between them weren't going to be easy to shake.

  Damarius had never spent much time thinking about his creation, since he immediately claimed his place as leader of the wolves and protector of the Goddess the instant he was formed. It's simply who he was. But with the revelation that Aradia had created him, he wondered if Diana had known all along, and if so, why hadn't she told him. All these questions caused an anger to rise within
him, an anger that bordered on depression. Thousands of years of doing his duty, and this was the first time he questioned who he really was.

  He quickly showered himself, hoping these depressing feelings would follow the suds straight down the drain.

  After his shower, he dressed in blue jeans, a plain navy t-shirt, and his sturdy boots, then headed for the living room. He walked straight towards the floor to ceiling bookshelves that lined the southern wall and within seconds of scanning the books he located the tome he was looking for. Stalking to the couch, he sunk into its cream leather cushions, opened the cover, and began to read Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland.

  After the prologue and the first chapter he slammed the cover shut. Why am I even bothering with this? It wasn't as if by reading this book he would suddenly understand Aryiah better. Yes, he might learn about Aradia's experiences, but it wasn't the ancient Goddess who captured his heart and triggered their mating...or was it?

  Dammit, how can this work out when I don't even know who I'm in love with?

  Damarius tossed the book onto the glass coffee table, rose from the couch, and started pacing once more. After a few strides he heard a light knock on the door.

  He took a deep breath, stalked to the massive oak entrance and reached for the handle, already knowing Aryiah was on the opposite side of the door. He could feel her energy radiating straight through the thick wood, and it was a calming shot to his nerves.

  As he turned the knob, he felt as though not only was he opening the door to his home, but one to his heart as well. Aryiah stood there, looking beautiful and confident. His feelings of confusion and conflict instantly disappeared.

  "Hi," she said.

  He couldn't reply with spoken words due to the lump forming in his throat, so instead he apologized in her head by thinking, I'm so sorry I left you earlier. It was selfish of me to wallow in my confusion or feel like this was going to be hard on me, when it's you who just had the life altering experience.